Winchester's disappointing start to the season continued, as Hampshire rivals Havant returned east with the London One spoils, thanks to a 21-3 victory at Nuns Road.

An even, if somewhat scrappy, first half, when Andy Pryce and Stephen Claffey exchanged penalties, opened up for Havant to ease home. Claffey and Rob Andrew ran in tries during a half they dominated with a blustery wind behind them.

However, Winchester will again be ruing some missed opportunities, especially from the boot of Pryce, who could have lifted the Winchester advantage to nine points as early as the 15th minute, but he was wide of the mark with two early penalties.

Once they went behind, there was little way back for Winchester as they recorded their second consecutive league reverse and allowed Havant to commence their campaign with a victory.

Rugby chairman and former skipper Rolf Stratford remained confident despite the defeat. "For a good three-quarters of the match, it was an even game," he said.

"But we didn't finish well and fell apart late on, which allowed them in. Turning around level at 3-3 with the wind was never going to be enough.

"We have to get it back together now. Next week is a chance to regroup before going back to the league in a fortnight."

Both of Hampshire's London Two South representatives came back to earth, but Gosport & Fareham will take considerable heart from their close 19-14 defeat to high-flying Canterbury.

They outscored the free-scoring Kent men by two tries to one, but were guilty of conceding too many penalties in kickable positions. Cory Burt took advantage by posting four.

But there will be genuine optimism, as club secretary Iain Rackham explained: "Going into injury time, we were only 16-14 down. Our defence was outstanding and we were good in attack, something I don't think Canterbury expected."

It was a different story for Portsmouth, who were desperately poor in their 19-10 surprise defeat to Old Mid-Whitgiftians.

Coach Ian Chandler, delighted by their performance seven days previously against Guildford & Godalming, was the complete opposite as he bemoaned his side.

"After last week, our expectations were high but we lacked any kind of cohesion and deserved to be beaten. Too many players had poor games."

United Services Portsmouth fell to another defeat in London Four South-West, as Old Emanuel won 39-18, while Farnborough, impressive victors last week, were crushed 52-18 to league dark horses Barnes.