Stoke slump!

Redruth 33 pts v Basingstoke 6 pts

Fx-backed Basingstoke dropped into the bottom three places of National 3 south on Saturday as they crashed to a 33-6 defeat at Redruth. The game was looked upon as another possible source of 2 points after a convincing home win against Redruth 4 weeks ago. Basingstoke were first to get points on the board in this game, when Ian Calder slotted over an easy penalty after 3 minutes. Stoke's defense was then tested to the full as continuous Redruth attacks nearly produced tries for both wingers. Only some brilliant defending and a try saving tackle from Rafer Joseph prevented Stoke's line being crossed. Basingstokes lead was extended after 16 minutes to 6-0 as Calder posted his second penalty. This was as good as it got for Basingstoke though as they were forced to defend for the rest of the half. Some poor passing by Redruth ment that it was not until the 18th minute that they scored any points. A cross field kick gave No 14 Nathan Pedley a simple run in for an unconverted try. This was how the scores remained until 2 minutes before half-time when after continual pressure and missing a simple penalty Redruth crossed to take a lead they were never to lose. A conversion gave them a 12-6 lead at half-time.

After the break things went from bad to worse for Stoke. Playing into the wind their task was made near impossible as eight points in the first 5 minutes left them trailing 20-6. A penalty under the posts and then a try from a well worked move off a scrum were the source of the points. Redruth continued to pressand after 12 minutes of second half play they put the game beyond doubt as they scored their 4th try that was converted to lead 27-6. Basingstoke then made 3 changes that seemed to work as they entered the Redruth half for the first time in the second period. But they couldn't unlock the Redruth defence and were again forced to defend for the last 5 minutes. Two late penalties gave Redruth a deserved win by 33-6. Basingstoke competed well in the scrum but the quality of the line-out ball was not as good as normal.

It was in the ruck and maul situation that Stoke did not compete at and as a result were punished by the hungrier Redruth forwards.

Calder said after "We were very lethagic and got punished by Redruth. To win at home against them and then to lose as we did to-day is very dissappointing. Our committment at the ruck meant that we were on the back foot which allowed most of the possesion to be won by them. We must show more effort next week and secure two home points"

NEXT GAME Saturday 23rd November home to Old Colfeians,National 3 South. k.o 2:30 pm.
                

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