Croker pleased with 'Stoke attitude and commitment (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Croker pleased with 'Stoke attitude and commitment

1:00pm Monday 19th November 2012 in Sport By Martyn Humberstone

Gavin Dampies scored two tries for Basingstoke.

BASINGSTOKE RFC director of rugby James Croker was delighted by the attitude and commitment shown by his players in their 16-10 victory at Sidcup on Saturday.

'Stoke led throughout the match, with winger Gavin Dampies touching down twice, but were unable to shake off the challenge of their determined hosts.

However, they held on to win a closely-fought game, a result that leaves them just four points behind second-placed Chichester in the London One South table.

Croker said: “Sometimes you have to focus on a win and forget about a bonus point, and today was one of those times.

“Sidcup are a hard team to break down and it was a tight game where we learned how to close out a game for the victory.

“At times our defence was excellent and I thought our attitude and commitment was very professional throughout.

“I am sure they (Sidcup) could cause a few upsets this year so it was a nice one to get out of the way.”

See the latest Gazette for a full report.