Worthing earned a precious 23-11 away win over a physical Cobham side, then saw their promotion hopes given another boost.

The Sussex side have extended their lead over third-placed Gosport and Fareham, who crashed 10-0 at Andover, bottom before play.

Worthing suffered a similar setback at Effingham when they were the back markers and will look for revenge at Roundstone Lane next Saturday.

Their latest success was clinched by the back division as two decent packs cancelled each other out.

Cobham led 11-8 at the break, Aaron De Boer continuing his try-scoring run for Worthing and Ben Coulson adding a penalty.

Wing Terry Butler departed the field at half time with a hamstring injury and the subsequent re-jig reaped dividends as Mike Imrie scored a try converted by Coulson, followed by a drop goal from the returning Alistair Wood. A second Imrie try settled it.