A BELOW-STRENGTH Basingstoke under-16s side travelled to Cobham for a friendly and were unable to get the better of their hosts.

’Stoke had a number of players missing due to the half-term break and went down 47-19 in Surrey. Prop Charlie Sandford and scrum-half Will Buckingham were among the Basingstoke scorers.

The senior second string maintained their 100 per cent record in the Solent League with a 15-7 win away at Tottonians. ’Stoke look to be romping away with the title and they remain top of the table.

The fourth team did not fare so well away at Petersfield II, losing 46-12 to their hosts.