RUGBY UNION: Hampshire club face up to relegation

Winchester are facing up to the prospect of playing at a lower level next season after last weekend's play-off results condemned them to relegation from London Division 1.

They've dropped into London South 2, but are far from mortified at the prospect.

"We've been struggling at the higher level for the past three seasons and it's probably not a bad thing to lose that pressure," said chairman Rolf Stratford.

"Naturally we plan to regroup and try to go straight back up. But we know it won't be easy as there are some very good sides in Division 2."

One big plus point for Winchester is that they'll face fellow Hampshire sides Andover, Gosport & Fareham and Portsmouth next season.

It'll reduce their travelling considerably and produce eight 'local derby' matches, which should attract good sized crowds.

"We're looking forward to that aspect of the season in particular," said Stratford. "We'll be losing several players through job change, family commitments etc. but the nucleus of this season's team will still be in place.

"With the same coaching staff also on hand, I feel sure we'll have a more enjoyable season than the last two or three."

Winchester's Under 9 and U10 teams both won trophies at the recent Bath Junior Festival.