In a performance that beggared belief, Gosport & Fareham missed the chance to head London Division Two South by going down in desperate fashion 27-10 to a highly charged Wimbledon outfit.

The result leaves the peninsular side still in second, but the title race has been blown wide open and four sides are split by just two points - all four having as good as an equal opportunity to win the league or reach the play-offs.

It means Gosport have to beat Portsmouth, in fourth, and then third-placed Tunbridge Wells a fortnight later to keep their hopes alive, while Worthing are now favourites to take the automatic promotion spot.

In a game they should have easily won, a rearranged Gosport found Wimbledon in determined mood and as they aimed to assure themselves of their position in the league for next season.

With tries from Paul Wilkinson, a late replacement for Chris Manktelow, and prop Paul Maxwell all they could take from the encounter, the visitors were left to scratch their heads in disbelief.

"I really do not know why we played like that," said a disappointed club secretary Iain Rackham. "Wimbledon came out and knew they had to tackle us like mad, which they did to good effect."

With the game against Portsmouth just six days away, it gives the derby even more kudos that normal. "This is just the kick up the pants we needed ahead of the Pompey game," Rackham said.