Havant devastated after falling to last-gasp defeatÂ

Forty-seven minutes had been played in the second half when the Kent visitors bundled over the line for a converted try to win the game.

Will Knight felt the home side's performance was superb '“ and deserved to win the clash. 

The senior coach admitted the loss was a difficult pill to swallow.

'˜It was tough for us to take after playing so well and deserving to win the game,' said Knight.

'˜Even the opposition coaches admitted they had got out of jail.

'˜It was a huge step up in performance from us against a very good side.

'˜Sevenoaks have beaten the top-two teams in our league and really we should have beaten them.

'˜We played out of our skins and were seconds away from a fantastic win.

'˜Sometimes, though, when you are down there the luck goes against you.

'˜It was such a shame the game slipped away from us in the manner it did.'

It looked like being a long afternoon for Havant when Sevenoaks raced into a 14-0 lead in as many minutes.

The hosts refused to panic, though, and Joel Knight put his side on the scoreboard with a penalty.

Soon after the Hooks Lane outfit struck again with a well-worked try started from inside their own half.

Excellent support play carried the move forward and Mike Brook finished it off with a try converted by Joel Knight.

Another penalty from the captain reduced the deficit to a single point.

Havant continued to press their foot on the gas and took a 23-14 lead into half-time.

Joel Knight knocked over another penalty and then converted a Jerome Trail try.

Sevenoaks started the second period stronger, with two penalties and a converted try ensuring they moved four points ahead.

With three minutes left, though, Havant thought they had snatched the win.

Scott Morris powered over for a converted try quickly followed by another Joel Knight penalty.

Unfortunately the home side put themselves under pressure and conceded a penalty.

The Kent side kicked to the corner and after about 15 phases forced their way over the line.

A successful conversion left Havant in despair.

Nevertheless, Will Knight believes his troops' performance will help them regain confidence after a slow opening to the season. 

He added: '˜We were all devastated at the end.

'˜The players couldn't be faulted because they gave everything.

'˜It was a game that just got away from us at the death.

'˜The performance shows that when we are on it then we are capable of mixing it with any team in our league.

'˜This display will help us get our self-confidence and belief back.

'˜We can go into our next games with a far more positive mentality.'