Defiant Trojans threw themselves a lifeline at the weekend when they defeated their closest London 3 South-West relegation rivals.

The Stoneham Lane side – who are battling to avoid dropping down a level for the third season on the bounce – produced a bonus point victory over Ellingham & Ringwood just when they needed it.

The 29-0 win gives Trojans a five-point cushion over the Es. However it will not be known until later in the season if two or three sides will be relegated. Teddington are fourth from bottom with a seven-point advantage and a game in hand, which they play next weekend.

But for now Trojans’ much-needed win could go some way to avoiding a drop back down to Hampshire league rugby.

They showed their intentions from from the whistle and applied half-an-hour of pressure which produced tries from flanker Dan Corbett, winger Chris Hamp and centre Johnny Gray. Jack Rowland converted the last one as the home side went into the break 17-0 up.

The second half started with a bang from Trojans with second row Jack Murphy charging 20 metres to the line to score within two minutes.

Trojans allowed E&R to set up some moves but, again, the Trojans defence stood firm and, following some well constructed moves, centre Nik Wotton went over for a final try which he converted.