Basingstoke lose at Launceston

Despite a last minute reshuffle to the front row due to a training injury to Steve Collins on Thursday, later diaganosed broken leg,this was a much improved performance from the Stoke team. Andy Boulden stepped up as a last minute replacement and gave his all for 60 minutes, this after only 3 games for the club at second team level. Stoke started the game with confidence and again scored 1st. Chapman, who again won consistent line out ball and led from the front, took clean ball at the line out on the opponents 22, before Calder created an opening for himself to score under the posts and added the 2 points. From the restart Calder again made ground before Matt Lucas, who impressed on his debut, continued the move then releasing Carl Saunders who went deep into the 22 before some covering defence closed down the space to stop a score. On nine minutes Stoke conceded a Penalty to allow Launceston to open their account. For the next 17 minutes Stoke had chances but again have to be more clinical and make fewer mistakes when they are in the opponents 22. During this period some better defending from Stoke also kept Launceston at bay. On 26 minutes Launceston took the lead with a converted try and again crossed on 38 to add another 7 point and take a 17-7 lead at half time.

The start of the 2nd half saw some intense pressure from the home pack but resolute defence from Stoke, with Baker and Dixon doing more than the lion work, until the 11th minute and the home team scored a converted try and from the restart scored anther 7 points to take a 29-7 lead. Unlike against Barking when 2 tries were scored one after the other and losing confidence as well as points, the introduction of Hobden, who is still not 100% fit, helped secure the scrum. Humphreys had also replaced Lillywhite for his debut having joined from London Nigerians. Stoke then had a much improved spell where the were the better team and had periods of pressure in Launceston 22. This was rewarded with a try for Carl Saunders out wide and a superb conversion from the impressive Calder. Right at the death Stoke conceded a converted try in what was the 45th minute. After Calder, who was voted by Launceston as man of the match, added "That was a step forward but we still need more application. We knew September would be hard and we have now put the Barking game behind us. The game against Dings will now form our season."

NEXT GAME Saturday 11th October home to Dings Crusaders, National 3 South. k.o 3:00 pm.
                

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