Hampshire will have a club in National League Division Three South next season after Havant produced a stirring performance to hold off previous league leaders Hertford 23-16 to clinch the London Division One title.

Having been relegated last season, bouncing straight back was always going to be a tough ask.

But things look good for the future as all three tries scored at the weekend came from products of their academy.

Hooker Steve Cruddas and wingers Neil McGovern and Keith Molyneux all got themselves on the scoresheet, while Hertford scored a solitary try in reply.

Director of rugby Adam King was all smiles after the game. He said: "It has been a very hard season with all the injuries but the squad have shown throughout a tremendous spirit for the club and it has culminated in this promotion.

"On more than one occasion, they have proven their worth for the shirt when selected and now we can look forward to another stint in the National League."

Winchester recorded their fourth end-of-season victory with a nerve-racking 15-14 triumph over local rivals Andover but it was never going to be enough to save them from joining the All Blacks in London Division Three South-West next season.

Winchester deserved the win but only some early relaxation, believing that 15-9 was sufficient going into the final ten minutes almost caused their undoing as first prop Adi Mort and later Andy Gilpin scored tries.

That was in reply to three Mitchell penalties, but Winchester coach Mike Marchant stood a disappointed man. "In this game, we have travelled to the home of the county champions and played very well, coming out with the result. However, we have been relegated again and now, in the closed season, we have a lot of work to do to address our situation," he said.

Gosport & Fareham's bizarre season of three parts ended with them finishing in seventh place after they swept to a convincing 27-5 win over Old Mid-Whitgiftian, thanks mainly to the efforts of their youngsters.

It was always in the intention of coach Sean Fanning to give them their opportunity and they took it with both hands as Ben Madigan kicked a penalty and two conversions while scrum half Owen Mays eased his way over for a try.

"I was pleased with the young players," said the coach. "They are all Gosport lads and the future for us."

The game itself, however, was played with nothing riding on it and the relaxed end-of-season party flavour was in evidence as two mid-table sides closed the campaign with an entertaining match.