Basingstoke lose at Haywards Heath 23-19

Basingstoke got their season off to an encouraging start despite losing away to Hawards Heath in the first round of the powergen cup. Basingstoke, in something of a rebuilding season after the departure of many experienced players were impressive in areas against the National 3 newcomers and looked as if they would go on to win the game at certain points. However Basingstoke sin-binnings in the final quarter were to give their opposition an advantage they were to take well. Both kickers exchanged penalties during the opening exchanges in a scrappy but even opening, before Heath were to take an early advantage after several minutes of sustained pressure. Heath crossed for a deserved score in the 12th minute as they crashed over from close range. Stoke then came into the game for the first time with some meaningful and purposeful attacks, although they were unable to take their chances with silly mistakes costing points. Heath were to punish Stoke for this stretching their lead to 13-3 with another penalty. Stoke reacted well to this, as they immediately went on the offence again. This time they were rewarded with the points their efforts deserved as Carl Saunders picked up a loose ball and showed his pace to run in from 40 metres. Ian Calder added the conversion and then a penalty on the stroke of half-time to even up the scores at 13-all.

Stoke started the second-half in an encouraging way as they immediately put Heath on the back foot. They were rewarded as they took the lead for the first time through a Calder penalty and a 16-13 lead. After 20 minutes the game was turned on its head as Stokes Matt Evans was sin-binned for stamping. Heath took full advantage scoring 10 points through a converted try and penalty to open up a 23-16 lead. As Evans returned Stoke looked to overturn the deficit with breaks from Elimon Chimbina and Simon Buckland helping to establish field position. It was from one of these breaks that Calder was to add his 4th penalty to reduce the deficit to 1 score. At this point Stokes captain Kelvin Chapman was sin-binned along with the heath full-back Andrew Cook after a brawl as Stoke searched for that elusive winning score. However it was not to be and Stoke were to leave empty handed. Despite this gutsy performance Stoke must be more clinical if they are to defeat the leagues better sides. After Calder added "Considering the inexperience we had in the side to-day everyone gave 100% effort out there. At times when we put together several phases of play we were the better side. We would of won if we were more clinical when we had the opposition on the back foot. I am pleased with what we achieved but the real test will be how our performance improves next week in our first league game."

Stoke team: C Saunders, R Holmes, E Chimbima, S Buckland, C White, I Calder, D Lillywhite, S Hobden(S Lovegrove), M Evans, S Buttle, Russell Northcote(C Hampson), K Chapman(capt.), R Baker, J Dixon, S St. Bernard. Subs not used:S Appleby, G Murdoch,

NEXT GAME Saturday 13th September away to Barking, National 3 South. k.o 3:00 pm.
                

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