Better but not enough

Weston-super-mare 29 pts v Basingstoke 22 pts

Despite an improved performance on their last three showings, FX-backed Basingstoke were unable to put an end to their recent run of bad results against a big experienced Weston Super-mare side on Saturday. It was a game that could have gone either way, until Weston struck 2 killer penalties with 10 mins to go that put them 2 scores in front. It was a brave effort from a young Stoke side that has been crippled with injuries in the last few weeks, who once they got into their stride showed some of the best controlled rugby that they've shown this season. Basingstoke started the game playing with the wind behind them and after a scrappy first ten minutes fell behind to a Weston penalty. Stoke then went on the offencive but some aimless kicking and again trying to force the issue cost them chance after chance. They were punished for this when after 22 minutes, the big Weston pack set up a driving maul and forced their way over the line, although it appeared a Stoke defender got underneath the ball. However the try stood and Weston took an 8-0 lead. Basingstoke got themeselves back into the game though as good breaks from Barrie Kirwan and Chris Norton set up a promising position from whick good hands put captain Richard Baker over in the corner. A brilliant conversion from Ian Calder reduced the deficit to 1 point. However, tame defending put Weston straight back in the driving seat as Stoke gave away a penalty try for collapsing a scrum. An Ian Calder penalty on the stroke of half-time kept Stoke in touch at the break 15-10 down.

Weston came out the stronger of the two teams in the second-half and soon build up a head of steam which saw them extend their lead to 23-10 with eight unanswered points. A series of driving mauls eventually created an unconverted try out wide and a penalty after Stoke were caught offside at the back of a maul produced the scores. Stoke now seemed to wake up and started to control the game against a tireing Weston pack. This was rewarded when Tony Jones slipped through a gap to score a converted try after 52 minutes and reduce the score to 23-17. Calder struck the bar with a penalty attempt as Stoke went looking for another score but indiscipline and aimless kicking allowed Weston to use the strong wind and clear their lines. Weston then all but wrapped up the game converting 2 penalties with 10 minutes remaining. Stoke didn't give up and set up a tense finale when Andy Wilson drove over from 5 meters out after a Weston flanker was sin-binned. Chris Norton looked like he could salvage a point for Stoke as he broke from his own 22 but for a last ditch tackle on the oppositions 10 metre-line. This was a spirited display from an inexperienced Stoke side in which many youngsters put their hand up for selection with performances beyond their years. After Ian Calder said "We are owed two points and to-day was another case of them eluding us. We have to be consistent with our play and not perform for 60 out of the 80 minutes. Ross Stirling again showed good commitment and deserved the man of the match award. Febuary is a crucial month with 3 winnable league games and the next round of the Cup, with 3 of these games at home."  

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