Important Win away to Norwich

Norwich 7pts v Basingstoke 13pts

Basingstoke record a rare and important win at Norwich by two tries and a penalty to a converted try. Basingstoke playing with young David Jones deputising for Ian Calder produced a gutsy if not glamorous performance in the heartland of Norfolk. The first half was much of a stalemate but Basingstoke had by far the better chances, a searing break by Jason Rees faded and what looked as a certain try for Chris Norton was stopped by a last-ditch tackle but the home side took the lead in the twentieth minute when David Jones on his league debut had his clearing kick charged down and Norwich skipper Rupert Holmes dived on the loose ball. Mat Holmes who had earlier missed a penalty kicked a superb conversion to make the score 7-0. The Stoke forwards were now getting into the game with some driving mauls but continually gave away silly penalties and the good work was lost. It was important that the visitors got back into the game and on the stroke of half-time, David Jones kicked an important penalty to reduce the arrears.

Half-time Norwich 7 pts v Basingstoke 3 pts

Basingstoke seemed to have their strong period of play just after the break and today's game was no exception. Three minutes into the half a great break down the right hand touchline, Norton feeding winger Gareth Jones who dived over in the corner, Jones was short with the conversion. Basingstoke took a grip on the games and really on a number of occasions should have increased their slender lead. but in the 14th minute from a scrum Tom Dean punched a massive hole down the blindside and put Rafer Joseph over for the decisive score in the corner. The game became scrappy with the referee giving long lectures to the home sides forwards. As usual Basingstoke let Norwich back into the game but their defence stood up well and with ten minutes to go the exciting Norton made another telling break and with the line at his mercy passed to the "invisible man". This made for an "exciting last ten minutes" with Norwich throwing everything at Stoke but in the end the visitors survived for an important win. They had the more chances in a game that sees Basingstoke continue in the chase after arch-rivals Havant. A much better all round performance by the forwards but the penalty count 21-12, again was far too high and better side than Norwich would have made Basingstoke pay for their indiscretions. Jones at outside half filled in well for Calder who hopes to be back playing in two weeks, a lot earlier than previously feared.

NEXT GAME Jan 26th, home to London Nigerian (League) ko 2:15 pm

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