PRIORY boss Graham Kemp claimed Bemerton’s greater experience enabled the visitors to come out on top at Hurn Bridge.

A goal in each half from Graham Mankin and Joe Sanger was enough to give Heath Harlequins victory, with Christchurch coming closest to scoring when Paul Rideout hit the bar just before the break.

Midfielder Scott Sanderson and goalkeeper Stewart Kearn stood out for Priory, but it was title-challenging Bemerton, who finished third last season, who had the edge.

Kemp said: “It was nip and tuck in the first-half, but once they had got their second-half goal, they were better than us and deserved to win.

“A bit of experience was the difference. Once they got their noses in front, they suffocated the life out of us and didn’t give us any chance to play. Scott came in and played well in the centre of the park and Stewart made a couple of great saves, but we were a little bit below par.”

Kemp, whose side had won their previous two league games, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one, added: “I think Bemerton will be top five again.”

Christchurch: Kearn, Costello, Legg (Dickenson 60), Crutchley, Dand, Sanderson, Burt (Grace 70), Fairbrother, Osborne, Ewen, Rideout (Lovell 70). Unused subs: Linpow, Cullen.