Tottonians will go into 2015 as London 2 South-West top dogs – but the chasers are edging ever closer to the leaders.

Totts picked up another four points at the weekend when they returned from Portsmouth with a 26-18 win, while second-placed Winchester and former front runners London Cornish both recorded bonus point victories.

The results set up an intriguing second half of the season as the three clubs battle for the one automatic promotion spot – rather than a play-off game as runners-up.

Tottonians head coach Gavin Williams said: “We are very pleased to end 2014 on a winning note. The players have worked extremely hard to be in this position.

“We know we will have to work even harder in the new year to maintain our position but are confident we have the people and team to do it.

“We were frustrated by our performance against a much improved Portsmouth and this frustration demonstrates the standards the players have set themselves.”

Portsmouth had the first and final say in the match but what happened in between was more important to Tottonians cause.

The home side took an early lead with a penalty and converted try and they went into the break 13-8 up – a penalty from captain Robbie Searle and a Dan Stocks try keeping the visitors in the game.

Tottonians pulled level when Scott Rogers went over two minutes into the second half and Robbie Searle added a couple of penalties.

He then nailed a conversion after full back Bart van Herwijnen used his pace and an angled run to touch down.

One more try would have given Totts a bonus point but it was Portsmouth who had the final say when they went over.

Williams added: “The character the players showed to dog out a win tells me everything I need to know as a coach and I am extremely proud of them.”