On Sunday 30th April Basingstoke Academy claimed the 2006 HRFU Colts League Championship winning 15 points to 3 against Portsmouth at Tottonians RFC.

The score does not fully reflect the closeness of the game, which saw both teams play with the ‘true spirit of Rugby’ and giving their all. It felt, from touchline, that a try either way would have sealed the game but it wasn’t to be. Each team defended their lines magnificently, Basingstoke showing the tenacity they have displayed all season having only conceding 28 league points since September. So it was down to penalties for technical infringements. Basingstoke won this contest due to the superb kicking skills of our fullback who managed to slot them from some difficult angles and distances.

The packs were well matched with ‘stoke edging it with great drives, mauls and rucks and even some imaginative running by our increasingly mobile forwards who set the ball up for our backs. The backs too were well matched. The opposition covered them well, so it was very difficult to break free but there were still some good runs to relish in this inspiring game.

The game was well managed by the referee James Gregory and his 2 linesmen, John Cramb and Geoff Paice.

The Totts ground is where B’stoke began their 2005/6 campaign so it was fitting that they should conclude a successful season on the same pitch.

Many thanks to our trusty supporters bolstered, on Sunday, by the rest of the Academy squad and club members.

For a few of the players it was their last appearance in a Colts shirt and we wish them all the best for the future.

Our squad has been particularly large this season and it is a complement to everyone, coaches, management and players, that we still have a large squad at the end of the season ready for the next one!

Team:

15 Mike Goodall

14 James Stacey

13 Matt Dramby

12 Tim Richards

11 Karl Buttle

10 Dan Argent

9 Chris Jackson

 

1 Matt Oliver

2 Jamie Folan (C)

3 Pierre L'Heureux

4 James Saunders

5 Jake Henderson

6 Dave King

7 Gareth Patterson

8 George Scott

Replacements:

16 Ollie Pratt

17 Tom Uzzell

18 Stuart Angus

19 Paul Webster

20 Chris Campbell

21 Steve Reynolds

22 Andy Hore

23 Jamie Fish

24 Stuart Long

25 Tom Lynch

26 Scott Bright