Millbrook made sure they stayed with a chasing pack of three clubs who are trying to reel in unbeaten Hampshire 1 leaders US Portsmouth.

Third-placed Brook got the better of newly-promoted Fareham Heathens while Bognor – currently in runners-up spot – just edged their way past Romsey, and Fordingbridge got back to winning ways by walloping Farnborough.

Hampshire new boys Fareham Heathens took the game to Millbrook and were rewarded with an early converted try.

However Brook fought their way back into the game and winger Chris Fox put five points on the board when he touched down. With a penalty from fly half Colmer, Brook held a one-point advantage at the break.

Millbrook introduced full back Rhys Fehners and new player-coach Gav Evans in an effort to put more pressure on the visitors.

Brook forwards then built the base for centre Mike Thomas to sprint over for a try before Fehners returned a kick over the top with a darting run and passed to captain Mike Randell who dashed in for Brook’s third try to wrap the game up 18-7.

Fordingbridge remain fourth after their comfortable 53-0 home victory over Farnborough.

They raced to an early lead when prop James Gwynne scored the opening try after three minutes. A penalty nine minutes later stretched to the home side’s lead to eight.

With their domination of both the lineout and scrum Fordingbridge went on to score four tries in the first half – from Steve Brown, Craig Stocker, Ben Kirby and Tim Brittan. With Mat Norton converting three and a penalty on the stroke of half-time Bridge led 37-0.

Further scores, one from Josh Merry and one from Dan Brown on the 60th minute put the game well beyond the visitors’ reach. Norton finished the tie off with a couple more penalties.

Captain James Greenwood said: “It is always great to beat a strong Farnborough side but I’m equally delighted with the fact that we managed to prevent them from scoring.”

US Portsmouth still hold the upper hand in the league – getting the better of Petersfield 52-12 to keep their 100 per cent league record.