FORDINGBRIDGE banished their sticky run of three successive defeats with a hard-fought victory over Crawley RFC 41-12 in the Hampshire Vase.

A spirited performance from 'Bridge secured their place in the next round at the Recreation Ground.

Currently fourth in the Sussex Spitfire One League, Crawley decided to visit the New Forest side in tour spirit.

Mark Hammond opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty which marked the start of an impressive afternoon's kicking.

Soon after, star man, David Stone, intercepted a loose pass on the Crawley 22-line to run in under the posts for a 10-0 head start.

Crawley responded almost immediately with a well-worked, forward try to keep the game even.

Two further tries from the hosts, both scored by Matt Maynard, took Fordingbridge into the break 20-7 up.

Ten minutes into the half, Mark Hammond scored and added the extras to his own try.

Crawley still managed an excellent try on the hour mark to keep their cup dreams alive but it was Bridge who put the game to bed.

The first came from Jake Kostelyk and the second from debutant Stuart Walker, who scored a brilliant individual try in the corner. Saving his best kick of the afternoon, Hammond converted against a very strong breeze.

Third-placed Fordingbridge return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Millbrook RFC, currently one place below them in the league.