Salisbury full-back Tom Herbert banked a hat-trick of tries for Dorset & Wilts, who survived a late Hampshire rally to clinch a 38-31 victory in the RFU County Championship Plate opener.

The Twin Counties led 31-7 early in the second half, Herbert twice, No 8 and skipper Hayden Hokianga and George Leyland all crossing and ex-Wootton Bassett centre Dave Parker converting once.

Hampshire replied with a try from flanker Dave Reef, converted by fly-half Seb Berti.

Parker converted a Sam Hardcastle try after the restart for a 29-7 lead and did the same as Herbert completed his treble.

In between, Neil McGovern and Rob Lawrence crossed for the hosts, Berti converting once, and he added another late on as scrum-half Liam Davenport and McGovern again, made it a tense finish.

Dorset & Wilts host Surrey at Bournemouth on Saturday.