THE Basingstoke Cavaliers enjoyed a 15-10 victory over Portsmouth IV, a side who had delivered a sound beating to them last year.

In a tough, scrappy game the visitors stayed resolute in defence and worked hard around the breakdown to secure the ball, trying hard to get it wide and go forward.

Their tries were scored by David Wright and man-of-the-match Kyle Mason, with a conversion and a penalty from the returning Simon Jones.

The third team travelled to US Portsmouth II and it proved to be a frustrating match, despite their dominating periods of the game.

The team tried too hard to force things and were undone by a couple of errors defensively as they lost 17-7.

The Griffins’ points came from Paul Watts, with his first try of the season, which was converted by Rich Kiernan.

The visitors’ man-of-the-match was Ash Mhuri for an all action performance at number 8 – a tackling, rucking machine.

The Dragons lost to visiting Hertford II 25-5.

The fifth string were due to entertain Fawley, but the visitors were unable to raise a side, so it was a home walkover.

This weekend there is only one game as the Vets entertain Petersfield, which promises to be a bruising encounter.