SATURDAY proved another disappointing afternoon for Oakwood sponsored Andover as once again defensive frailties cost them dear, as they lost at Gosport and Fareham 32-18.

Andover took the lead from a Charlie Waite penalty after eight minutes, despite their lethargy, the visitors looked comfortable.

Andover then began to awake from their slumber and piled pressure onto the Gosport line. The home side defended desperately and Andover let them off the hook with some poor decisions spurning several good chances.

On the half hour after a number of penalties, the referee lost patience and yellow carded a Gosport player and Andover took full advantage with a pushover try from James Smith converted by Charlie Waite.

Leading by 10 at the break Andover were asked to tighten the game up, but almost from the kick off pressed the self destruct button.

A poor error gifted the home side a try and Andover inexplicably fell apart for a disastrous 10 minute spell, as Gosport ran in two more scores.

Andover regained some control for a period and after a further Waite penalty, Evan Roll raced away to pull the visitors back to within a point and all did not look lost.

Andover pressed hard inspired by man of the match Jack Cooper, dominating territory and once again creating chances, but errors allowed Gosport to keep them at bay.

The home side finally broke free and their pacey winger put them further ahead.

As time ran out Alex Arter was yellow carded and from the resultant penalty the home side stretched their lead.

Andover pressed again but in the last play of the game the same player went the length of the field to complete a fine hat trick and Andover were left empty handed.

Afterwards director of rugby Andy Waite said: "When you have a lot of young players you get inconsistency and although we did well in parts today, some of our indiscipline cost us dear.

"In the second half we gave away too many unnecessary penalties and at times a lack of simple concentration in defence conceded tries.

"Even then we should have got bonus points, but some players seriously need to look at their overall game management and understand any points on away days are worth preserving."

This Saturday, Andover entertain Trojans.