Basingstoke win important victory at Barking 39-11

Fx-backed Basingstoke's excellent December came to a great conclusion with in the end a resounding victory by 2 goals,2 tries and 5 penalties to 1 try and two penalties. The visitors started the game well playing into a strong breeze, but it was Barking that had the opening chances and their reliable kicker Justin Azzopardi missed two simple chances before he put the home side ahead with another simple penalty after 6 minutes. Basingstoke came back but Ian Calder missed a fairly simple kick after 19 minutes play. Barking's driving mauls were the problem to Stoke and they found it hard to contain them but to their credit they continued to play the better rugby as Barking threequarters failed to make any impression. As the game moved nearer to half-time Basingstoke had a great attacking move but only came away with a penalty from about thirty metres out kicked by Calder after 34 minutes. Stoke went to sleep and very quickly conceded hands in the ruck and Azzopardi kicked the penalty after 39 minutes.

Half time Barking 6 pts v Basingstoke 3 pts

Basingstoke knew this game was for the taking but they had to up the effort. Skipper Richard Baker asked for double the effort and with the elements at their backs, the travelling supporters were hoping for a good second half. The game continued in the same pattern with both sides giving away penalties but it was stoke who grabbed the nettle and were award two penalties in quick succession, both converted by Calder to take the lead 9-6. Basingstoke then allowed Barking back into the game and from a series of driving mauls, Seb Rate, the home side's prop dived over for a try, Azzopardi missed the conversion to make the score 11-9 to Barking. This finally galvanised Basingstoke into taking a grip of the game and Ian Calder started to pin Barking back in their own half and the mistakes came and indiscipline occurred in the home sides ranks and Rates was sin binned for persistent infringements. This signalled a period of pressure from Stoke and two further penalties from Calder after 56 & 63 minutes took Stoke into the lead 15-11, one they were not going to relinquish. At this point Barking had their centre and captain yellow carded for a professional foul after a great run from a line out. Now starting to play better rugby, Basingstoke with good ball secured by the forwards was moved and from a great miss move and pick up from Yann Cullum he scooted over in the corner. Calder added the conversion. This seemed to be the signal for Barking to loose all control and shape and Stoke were now rampant and Barrie Kirwan scored the first of two tries for Stoke. But the best try was from a great chip and collect by Calder and there was Chris Norton on hand to score under the posts, conversion by Calder to bring his match tally to 19 points. The last score was Kirwan's second try and consisted of an endless stream of dummies to bring the final tally to 39-11 and two welcome points,

Man-of-the-match. Matt Evans, great all round performance.

Calder added "A good disciplined effort, Basingstoke focused on the game and the referee and as a result we got our just rewards. A good forward effort helped the backs score four excellent tries and takes us into the New Year in good heart."

NEXT GAME Saturday 4th Jan 2003 home to Lydney,National 3 South. k.o 2:00 pm.
                

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