Havant RFC edge ‘epic contest’ against Camberley in front of large crowd at Hooks Lane

The home side had to survive a huge scare at the death when the visitors narrowly missed a conversion to win the game.

Senior coach Will Knight admitted he could hardly bring himself to look.

'We rode our luck right at the death,' he said after Havant’s 10th successive home league victory in 2019/20.

'They scored a try wide out in the corner and had the kick to snatch a win.

'There was a huge sigh of relief when the conversion slid just outside the left-hand upright

'Over the 80 minutes we probably just about deserved the win.

'It was a cracking game played out in front of a crowd of around 500-600.

'They witnessed an epic contest between two very good sides challenging at the top.

'It was also played in a fantastic spirit.

'There were some exceptional performances across our team.

'Joel Knight produced a great kicking display, contributing 16 points which made a big difference.'

As expected in a contest between first and third, the game opened in a tight fashion.

Both teams swapped early penalties before the visitors claimed the first try.

From a ruck close to the Havant line, the visiting No 8 picked up and dived through to score.

The successful conversion gave them a 10-3 lead.

In a ding-dong tussle, Havant hit back to level through full back Ben Chambers following a scrum on the visitors’ 22.

A penalty for each side meant they went in 13-13 at half-time.

Havant shot out of the blocks at the start of the second period, scoring virtually straight from the restart.

Harry Carr picked up a clearance on the halfway line and showed great speed and feet to score under the posts.

Once again Camberley levelled with a converted try scored from close to the line.

In the final minute Knight stretched his side’s lead with another penalty.

With Havant trying to run the clock down, they were penalised and Camberley gave themselves a lifeline with a try in the corner.

Everyone held their breath as the kick narrowly missed.

'It is an important win,' said Knight.

'This puts us six points ahead of Westcombe Park and 12 clear of Camberley.

'We know if we keep winning then we can stay where we are.

'There are still some tough games left, though, and we cannot afford to take anything for granted.'

Havant have five games remaining, starting at Belsize Park next weekend.