The battle to control London 3 South-West is down to its narrowest margin after leaders Eastleigh were beaten 36-12 by promotion rivals Andover.

Eastleigh are still top because of the league’s ‘games won’ law but the All Blacks are also on 43 points with a superior points difference.

Eastleigh gave Andover their toughest test up front this season, but the home side still managed to get the upper hand, particularly in the second half.

Young full back Charlie Waite scored first, showing blistering pace to pounce on a kick through.

Eastleigh struck back with a neat try from Number 8 John Weatherall, converted by Phil Baldwin to take the lead.

Soon after, Andover’s influential hooker Tom Waite went over. Charlie Waite converted and added a penalty on the stroke of half-time to give the home side breathing space.

Just after the break two superb interchanges of passing saw first Sam Froggett and then Alex Kane score superb tries, both converted by Charlie Waite.

Eastleigh came back again with Weatherall getting his second from a catch-and-drive, but Andover completed the job when Froggett got his brace in the final minute with Waite again converting.

During the game Eastleigh’s Pete Noonan and Dan Achillies both spent ten minutes out of play with yellow cards.

Andover Coach Andy Waite said: “Eastleigh were very good and that was some performance from us today.

“We came into this league looking to consolidate but at the halfway stage, we now feel we will be up there challenging Eastleigh and one or two others for promotion. If we don’t get there we’ve still made fantastic progress in the past three years.”

Eastleigh head coach Andy Boyes said: “From a neutrals’ point of view it was a good game of rugby.

“However, we didn’t play well today. We just couldn’t get our game going. Two injuries in the backs (Adam Gallagher and Matt Blackman) meant we had to shuffle things and the yellow cards cost us dearly. I must give credit to Andover, who were the better team today and deserved the win.”