Stoke slump!

Basingstoke 19 pts v Old Colfeians 21 pts

A last minute try denied Basingstoke their first win for three weeks as for the second time this season they sunk at the hands of Old Colfeians. The Fx-backed side dominated this game and will be kicking themselves having not won. In poor wet conditions an early stalemate was broken by Ian Calder as he recorded his first penalty of the day. This lead was soon lost though as Colfeians scored a break away try. As stoke were applying pressure a loose pass allowed Colfeians to run the length of the pitch and score for a 7-3 lead. After soaking up some Colfeian pressure, Stoke attacked again and a good passage of play led to Calders second penalty after 27 mins. 4 mins later Stoke retook their early lead as a well worked backs move put Calder through a gap who fed Yann Cullum to score in the corner. On the stroke of half time Colfeians took an undeserved lead when a penalty try was awarded for consistently collapsing the scrum despite players appearing to just slip in the extremely wet conditions. This gave them a 14-11 half-time lead.

In the second-half playing with the wind and slope stoke were expected to take the game, being the better team of the first-half. But it was not to be and Stoke had to fight hard for any points. The second half continued in the same manner as the first with Stoke provided with the bulk of the possession and attacking the most with Colfeians breaking out. It was however not until the 25th minute that any points were posted. Good recycling and a break by Neal Taylor enabled his centre partner Jason Rees to score. A missed conversion left the scores at 16-14. 4 mins later Stoke extended their lead when a brilliant passage of play looked like producing a try until the ball was killed and Stoke had to settle for a penalty. This set up a nail biting finish with Stoke 5 points in front. Brilliant defence prevented Colfeians from scoring until the 41st minute. Just as it seemed stoke had done enough and could clear their lines a kick was charged down and Colfeians scored 15 metres in. The kick was added to sneak victory.

Despite the disappointment of losing a game they should have won Stoke can take more positives from this game than recent displays. Not least the increased work rate and performance, Robbie Northcote who won man-of-the-match in his first start and the return of Phil Della-Savina who was outstanding in the back row.

The pack deserve credit for their rucking and producing good ball and if this can be reproduced and built upon over the next few weeks the disappointment shown by the players will be rewarded by gaining victories to move away from the bottom two.

Summarising Ian Calder said "That was a much improved performance and the forwards deserve credit for their effort and hard work. To concede three tries, one an interception, one a penalty try and one from a charge down was harsh but we have to move forward. We also have to concentrate at all times as they scored in added time in both halves."

NEXT GAME Saturday 30th November away to Westcombe Park,National 3 South. k.o 2:30 pm.
                

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