Fareham Heathens' back Tim Upton came off the Penns Place pitch on Saturday with a huge grin on his face.

"You haven't sent your firsts to play our seconds, have you?" he quipped after his under-rated XV had fought out a battle of attrition to hold league leaders Petersfield to a narrow win.

Petersfield were only saved the embarrassment of sliding off their perch by an outstanding all-round performance by fly-half Anthony Lintern, who rejoices in the nickname of 'Tree'.

His contribution of three penalties and two drop goals gave 'Field a victory which they would admit they were fortunate to achieve.

St Anthony is the patron saint of those things hidden or lost; 'Field might consider a novena to the blessed Friar to find their team form before they visit Hamble's small, uncomfortable pitch this weekend.

Fareham were determined on a damage-limitation exercise and they succeeded beyond their wildest dreams in front of Petersfield's largest crowd of the season, following the annual Vice-Presidents' lunch.

'Field started poorly, unable to control the lineout and letting visiting scrum-half Hopper to control the tight play with a running commentary to rival that of Austin Healey.

By the time they eventually switched on to the game, Petersfield were 6-0 down to two penalties. They forced their way into Fareham territory after nearly 30 minutes, but were restricted to two Lintern penalties, Fareham eventually being penalised for persistent infringement in the ruck and for offside.

The home crowd might have hoped for an upturn in fortune after half-time, with Petersfield now playing down the slope and with the wind.

But Fareham continued to wheel and disrupt the scrums and 'Field were unable to get into any rhythm. The ball only passed once from the centre out of first phase in the second half, and then it went to ground.

Lockrose made some good ground during this half, but Rapley found himself continually having to pick up from No 8 and feed Pickford at scrum-half, thus limiting 'Field's options.

Matt Rogers managed to cross the line, but passed the ball in contact and it was mishandled.

Although Petersfield largely contained Fareham in this half, they looked fragile when the visitors broke out. Three times, Heathens were only brought down with the last tackle.

Eventually, Petersfield's superior fitness told and they were finally rewarded for their efforts with Lintern scoring two well-struck drop goals and a further penalty.

However, skipper Derek Eldridge was left to count the cost of an ankle inury that could keep him out of action until the new year.