Andover 26 Fordingbridge 12.

Oakwood sponsored Andover marched into the Hampshire Plate final at the Goodship Ground last Saturday with a superb win over close rivals Fordingbridge.

This competition has thrown up some thrillers this season and this was no exception as two committed teams went hammer and tongs at each other from first whistle to last.

Andover welcomed the return of Rob Good and Marc Wilding up front which gave the forward play a lot more control but it was the performance of the backs which really caught the eye, with prodigal son Callum Staff turning in a brilliant display at centre in place of Jack Stott.

Indeed Staff and prop Sam Earle made sure that Stott and fellow county call up Alex Hibdidge were not missed, with Earle having the game of his life in the front row. The game began with an onslaught from the visitors and although Andover looked a little nervous they defended superbly with Billy Pollard tackling everything that moved.

After ten minutes however the storm abated and Andover began to exert some control.

Full report and pictures in Friday's Advertiser