Basingstoke lose at home to North Walsham

Whilst this was a much improved performance from the away fixture and with Stoke playing better rugby than of late a disastrous start that saw the visitors 24 nil up after 15 minutes meant that it was to be an uphill task. Walsham scored three converted tries on 2, 13,and 15 minutes with a penalty on 8 to open up the lead. Stoke then showed the character needed to get back in the game playing with more shape and pattern. This was due to a much improved scrummaging performance helped by the return of Neil Young in the front row, who was rightly man of the match. Good ball was won at line out by Chapman and the ever improving Stirling.Fewer penalties were given away and less turn over ball conceded meant that the hard work done during the week was paying dividends. After going behind as they did Stoke were now playing in the visitors half and were rewarded for their efforts with two Calder penalties on 22 and 33 minutes. Although the visitors got 3 points on 38 minutes Stoke responded and scored a converted try from Buckland on 40 after good work from both Calder and Kirwan who both impressed in the backs. Put in context it meant that Stoke won the last 25 minutes of the 1st half 13-3.

Unfortunately the second half started as badly as the first with Walsham scoring in the opening minutes. A clearance from Stoke from the kick off bounced in field and the return kick from the visitors had a lucky bounce that rolled into touch. Stoke then failed to clear their lines and Walsham scored a converted try to lead 32-13. For the rest of the second half Stoke continued to be competitive but again were guilty of trying to force matters when potential scoring chances came whereas the visitor took their chances when offered. This led to tries on 53, 66 and 77 minutes one of which was converted by the visitors for a 49-13 lead. Like in the first half Stoke played with more shape to their game and were finally rewarded when on 80 minutes Buckland ran from his own 22 to score and Calder adding the 2 points. Lucas had a tidy game at scrum half and Buckland was a threat when involved. This game showed that progress on the field is being made but time is running out unless victories start happening.

Calder added "What we have worked on this week has set up a platform for us to build on for the rest of the season. We have to continue the effort and make training so we give ourselves the opportunity to start winning games." Team: Barton (Wickes), Buckland, Kirwan, Chimbina, Northcote, Calder, Lucas, Young, Evans (Lovegrove), Hobden, Drawbridge, Stirling, Chapman (capt.), Dixon (White), St. Bernard (Appleby).

Final Score Basingstoke 20 pts v North Walsham 49 pts

NEXT GAME Saturday 17th January away to Haywards Heath k.o 2:00 pm.
                

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