BASINGSTOKE RFC suffered the expected heavy home defeat in London South West Two, as they lost 72-5 to visiting London Cornish.

The home side put up a brave fight, but found the play-off hopefuls too strong in the end.

Stoke with no pressure on them again tried some new ideas and strategies and in a 20 minute spell in the second half, they made some great ground, secured good ball and rounded off some really good phase play with a cracking try.

Brent Evans passed the ball out of a tackle, whilst going to ground to Gareth Hubbard to score.

The strength of Stoke youth system coming through into the first team was again evident, as Zack Lewis made his debut and Jack Saunders had another strong game.

Stoke captain Rob Northcote said: "As a team and as individuals this season is teaching us so much and it’s so promising seeing the lads go out and have a crack every week.

"We don’t have the luxury of being a team that’s played together for years, but by standing by each other and enduring this season together is going to prove beneficial in the long run."

Stoke's next game are at home again on April 2, when London Exiles are the visitors.