BASINGSTOKE RFC had a good day on Saturday, beating Hampshire rivals Trojans 48-5 while promotion rivals Chichester suffered a shock defeat.

Karl Buttle grabbed a hat-trick, while there were also scores for Steve Osborne, David Byett, Freddie Gleadowe, Gavin Dampies and Ash Paterson as 'Stoke brushed struggling Trojans aside.

They were especially impressive in the first half, leading 43-0 at the break before taking their foot off the gas.

The mood in the camp improved even more when news filtered through that Chichester had lost at Hove, meaning that the gap between the Sussex side, who sit second, and Basingstoke is down to five points.

See The Monday Gazette for a full report, reaction and pictures from the game.