WINCHESTER put in a brave performance against a very powerful and well-drilled London Cornish side before being overwhelmed late on in their London 2 South-West match.

The sides looked equally matched over the first 15 minutes but a penalty gave Cornish an opportunity to put their pack to good use with a driving maul from a line-out.

That resulted in a penalty try and another seven points soon followed as the forwards powered over the line again.

Winchester hit back with a try from Zach Kinnaird but another converted score from the home side gave them a 21-5 half-time advantage.

A try from debutant prop Ben Ashbee gave Winchester hope but it was not to be.

Cornish made their power, physicality and organisation pay in the final 20 minutes and managed a further four tries for a dominant 49-12 victory.

Winchester coach Andy Fields said: “This young Winchester team showed great heart and a realisation that Cornish’s standards are those to which they must work if they are to succeed.”

Andover just failed to overcome unbeaten title favourites Cobham but more than matched their opponents and had them clinging on in the last ten minutes.

A superb first half try from Jack Stott, converted by Charlie Waite, gave Andover a deserved lead but Cobham took control, scoring three times either side of half time.

For most of the second half, the newly-promoted All Blacks dominated and when Charlie Waite added a second try they had real hope.

Time ran out, however, and Andover had to make do with just a bonus point.

Coach Andy Waite said: “We are getting there.

“They were a very good side but at times we were better. I’m confident the wins will start coming soon.”