Fordingbridge have fallen off the pace in the battle to dominate a highly competitive Snows Group Hampshire 1.

They lost to fellow promotion hopefuls Millbrook by the odd point in a nailbiting clash at Five Acres on Saturday.

Bridge’s defeat – they would have won the game had the penultimate kick of the game bounced inside the sticks – came a week after losing at home to a promising US Portsmouth team.

The Services side sit in second place behind Bognor but have a game in hand, as do Brook.

It was a see-saw clash between Fordingbridge and Millbrook that was finally decided by the boot.

Millbrook were playing catch-up for most of the game but captain Mike Randell kept his side in it with a hat-trick of tries.

Just as important, though, was the try and points kicked by Rich Colmer – a penalty, drop goal and four conversions.

Bridge came so close to claiming the spoils.

They were 22-17 up at the break with tries from Ed Douglas, Tim Brittan and Harry Hitching and a couple of conversions from Mark Hammond and a Matt Norton drop goal.

Dan Brown got a second half try for Bridge and Brittan struck his side’s second drop goal.

But Bridge were still trailing 34-33 after Randell’s third try in the corner and what turned out to be a match-winning difficult conversion from Rich Colmer.

Fordingbridge could have won but a final penalty attempt hit the upright.

Mike Randell said: “A win against Fordingbridge is always good as they are tough opposition.

“We didn't quite reach our capabilities in the game but showed great character to take the bonus point win, particularly after being 12 points down at one point.

“It's now on to another big game for us next week when we play US Portsmouth.”