Hampshire's preparations for the County Plate competition began in sensational fashion as they steamrolled Sussex at US Portsmouth last night, running in 12 tries in a 74-24 victory, writes RICHARD ISAACS.

After struggling to name a side through the week, Hampshire's side was packed with players from Havant, Basingstoke, Portsmouth and Jersey - four of the county's top clubs.

Sussex, who arrived with a 'development side', conceded 50 unanswered points after the break as Portsmouth winger Ogi Ofuasia scooped a lightning hat-trick and Seb Berti of Basingstoke posting two.

The visitors ran in two tries in consolation late on but coach Simon Morgan was satisfied with the squad performance, all of whom got a decent run-out.

"We scored some good tries, especially Ogi's, who were excellent," he said.

"Sussex brought a development side, which didn't please them much as they thought we were doing the same but we put out the side we could. We couldn't even name our side before tonight.

"But we have seen around three quarters of the starting line-up for the first Plate game on April 30 here today and with others to come in, we should be looking fairly strong."

Simon Appleby, Dave Archer, Jon Barfoot, Liam Davenport, Gareth Jeffreys, Nick Whittle and Rob Lawrence all got themselves on the scoresheet while Berti and Claffey shared seven conversions.

Hampshire: Gareth Jeffreys (Jersey), Neil McGovern (Havant), Steve O'Brien (Jersey), Steve Claffey (Havant), Ogi Ofuasia (Portsmouth), Seb Berti (Basingstoke), Liam Davenport (Havant); Phil Perkins (Basingstoke), Steve Cruddas, Rob Lawrence, Ali Ramus, Nick Whittle, Jon Barfoot (all Havant), Dave Archer (Henley), Brett Els (Jersey). Reps: Dave Needham (Portsmouth), Peter Spraggs (Havant), Simon Appleby (Basingstoke), Matt Harrison, Ben Morgan, Steve Stapleton (all Havant), Derek Eldridge (Petersfield).

Don't miss tomorrow's Daily Echo for the weekend rugby preview.