Basingstoke do it again, against the old enemy.

Havant 19 pts v Basingstoke 21 pts

Fx-backed Basingstoke's excellent December month continued as they defeated fierce rivals Havant in a fiery encounter at hooks lane. This, one of the most eagerly awaited games in both sides calendar certainly didn't fail to disappoint as for the third time in the last four meetings it was decided by less than 1 score. With both sides slipping dangerously close to the wrong end of the table, this was a huge game for both teams which was shown in the way the game was played. The game started at a hectic pace, with Basingstoke having just the better of the opening exchanges. This was rewarded with the first points of the game through an Ian Calder penalty after 5mins. Havant hit straight back though with a penalty of their own from Sid Claffey. Basingstoke then began to exert some pressure as intelligent kicks forced Havant to attack from deep, and when they slipped up in their own 22, a swift flowing move put Calder over in the corner for an 8-3 lead. Stoke continued to apply pressure but were met by a stern Havant defence and were unable to add to their score. It was now Havant's turn to attack and as continuous pressure forced Stoke to concede penalties. Claffey converted two of them for a 9-8 lead. Basingstoke spent the remaining 5 minutes of the half camped in Havant's 22 and were rewarded with a penalty on the stroke of half-time and an 11-9 half-time lead.

Havant came out much the better team in the second half and immediately scored 2 unconverted tries in the space of 7 minutes. The first came after consistent pressure created a gap for Alan Barnes to cross. The second came straight from the restart as good link up play resulted in Liam Davenport crossing from short range. This was to be a huge test of Basingstoke's character and resolve as they were forced to soak up continuous Havant pressure. They replied excellently as after 15 second half minutes prop Steve Collins made a 30 metre break after collecting a loose ball. The ball then went through several pairs of hands before Chris Norton scored under the posts. Calder added the simple conversion to reduce the gap to 1 point. Basingstoke now went in search of points to win the game and after a number of phases were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. Calder converted to bring his tally to 16 points for the day and to set up a tense finish. Havant looked to sneak the victory away from Stoke but hit a brick wall and found no way through. Stok should have been awarded a penalty try in the dying seconds but in the end only a penalty was given when Yann Cullum was clean through and pulled back without the ball. This was a very pleasing performance for Basingstoke after last weeks disappointment and earned them 2 much needed points.

Man-of-the-match Steve Collins was excellent both in the loose and the tight and everyone contributed to this excellent win.

Calder added "This was a pleasing win and showed the character of the side, from man of the match (Steve Collins) at number one to number 19. The resolve to comeback after conceding 2 early tries at the start of the second half was excellent and I wonder what Havant's thoughts would be if it had been a double header (league and cup)? This was a tremendous early Christmas present and reflects all the hard work the boys have put in so far this season. It was much appreciated by the players to see so many Stoke supporters there."

NEXT GAME Saturday 28th December away to Barking,National 3 South. k.o 2:15 pm.
                

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