Hampshire lifted the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 3 title on Sunday at Twickenham by defeating Leicestershire 40-26 but it was in no small measure down to two tries from Tottonians’ very own Leo Tongue and a stellar performance in the second row from Dan Williams.

Leo, who made his county debut at Horsham in the first game of the group stages against Sussex, scored two outstanding tries as the county claimed their first senior men’s title since 2016 while Dan commanded the line-out in the first half and shored it up when he returned late in the second.

Leo’s first in the first half, his first try for the county, gave Hampshire a 28-14 lead at the half hour mark when a flighted long pass from Worthing fly-half Tom Meyer, who had broken through the Leicestershire defence, released the Totts man to sprint his way to the line to great jubilation from the travelling Water Lane faithful in the stands.

His second was the headline moment of the game.  After Leicestershire cut the arrears to just seven points through their prop driving over from close range, Meyer’s inch perfect restart allowed Leo sneak in front of the Leicestershire second row receiver and break through two tackles from the flanker and wing to zoom over for his second – a score which has been viewed many thousands of times of England Rugby’s social media and even made it on to BBC South Today!

WATCH LEO’S TRIES – from 41:30 on the below (1st try) and 1:12:00 (2nd try)

It was a hugely special day for two Tottonians players who have played for the club since they were Under 6s, Dan joining up with his Dad, coach Gavin and his brother Jonny and winger Leo, who came through the mini and juniors too – there were a great many of their coaches from those early days beyond proud.

But spare a thought for Nic Jansen, who had played a huge role in Hampshire’s progression to the Final with outstanding performances from number eight but was forced to miss the showpiece.  His disappointment was not evident during the day, despite it being well known that he was, as he featured heavily around the team and received a winners medal post match.

The club were well supported in the stands and our three players did us hugely proud.  Congratulations Nic, Leo and Dan – a wonderful achievement.