ANDOVER RFC completed amazing back to back promotions last weekend without a shot being fired, as struggling Ellingham and Ringwood gave them a walkover in London South West three.

It’s a remarkable achievement for the Oakwood sponsored ‘All Blacks’ who remain two points clear of London Exiles with two games to go and could yet be crowned champions.

“The walkover gave us the points we needed and we are really pleased we have got over the line, but we would have loved to have done it on the pitch in front of our fans,” said coach Andy Waite.

“It felt a little like the players and supporters were denied their day in the sun after all the hard work they have put in, but despite that it’s a wonderful moment and we are very proud.”

Indeed Andover went ahead with their planned celebrations of an Academy curtain raiser followed by lunch, as the respite gave the players a chance to relax.

“It was great that we had most of the squad here and a real boost for the U13s to have the first team cheering them on to a fine win over Hungerford,” added Waite.

Andover now have to refocus on league action with a difficult tie away to old rivals Eastleigh tomorrow.

“We’ve achieved more than we could possibly have hoped for already this season, but now we would love to go a stage further and win the thing,” said Waite.

“Eastleigh will be hurting and we know they will come at us hard, but hopefully we will be ready for the challenge. We have Old Mid- Whitgiftian at home in our final game and it would be great to get there with it still in our own hands.”