Worthing defied the rain to score tries which kept them in the title hunt.

The London Two South high-flyers were 16-7 home winners in their four-pointer with Gosport and Fareham and, though coach Ian Davies, admitted they could still play better, he was delighted with two crucial points.

Wing Terry Butler rounded off a slick move eight minutes into the second half but even better followed 12 minutes later.

A strong drive from the pack and some quick work in midfield gave Tony Cruz the chance to make a break which Simon Swadling rounded off.

Ben Coulson kicked two penalties for the hosts, with Gosport's converted try coming late on.

Davies admitted: "The two tries we scored were tremendous in the conditions. The handling on Simon's score was excellent.

"I still think we slipped below the standards we have set ourselves.

"We gave Gosport too much respect."

Bognor's title bid in London Four South East suffered a major setback when they lost 8-6 at Folkestone.

They led 6-5 at the break thanks to two Andy Shipp penalties but were beaten by a penalty 14 minutes from time.

Skipper Karl Flynn admitted: "I still don't know how we didn't win that game.

"Maybe some players do not believe in their own ability but we should be top of this league."

Hove are showing an encouraging ability to snatch results from close matches and they emerged from a real battle at Heathfield and Waldron with an 11-10 win.

Dave Evans scored their try and Martin Lovell added two penalties as the Hove pack did sterling work.

Damien Pestell crossed for Heathfield, who were unlucky to lose. Lewis Beale kicked a conversion and penalty, as well as going close with a late effort at goal.

Chichester stay top after their 25-16 home win over Old Dunstonians but they were three points down until Steve Bradford scored a 70th minute try.

Declan Hutchings rounded it off but skipper Ben Polhill admitted: "That flattered us a bit. We are unbeaten for a year-and-a-half at home but there was a time on Saturday when it was touch and go."

Polhill scored Chi's first half try with Jack Smallman kicking two conversions and two penalties.

Crawley were outraged by the referee in their 35-3 defeat at Bromley.

Team manager Geoff Lodge said: "As a policy, Crawley Rugby Club does not normally openly comment on match officials. However, we are so incensed by Saturday's events that we are seriously considering making an official complaint."