Basingstoke 29 pts v Mounts Bay 25 pts Home Sat 27th Jan 2007 at Pack Lane

Report by courtesy of Basingstoke Gazette.

An outstanding performance saw Jim Dixon' young side come of age on Saturday in defeating league leaders Mounts Bay with every player putting their body on the line in defence and attack. Dixon had asked his side to "step up to the plate" and they did so from the first whistle gaining early pressure and were rewarded with a penalty on 3 minutes in front of the posts for Goodall to score the opening 3 points. The visitors were stung into action and took the game to Stoke. Under pressure the home side conceded numerous penalties in their own 22 which were all kicked to the corner rather than kick the points. Stoke defended as one and repelled all at temps to catch and drive over but were eventually undone on 11 minutes when Outram scored and a conversion by Jarvis gave the visitors the lead 7-5.

The game became more absorbing for the healthy crowd as Stoke responded. Pressure in the Mounts Bay 22 led to a penalty to Stoke which the ref played advantage and recycled possession nearly led to a try but the ref then went back to the original infringement. Fish got his hands on the ball and seeing the visitors asleep went and took a quick tap, skipper Stirling was on his shoulder and linked well to put Lambert over Stokes first another try and 5 points after 11 Min's. Both sides were playing attractive rugby as defences were made to work hard.Stoke were playing percentage rugby clearing their lines well when needed running the ball and putting the ball in front of the forwards when appropriate. As a result on 28 Humberstone landed a drop goal from 30 metres and Goodall a close range penalty on 30 extended the lead to 14-7, In between Mounts Bay had their hooker yellow carded, and despite being down to 14 men scored a penalty on 34 and 37 to reduce arrears to 14-13.Stokes Young was yellow carded at the second penalty for off side.

The second half was a pulsating encounter from start to finish and the Stoke defence was as organised as it was heroic considering they played 27 minutes of the half with 14 men due to yellow cards. Stoke were in the visitors 22 on 45 as Young returned for a line out that Stirling nicked the ball and was driven for the line to be held up on the line, but from the resultant ruck Murphy was adjudged to have come in from the side and was given the yellow card. Back came Mounts Bay and on 54 Jarvis converted his own try to take the lead 20-13. Stoke were again quick to reply and 3 minutes later were rewarded with a penalty for Goodall to add 3 points. Still the intensity from both sides was excellent with the crowd cheering the home side at every opportunity. Stoke re-took the lead on 60 when Humberstone made a darting break up to the half way line. As he was closed down he saw Lambert in support on his outside and put in kick for him to chase. Lambert outpaced the defence to reach the ball first, put in a controlled kick that bounced nicely for him to gather and score by the posts for a lead 22-20. Still taking the game to the league leaders Stoke scored again on 64. Stoke won their own ball from a line out just outside the visitors 22 and in a well rehearsed move Humberstone fed Appleby to burst through the defence and feed Northcote to score under the posts and Goodall to add the extras, 29-20. The visitors then put Stoke under huge pressure for a five minute spell on their own line but again superb defence kept the line safe. Even when Williams was yellow carded on 71 the home defence remained resolute. Stoke eventually cleared their line but Mounts Bay now ran the ball rather than batter their way over the line and were rewarded on 77 with a try out wide. With the conversion it would of left the visitors needing only a penalty to win. Jarvis lined up to kick and Lambert put him under pressure for him to miss. This made for a dramatic last 3 minutes as both sides again went to battle. Stoke trying to pin the visitor in their 22 whilst Mounts bay were trying to run everything back. The home side were not willing to let this slip and held out for the final whistle and a tremendous win.

This was a brilliant display from Stoke and Mounts Bay played their part in making a great match. The home crowd were generous in their praise and gave the home side good support. With many sides in rugby looking for overseas players it is good to note that 12 of the eighteen players for Stoke have come through the ranks as local boys and four of them still in their teens. To-day was not a day to pick out individuals but the whole team performed for each other. A delighted Dixon added "That was fantastic. I asked the boys to step up and they didn't let me or themselves down. That stands up there with the best over the last couple pf years. We have proved what we are capable of and if we can compete for 80 minutes we are a match for anyone. We have to carry the momentum forward for the rest of the season.

Goodall, Lambert, Patrick, Rutherford, Swenson, Humberstone, Fish, Northcote(Chapman), Dixon, Apellby, Williams, Stirling(capt.), Murphy, Rowlands, Young(temp. Lovegrove). Subs not used: Buttle