Deposed leaders Eastleigh just got the better of New Milton in a close London 3 South-West encounter in the New Forest.

Milton were looking good at half-time with a 19-10 lead – Ryan Morrell going over and kicking three penalties and teammate Alex Everett-Bolter also touching down.

Eastleigh’s first-half points came from an early try from Tyson Peters and a late touchdown from teammate Sean Hayes.

However, it was the visitors who upped their game after the break. Prop Adam Payne got over the line and his contribution was converted by Phil Baldwin, who then struck with a penalty to put Eastleigh ahead.

Rich O’Donnell was judged to have been in front of the kicker before he collected and touched down and the centre Martin Kirby was held up as he went over.

But those disappointments were cancelled out when skipper Paul Fudio, pictured right, grounded the ball from a scrum.

Chris Conacher gave New Milton hope when he touched down late in the game but former SW3 leaders Eastleigh held on for victory.

Coach Andy Boyes said: “It was really important for us to secure the win today and get our season back on track after the previous two defeats.

“We knew it would be a tough game as New Milton are always strong at home.

“We started the game well but then gave them two opportunities to score from our mistakes. We tightened up at half-time and dominated New Milton in the second half to secure the win.”