Romsey 45 Alton 24

Romsey are in a positive mood for what could be a Snows Group Hampshire 2 title showdown next month.

Second-placed Farnborough – visitors to the Sports Centre on March 10 – beat Southampton 48-17 while the leaders were beating Alton.

Both sides have one more game each before their head-to-head.

Romsey have a long injury list but got a major boost last week as four players returned from Australia – and went straight into the side against experienced Alton.

Alton took control of the early exchanges as Romsey struggled in the driving rucks and mauling of the heavier Alton pack.

As returnee Ally Wood settled into the second row, the home side started to get some traction.

The backline applied the pressure and Will Farthing got on to the end of a well-placed kick to run in the first of his four tries. Romsey led 24-14 at half time and stayed in control after the break.

Matt Sparks opened his 2018 account from the flank, charging down a kick and recovering the ball to stretch the lead. Other scorers included Rob Heighway and captain Dan Penn-Newman, who is keen his side gets plenty of support for Farnborough’s visit.

He said: “With Farnborough thumping Southampton we know we have to improve ahead of their visit in a few weeks’ time. Farnborough have already told us that they are bringing a coach load of 55 supporters with them and I know they are very focussed on the game.”