Civil Service 20 pts v Basingstoke 29 pts, Oct 6th 2007
Report by courtesy of Basingstoke Gazette.

Stoke won on their travels in an entertaining game and it was not until the final play of the match, with a try from Richards, that the 2 points were secure. Like England and France, Stoke often had to dig deep, and they answered any doubts about their commitment or ability with a determined performance that saw the lead change hands on numerous occasions. Ultimately, it was the victory and two valuable points that was important, as much as a changed Stoke side, who were trying to impress and secure selection for future weeks. Stoke had to make late changes of their own with Fenn and Goodall unavailable so up stepped Dave Jones for the number 10 shirt and Nick Cooper taking on the kicking duties,and it was Cooper who opened the scoring on 5minutes following a fine break by Lillywhite. Stoke further extended their lead on 10 minutes following a scrum on the half way line. Jones and Thomas made space for Buttle who ran in from the 10 metre line. Cooper narrowly missed the conversion. Civil service opened their account on 13 when Stoke gave away a penalty on their 10 metre line to now trail 8-3. Back came the visitors and they were rewarded for their pressure with 2 well executed penalties on 15 and 20 minutes from Cooper. The first wide out on the 22 and the second from just inside the half way line for a 14-3 lead. Stoke were playing all areas of the game well, securing good ball, defending well and again showing good discipline around the field. For the final 10 minutes of the half Stoke went into one of their "taking the foot off the gas" modes, and found themselves trailing 15-14 at half time. Credit must also be given to the home side who stepped up a gear to take advantage. On 30 minutes Stoke lost a scrum inside their own 22, which then led to a converted try being scored.On 40 minutes the home side won a scrum on the half way line and with good support play and good handling created another score and 7 points. In between these two tries Stoke had one good break out where Stirling, Lillywhite and then Appleby broke into the home team's half and if quick ball could of been secured an overlap was begging. Unfortunately the ball was slowed done and the opportunity lost.

The second half started well for Stoke who edged back in front after 45 minutes. Stoke put a high ball up which was "marked" inside his 22 by the home sides full back who then took exception to a Stoke player following up and lashed out. The ref then turned the decision around to Stoke and a penalty inside the 22 in front of the posts. Cooper was struggling with a leg injury so Jones took responsibility and added the 3 points, to now lead by 17-15. For the next 15 minutes it was the home side that were on top exerting pressure and only resolute defence kept them at bay. Whilst all the Stoke players put in the tackles Appleby and Stirling stood out and are looking a good pairing on the flanks. The visitors cleared their own lines well with the boot of Jones on a couple of occasions but the home side got the score on 60 minutes with a catch and drive from a line-out to retake the lead 20-17. Two minutes later Stoke were back on the attack and after good pressure Appleby scored from an inside pass from Lillywhite for Jones to convert and Stoke now lead 24-20. In such an open game it was surprising that the final quarter saw no scores until the 5th minute of added time, during which time Stoke had to defend well not to concede. On 85 Stoke had a penalty inside the home team's 22 and Jones went for goal. The ball drifted wide and Civil Service ran the ball out from their own dead ball line. On reaching the half way line Stoke got a turnover. Lillywhite chipped over the top and Richards was alert to see the space to collect and score the 5 points.

Full time and a 29-20 win.

With the World Cup being played and the debate on foreign players in the English game and the amount of southern hemisphere accents in both South-West and London Div one have Basingstoke got the right blend? With Cooper and Hawea playing their part and the 15 players that were on the park at full time having all come up through the Basingstoke ranks,I believe they have! Dixon added "That was a very determined effort from all the lads. Earlier in the season we may have hidden in our shells but to-day we played well defensively and were putting the ball in the right areas in attack. We did not panic in attack and this allowed us to come away with points when we were putting pressure on them"

Team: Barton, Holmes, Thomas, Richards, Buttle, Jones(D), Lillywhite, Young(Cpt), Hawea(Folan), Oliver, Scott, Cooper(Williams), Stirling, Appleby, Northcote(Rob), subs not used Argent.