Convincing performance

Basingstoke 35 pts v North Walsham 13 pts

FX-backed Basingstoke took another big step towards assuring national league rugby at down grange next year with a thumping home victory over North Walsham. The Norfolk side are currently lying fourth in the table and the win shows just how far the side has come in the last year. After last week's narrow one point loss away to third placed Blackheath, Stoke showed their intent to return to winning ways as playing down a slight slope with a strong wind behind them, they opened their account for the day with just 2 minutes played. Good recycling produced an overlap for Chris Norton who crossed for a converted try. Stoke continued to apply pressure and Ian Calder added 3 more penalties to extend their lead to 16-0 after 35 minutes of first-half play. Apart from brief Walsham attacks the whole half was played in and around the Walsham 22 with Barrie Kirwan and Selwyn St. Bernard both making clean breaks but both were unable to convert their chances into tries. Walsham then had a short spell of pressure on the Stoke line, but some excellent defending kept them out.
Then on the stroke of half-time after clearing their lines Norton added his 2nd try of the game as patient build up eventually created a gap out wide for him. Calder converted for a 23-0 half-time lead.

Straight from the second-half kick off Walsham put their first points of the game on the board as they used the wind to work good field position from which they scored a penalty. For the next ten minutes Stoke took control of the game as they played sensible close rugby into a strong wind. They were rewarded as several phases of play created a gap for Norton to complete his hat-trick in the corner and open up a 28-3 lead. Walsham now looked to try and find a way back into the game as they launched continuous attacks at the Basingstoke line. But some awesome defending from a team determined not to concede a try kept them out. Stoke were also solid in all set pieces guaranteeing a good supply of ball for their backs and clever when they had the ball in hand not conceding possession lightly in any circumstances. Stoke were rewarded for their hard work in defence as they scored their fourth try again through Norton. This time it was a completely solo effort as he fielded a kick deep in his own 22 and went the length of the pitch to score a converted try. Walsham did cross for two late tries to make the score look respectable at 35-13. This changed the result in no way though as Stoke celebrated a brilliant victory. Whilst Stokes attacking play was brilliant their set pieces and defence stood out as every man put their body on the line to make tackle after tackle.

After, a very happy Calder added "That was an awesome display from all the players involved, and whilst it is difficult to single out any player, Andy Wilson's man of the match performance epitomised the effort every one put in to-day. Following on from our display last week, we look forward to the challenge of Rosslyn Park next week."

link to RFU site