We had a bumper weekend of rugby both home and away this weekend! Some big wins, tight losses, strong performances and rugby values all on show - here's how the teams got on!
Men's 1st XV - Portsmouth 10 Basingstoke 36
Three tries in each half saw Basingstoke over the line against familiar league rivals Portsmouth. Oscar Worsfold, Oscar Rowley and Sam Clarkson crossed in the first half, while shutting Portsmouth's attack out to keep the score at 17-0 at the break.
Clarkson's second ten minutes into the second half gave Basingstoke the bonus point score, before centre partners Alfie and Oscar Rowley crossed for one score each, taking the result beyond doubt and ensuring 'Stoke came away with the five points.
Next up for the side is a top of the table clash against Chichester at Down Grange this Saturday!
Dragons XV - Basingstoke II 10 Overton 15
Our Dragons came unstuck against Overton this weekend, with the visitors coming out on top in the North Hampshire derby.
'Stoke were hit by several injuries - Soa Falekaono and Tom Baldwin both falling to ankle injuries in the first quarter, with Baldwin's particularly brutal. The game as a result was a stop-start affair, with 'Stoke struggling to find a way in.
It took until the 70th minute for the Dragons to claim a score - a powerful driving maul from 10 out saw Guy Pope cross on his seasonal bow, while Adam Angell scored with the last play of the game to ensure the boys came away with a losing bonus point for their troubles.
Griffins XV - Basingstoke III 7 Chichester II 54
It was a tough day out for the Griffins, who came undone against a strong Chichester II side. Jake Norris's try in the first half saw 'Stoke still in it at the break, but the Sussex-based side's strength in depth proved a bridge too far for the inexperienced Griffins.
While the result didn't go their way, the boys gave their all for the shirt. This Chichester side were league rivals for our 1st XV only three years ago, showing the development from our Senior Section in a relatively short period of time.
Colts XV - Basingstoke 34 Fordingbridge 14
Colts had a much better week this week for their second league match.
After last week's tough match the lads came out today with a huge passion to play well and be aggressive and hungry for the win.
First half saw Stoke get 3 trys in the first 15 mins, Fordingbridge then put up a strong defensive set for the rest of the half, meaning we went into the break 15-0 up.
Second half we started well with a fourth bonus point try after 2mins. We then let Fordingbridge come back with a couple of trys, so the score was 22-14, a little closer than we really wanted.
The Stoke lads then got back on the front foot and scored 2 more tries to seal the win 34-14.
U16 Boys - Petersfield 55 Basingstoke 26
Basingstoke U16s took on Petersfield in what turned out to be a topsy turvy league match.
Pre-game injuries for Basingstoke meant the game started with uncontested tries but Basingstoke started strongly and went over for the early score with Charlie S getting both the try and conversion.
After a prolonged period of Basingstoke pressure with no more points added, back came Petersfield who scored four quick fire tries.
Basingstoke scored again before the break through a Josh Sp try and Charlie S conversion to give them hope going into the second half.
Petersfield scored again but back came Stoke twice, first through a Harry A try and Charlie S conversion, and then a try by Charlie S to bring them within 10 points.
Basingstoke were full of momentum until a lengthy injury break due to a Basingstoke head injury. After moving pitches, Petersfield reacted better to it and in the last 10 minutes put the result out of reach.
The scoreline didn't reflect how close the match was and the effort the boys put in against strong opposition.
Man of the match Charlie S. Forward of the day Thomas J and back of the day Sam B. Special mention for Hamish for a fantastic return to the forwards and Max L making his debut.
U16 Girls - Surrey Cluster 33 Basingstoke 21
Basingstoke U16 Girls Show Their Fighting Spirit Against Reeds Weybridge
After two tough National Cup matches, Basingstoke U16 Girls travelled to Reeds Weybridge to face the Reeds Rebels/London Irish/Weybridge Valkyries cluster in a friendly.
The fixture provided a valuable opportunity for players who had seen limited game time during the recent cup campaign to get valuable minutes on the pitch, develop their skills and put their training into practice. The match was played over four quarters, giving the coaches plenty of opportunity to rotate players and work on different aspects of their game.
The girls faced a challenging afternoon and, going into the final quarter, found themselves trailing 28–0. However, they showed tremendous character and determination, refusing to let their heads drop.
As the final quarter progressed, the girls raised their intensity around the breakdown, with quicker ruck speed providing a much better platform for attack. The backs began to find their rhythm, moving the ball with impressive hands and creating opportunities to get over the try line.
The improvement was reflected on the scoreboard, with Basingstoke scoring three tries and converting all three to bring the score back to 33–21.
Although the girls left themselves with too much to do in the final quarter, their response was a real positive. The improved ball speed, attacking cohesion and determination to keep playing until the final whistle were all encouraging signs.
Most importantly, the friendly gave valuable game time to players who needed it, while reinforcing the depth and potential within the squad.
There is plenty to build on as the girls continue their development. The fightback in that final quarter showed what they can achieve when they increase the tempo, support each other and play with confidence.
A great lesson in resilience, development and never giving up! 💙🏉
U15 Boys - Basingstoke 31 RAMS 24
The Under-15s welcomed RAMS to Down Grange as their run of challenging fixtures continued. Fresh from the previous Sunday’s Veo analysis session, the boys had several areas they were keen to improve.
Stoke started strongly and took an early lead, but RAMS’ pressure and speed at the breakdown made life difficult for the home side. Powerful carries from the RAMS number 8 repeatedly disrupted the Stoke defence, creating space for his teammates and helping the visitors get on the scoreboard.
The first half remained closely contested. Stoke added a second try but struggled to extend their advantage until a third score just before the interval gave them some breathing room and a 17–7 half-time lead.
The second half began at pace. Stoke returned the RAMS kick-off deep into the visitors’ 22 with a rampaging run of their own, and excellent support play soon produced another try for the home side, making the contest look more comfortable.
RAMS refused to fade, however. Two tries of their own brought them firmly back into the match and set up a tense closing spell.
A fifth Stoke try looked to have settled the contest, but RAMS had other ideas. With two minutes remaining, their number 8 crossed the line for his third try of the day. The conversion cut Stoke’s lead to seven points and set up a tense finish.
Still searching for their first win of the season after several highly competitive fixtures, Stoke responded superbly. An excellent chase from the restart allowed them to recover the ball and see out the remaining seconds, securing a deserved victory.
U14 Boys - Basingstoke 57 Farnborough 7
Following last week’s cup encounter away at Farnborough, Basingstoke U14s welcomed Farnborough back to their home turf on Sunday for a friendly that proved to be a fantastic advert for youth rugby.
With only 12 players available, the Basingstoke boys showed the true spirit of the game before a ball had even been kicked, loaning four players to Farnborough for the first half. In the second half, another four different Basingstoke players pulled on Farnborough shirts to ensure both sides could field a full 15-a-side team. A brilliant example of teamwork, sportsmanship and putting the game first!
It took just seven minutes for Basingstoke to get on the scoreboard. Reuben N received the ball on the blind side of a Basingstoke scrum and made a superb run to touch down in the far-left corner. Leo WM stepped up for a tricky conversion, striking the ball beautifully as it sailed towards the posts, only to fall just short of clearing the bar.
Five minutes later, Jenson C added Stoke’s second try, finishing off a lovely move that started with a perfectly timed pass through the hands of Ewan P after Basinsgtoke won a lovely ruck.
Farnborough responded strongly a few minutes later, winning a penalty decision that gave their forwards the opportunity to cross the line on the right-hand side of the pitch. The try was successfully converted, keeping the visitors in the contest.
Before the half-time whistle, captain Leo WM produced a moment of real quality. Following excellent work from the Basingstoke forwards to win possession from a line-out, Leo broke away from halfway and raced through to score under the posts. A great way to head into the break!
The second half got off to a flying start, with Will P crossing the line after switching from scrum-half to winger. A superb long pass from Finley H found Will in space, and he made no mistake in finishing off the move.
Stoke’s forwards were next to make their mark, turning over a Farnborough scrum and setting the platform for another attack. With Ewan P keeping the ball safe in hand, he found Leo WM with a well-timed offload, allowing the captain to grab his second try of the afternoon.
Harry G was next to break through the Farnborough defence, adding another try for Basingstoke before Daniel B followed with him with another try over the line. This time, Reuben S made a fantastic run through several Farnborough players before offloading beautifully to Daniel, who was delighted to finish the move.
One of the standout moments of the match came when Basingstoke’s own Jack L, playing in a Farnborough shirt, found himself chasing down Harry G in a thrilling last-ditch effort to prevent a try.
As Harry attempted to ground the ball over the line, Jack held it up at the crucial moment to deny the score. A superb defensive effort and a perfect example of never giving up, regardless of which shirt you are wearing!
Jack’s commitment did not go unnoticed, as Farnborough later awarded him their Man of the Match. A thoroughly deserved recognition for a player who embodied the spirit of the game.
There was still time for more Stoke tries, though. Leo WM completed his hat-trick with a fantastic opportunistic steal after Farnborough spilled the ball, showing great awareness to capitalise on the mistake.
Then, following some excellent forward play on Farnborough’s five-metre line, Basingstoke were awarded a scrum. Owen F picked up and went, powering confidently over the line to round off Stoke’s scoring for the afternoon. With that, the final whistle blew, coming out 57-7 winners.
Another fantastic performance from the Basingstoke U14 boys, with tries coming from all areas of the pitch and contributions from both forwards and backs. The team showed great determination, teamwork and attacking intent throughout, while continuing to demonstrate the values that make rugby such a brilliant sport.
A huge well done to Farnborough for their efforts and competitive spirit, and a massive thank you to the eight Basingstoke players who pulled on Farnborough shirts across the two halves. Their willingness to help the opposition ensured everyone could enjoy a proper 15-a-side game and was a credit to the club.
Next up: The boys head to Ellingham & Ringwood next week, hoping to carry this winning momentum into their next fixture and keep the Stoke streak going!
Well played, boys — another great day for Basingstoke rugby! 🏉💪💙
U13 Boys - RAMS 20 Basingstoke 35
U13’s boys made the trip up to Reading to play RAMS. From the off the Basingstoke forwards dominated the scrum and breakdown areas, this gave the platform to score two try’s in quick succession against a strong cross wind. A third should have been added from a great cross field kick with a great pick up from the winger only for the ball to be knocked out of this hands when over the try line.
Basingstoke soon added a third with some great rucking and quick ball down the line.
RAMS woke up and started to get there game going with help of quite a few decisions not going Basingstoke’s way with a quick three try’s bringing RAMS level. Basingstoke adjusted their play and another try followed to take back the lead.
Basingstoke were back on the front foot with a lot of pressure being applied RAMS then intercepted a pass on their own 22 to run through another try HT 20-20.
With the wind favouring Basingstoke they got their kicking game going and ran in another three tries in the second half without reply. overall a very good performance from everyone in a very competitive fixture .
A huge congratulations to Jack, who was nominated Man of the Match by Rams!
