This was a match neither side could afford to lose and it was Haslemere, thanks to their excellent forwards, who came through to pick up two vital points.
Both teams were on six points and far too close to the relegation zone for comfort.
A near-perfect pitch and good conditions greeted the players and, from the start, Haslemere were on the attack, the forwards driving and rucking with great enthusiasm and providing good ball for the backs.
However, it was from a Haslemere backs' move that Old Haileyburians intercepted and broke away to score in the corner.
The visitors stretched their lead to 8-0 from a penalty, but this galvanised Haslemere into action and they attacked the Haileyburian line continuously, resulting in a push-over try for second row Digby Daly.
Bro Bannatyne missed the conversion, but soon made amends by slotting over a penalty.
'Mere continued to drive forward and, just before half-time, Andy Oxley peeled off a rolling maul and went over for another unconverted try, making it 13-8.
Soon after the restart, Haileyburians jolted Haslemere with their second try, pulling level at 13 points apiece.
Again, the 'Mere forwards turned on the power and provided wing Keith Stokes with a try in the corner.
Minutes later, Daly flew over the line from all of three yards for his second unconverted try.
Haileyburians replied with a penalty, but Haslemere played out time safely for a satisfying victory.
The forwards had played as a unit, with hooker Bannatyne winning all his own ball and almost all the opposition's as well.
Chris Burrage, playing at No 8, had a superb match, picking up at the base of the scrum and always making the gain line and more.
Man of the match? "The forwards!" declared first-team manager Brian Poston.