Winchester RFC skipper Jim Beavan admitted his side “just weren’t smart enough” after suffering a late defeat to London SW 2 visitors Old Tonbridgians.

Winch had to settle for a losing bonus point after being hit with a late try and conversion and losing 17-15.

Winch used the high winds to great effect during the first half and could have had a sizeable advantage.

But it was a try apiece at the interval – wing Matt Harling flying over the line after a delightful Archie Dandy dummy.

It was the change of ends and the direction of the wind that damaged Winchester’s game. Tonbridge played the conditions, won the lineouts and went over again with another driving maul.

Winchester wing Ollie Dunger supported Tom Forster to touch down from a 40 metre break which produced the first XV’s best try of the season so far – also converted by the scorer.

The young winger put his side five points ahead with a penalty, but the pressure was soon back on as Winch were reduced to 14 players after Joe Covu was yellow carded.

Tonbridge went over in the corner to level and a momentary drop in the wind allowed their kicker to claim the game with a tremendous boot from out wide.

Beavan said: “We did incredibly well to get back into the game, which makes it all the more disappointing to let it slip at the end.

“We are 90 per cent there and just weren’t smart enough today.

“We simply invited too much pressure.”