TOTTONIANS passed a tough mid-table test as they drew first blood against new opponents Brighton.

Few would have thought in recent years that a Totts’ home fixture against the East Sussex side in London 1 South would be likely, writes Clive Downton.

But Water Lane-based Tottonians have earned their place as Hampshire’s current top club and proved their worth with a 13-5 victory on Saturday.

And the squad achieved their win with just 14 men for around half the match, as four Totts’ players saw yellow cards at various times – Nick Wood for retaliation, Tom Gregory for a tip tackle, Mike Searle for deliberate knock-on and Ali Ramus for hand in at the ruck.

The game featured outstanding defending from both teams with Totts getting the only try of the game.

They breached Brighton’s defence in the opening minutes when they pushed over from a catch-and-drive, with Kevin Raquis getting the ball to ground before skipper Robbie Searle converted.

Searle put his side further in front just before half-time with a penalty – which could have been cancelled out by Brighton as they missed one of their own in front of the posts just before the interval.

Brighton defended well as Totts launched a wave of phases which eventually earned them another three points from a penalty.

The visitors’ determination was rewarded and they got over the line when Totts were down to 13 as their winger ran on to a chip kick.

Robbie Searle said: “It was a close game score-wise but after we scored I don’t think we really felt threatened.

“All the guys are putting in a massive effort defensively and it's paying off. The workrate of the lads at the moment is just fantastic – getting around the corners and defending, getting in position, making the tackles and organising.”

He added: “We thought it would be more of a battle than it was with them being one place above us and on a bit of a roll – but I think we were in control of the game for the best part of it.”

Tottonians face another fresh task on Saturday as they travel to Havant who spent many years as the county’s top dogs.

They are 13 points adrift of sixth-placed Totts but will put maximum effort into this weekend’s clash after losing 41-22 at Maidstone in their last game.

Searle added: “The main consensus is we're trying to look at it as just another game.

“We’ve never played them in the league and will just play the way we have been and hopefully get a result. I’m sure they’ll be trying to prove they're the top team around but on form that's us."

Hampshire’s other side in London 1 South, Gosport & Fareham, beat bottom side Twickenham 29-7 with tries from wingers Rory Penfold and David Cleary and skipper Tim Snowden and full back Jack Brawn. Alex Duncombe kicked nine points.