Basingstoke take a beating at Blackheath

Stoke suffered another away defeat and were punished for a poor 20 minute period in the first half when they conceded 36 points but credit must also be given to Blackheath who played this period of play with almost no errors to their game. First score was for Stoke when Robbie Northcote converted a penalty on 3 minutes but Blackheath scored two of their own penalties on 5 and 7 minutes to take a 6-3 lead. Both sides tried to play open rugby and it was to be Blackheath who started to put pressure on Stoke with fluid rugby and on 11 minutes converted a try which started a 20 minute spree in which they scored 36 points which were unanswered by Stoke. The points were massed with a further 4 tries three of which were converted and a penalty to give blackheath a 42-3 lead on 30 minutes. These scores came from good handling movements and a few missed tackles at crucial times. A testament to both sides was that the first scrum was not given until the 22nd minute of the game due to the quality of the handling. It would of been easy at this stage to conceded more points but Stoke showed great character to stem the flow and also begin to play the better rugby for the half time score to remain at 42-3.

One of the tries was scored by former Stoke player Neal Taylor who otherwise was kept quiet by the Stoke defence especially by one big hit from Robbie Northcote. The second half started off with Blackheath converting a penalty in the 1st minute. Thereafter the half belonged to Stoke as they gained confidence and belief in their own ability. Good line out ball was being secured, Chapman and Ryder putting in some good runs and passages of play were put together. This led to pressure being put on the home team and much of it in Blackheaths own 22. This was rewarded in the 17 minute with a try from White after sustained pressure converted by Northcote. The one blemish happened in the last few minutes with the home team scoring an unconverted try. Stoke's positive was they were able to compete for 60 minutes but they have to do so for 80 and not let the opposition have as much space as they did during the time they conceded to many points. They showed that when they closed down the space the opposition were not that special.

After the non playing Calder said "We gave them to much repeat and were punished for it. When we realised that we were able to match them we were the better side and played some good rugby. We need to build on the positive aspects of our play, train hard this week and focus on a home win next week."

Team: Mcfayden, Holmes (Jones), Northcote, Buckland, Hull, Lucas (Murdoch), Wickes, White (Bowden), Evans, Ryder, Drawbridge, Wilson, Dixon, Northcote(Appleby), Chapman (Capt.)

Final Score Blackheath 50 pts v Basingstoke 10 pts

NEXT GAME Saturday 22nd November home to Haywards Heath, National 3 South. k.o 2:30 pm.
                

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