Despite an impressive comeback in the second half, Winchester fell short when Totts sealed victory with the last kick of the match, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Throughout the first half, Totts enjoyed the major share of possession and territory. Winchester thwarted attack after attack with their well-organised and heroic defence but eventually succumbed to conceding three successful penalties in the first twenty minutes to go 9 - 0 behind. Just before half-time, scrum half Tom Fieldsend received a yellow card for a high tackle. This energised Winchester. Following powerful running by second row and captain Matt Golding, Totts gave away a penalty and full-back Tommy Hare converted.

On the stroke of half-time, Winchester’s kick was charged down by Totts winger Leo Tounge. He gratefully collected the bouncing ball and dived over the Winchester try line. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving the half-time score at 14 - 3 to Totts.

Within four minutes of the restart, Fieldsend chipped to winger Rhys Thomas.

Catching the ball in mid-air five metres short of the line, he was denied a certain try by an illegal tackle. The referee awarded Winchester a penalty try and a yellow card to Totts full-back, Dylan Kirk. At 14-10 to Totts, Winchester were back in the game.

It was now Winchester’s turn to test Totts defence. Powerful runs by flanker Will Larkin, winger Fozzy Forster and centre Jake Hiscock paid off when Winchester took the lead for the first time. Winchester worked the ball to the ever influential Golding, who dived over Totts try line. Hare converted. 14 - 17 to Winchester.

Four minutes later, Winchester’s number eight, Jacob Cully-Wilson, crashed over following excellent inter-passing by the rampant forwards. Hare converted from wide out to make the score 14 - 24 to the visitors. 

Totts bounced back, slotting a penalty to bring the score to 17 - 24. Then, with four minutes remaining, Totts took a quick penalty deep in Winchester’s half. After slick handling, flanker Scott Rogers dived over Winchester’s try line. The successful conversion brought the score to 24 - 24.

Supporters of both sides would surely have settled for the draw after such a thrilling game. However, in the last play, Winchester went offside in front of their posts. The successful conversion brought the final score 27 - 24 to Totts. Winchester’s players and supporters grieved.

After the match, coach Gaz Martin said, ‘At this level, our resolve is tested every week. We’re working hard to develop the edge to win these close games. It’s coming.’  

After seven games, Winchester dropped to fourth, ten points behind leaders Tottonians.