Promotion favourites Eastleigh ran in five tries to widen the gap between themselves and Old Cranleighans.

The home side’s hopes of reeling in Eastleigh, who hold second spot behind London SW3 leaders Farnham, took a huge dent as they lost out 37-26.

Both sides were keen to get the vital first score and it came from the Hampshire club when Jack Berry broke through to touch down. Phil Baldwin made the conversion and added another three points from a penalty.

Baldwin slotted home another three points shortly after Cranleighans’ winger had touched down and the home side then struck with a converted try to end the half just one point adrift.

Play was moved to another pitch following an injury from the kick-off and the see-saw pattern of scoring continued. Eastleigh’s Martin Kirby went over to put his side further in front but they were soon trailing 19-18 as the home team struck with a converted try.

Back came a determined Eastleigh as Dan Achilles bulldozed his way over and the two extra points were successfully kicked.

Baldwin was then left with the simple task of touching down after a swift move from a John Williams’ break as Eastleigh chalked up the bonus point and moved 11 points clear.

A chip-and-chase from Adam Gallagher set up Berry to score his second of the day before Old Cranleighans earned a point for their efforts with their fourth try of the game – it came from a maul following a yellow card for Eastleigh’s Charlie Liang.

Captain Paul Fudio, Berry and Achilles shone for Eastleigh but man of the match went to Kirby.

Millbrook hauled themselves off the bottom of the table with their first win since the opening day of the season.

Brook walloped Bognor 42-5 at Five Acres to set themselves up for what coach Mark Randall hopes will be a strong end to their first season in SW3.

Millbrook ran in five tries during the game – wing Mike Phippard touched down with a chip-and-chase and hooker Macca McNeish crashed over in the first half. Centre Mike Colmer, captain Mark Randell and replacement winger Adam Broadhurst crossed the line after the interval. The other points came from Mike Colmer’s boot.

Coach Randall said: “The result was just reward for all the hard work and changes that we have made in the last few weeks. It was a good day for one of our better performances of the season.”

He added: “We had a few bounces go our way which have not gone our way in previous games. It was a good performance and I couldn’t ask for anything more from the lads.”