Men’s 1st XV – Basingstoke 62 Winchester II 12
Basingstoke continue to build nicely going into the season’s run in, scoring 10 tries to beat Winchester II 62 points to 12. Sam Clarkson and Tani Tala both scored doubles, with Matt Mairs, Oscar Rowley, Oscar Worsfold, Simon Appleby, Matt Wise and George Rowley all added to the scoreboard to round off a comprehensive win.
Winchester crossed first after the first five minutes was all deep in ‘Stoke’s 22, before Basingstoke scored directly off their own kick off to wipe out the visitors lead – Oscar Rowley claimed Rhys Fletcher’s inch perfect kick off, before brilliant hands from the forwards had Matt Mairs over the line off a remarkable first phase play.
The tries flowed in the first half – Sam Clarkson couldn’t be stopped as his powerful pick and go gave Basingstoke the lead, before the pace of the Basingstoke back line caused serious damage. Oscar Worsfold’s searing break down the outside saw the winger cross for his 23rd of the season, before Oscar Rowley, Clarkson and Drew Paterson picked apart the Winchester defence with breaks down the middle, the latter offloading to Tani Tala for the recently-converted front rower to turn back the years and go over out wide.
With the score 38-5 at the break, the game was over as a contest, but Winchester refused to back down. After a solid 10 minutes in Basingstoke territory, an audacious chip and chase from Winchester’s Number 8 saw the visitors cross for a deserved second score.
That was as good as it got for Winchester, as the hosts ruthlessly put the game beyond any doubt. Simon Appleby’s nifty footwork on the blind side saw the 33-point lead restored, before Matt Wise, George Rowley and Tala scored out wide to take the final score to 62-12.
Men’s Club XV – Basingstoke 120 Crowthorne 0
With promotion secured and the league campaign complete, a combined 2nd/3rd XV took on Crowthorne at Down Grange. Crowthorne travelled with depleted numbers – particularly in the backs – as ‘Stoke’s pacy back line took full advantage.
Tom Jeffery scored five, Colts Captain Sam Grace crossed for four on his senior debut and Riley Darragh scored a hat-trick as Basingstoke came out comfortable winners. Huge credit goes to the Crowthorne boys for following through with the fixture, as well as the Basingstoke boys who donned the Black and Yellow of Crowthorne to make the game go ahead!
Women’s XV – Basingstoke 0 Newbury II 74
Despite how it may appear on the scoreline, it was a much-improved display from our Women’s XV yesterday. The side’s desire to defend was evident from the off – league leaders Newbury were held out for the first 15 minutes, with a real never say die attitude.
Catherine Gladstone, Lizzie Gilbert and Erica van den Ordel were particularly influential in defence, while Jess Richard’s commitment to fighting a lost cause saw a Newbury player bundled over the dead ball line, saving a certain seven points.
Newbury pulled clear as the Basingstoke team tired, but there were real moments to give the coaching team optimism to look forward to next week’s season ender against Andover.
Under 16 Boys - Winchester 19 Basingstoke 10
Our U16 boys were away to Winchester II this weekend. A strong start saw Basingstoke 5-10 ahead at the half, before Winchester's bench really changed the game. Winchester ended up coming away 19-10 winners, but it was a fantastic game which really could have gone either way.
In a season of real development, the boys played fantastically well and it was great to watch!
Under 15 Boys - Basingstoke 12 Havant 58, by Aaron Hawkes
Following the disappointment of losing the bowl final last weekend, the boys stepped up to play a rearranged fixture against division 1 side Havant. Despite four early tries from the away side, the boys didn’t let their heads drop and put all of their training into practice, talking to each other and managing to get a well worked try back with Tyler L taking the ball over the line. Another try from Havant saw it 5-31 at half time.
They boys came out strong at the start of the second half with Tyler getting a second try and Charlie converting. They fought hard with some excellent defending but saw five more tries from Havant without reply to end the game 12-58.
Huge praise from the Havant coaches for the attitude of both sides and the commitment from BRFC with a score line that didn’t reflect a brilliant game and the right response from all the boys following last weekend. Man of the match for Seth and coaches’ player of the match went to Thomas and Archie.
U14 Boys – Bracknell 15 Basingstoke 14, by Ben Rees
Last game of the regular season for the Under 14s before tour next weekend saw a last-minute change of opposition. Tadley withdrawing mid-week due to lack of numbers meant a short trip up the road to Bracknell RFC, who kindly offered to host.
Having played Bracknell twice this season, the boys knew it would be a tough match. True to form, Bracknell got off to a fast start and controlled possession well in the first half and deservedly held a ten-point lead going into half time. The Basingstoke boys kept within touching distance with some good defence and the last five minutes of the first half saw the boys start to find their attacking rhythm.
The second half started brightly for ‘Stoke, but a try against the run of play saw Bracknell extend their lead to 15 points. The boys dug deep though and with some new combinations starting to work the score was pulled back to within a point with a couple of well taken and converted tries. A flurry of late injuries meant stokes final push to snatch the win was disrupted but the boys can be proud of the performance they put in to fight back in the second half.
A good hard match to finish the regular season with a tour to Devon to look forward to next weekend.
