BASINGSTOKE RFC ended their season in the best possible fashion with a 35-19 win over visiting Weybridge Vandals.

It was Stoke’s first victory of the campaign and showed that all the hard work in recent weeks had certainly paid off.

The home side ran in five tries, four of them in a super second half performance.

Stoke's scorers were James Savine, Matt Woodhouse, Will Joyce, James Ephraim and Jon Bird after a great off load from skipper Rob Northcote.

Joyce completed a great kicking display as he added all five conversions.

The game could not have started any better for the home side as they dominated the first 15 minutes and got on the scoreboard first with Savine crossing for a great try.

For a prop/hooker Savine it wound the clock back a few years to when he used to be a winger and finished off a really good bit of team play.

Unfortunately the rest of the first half saw Weybridge have the upper hand and they scored 19 unanswered points and victory looked to have slipped away.

However, nothing more epitomises the effort of the players this season, than when Gareth Hubbard chased down a Weybridge winger just before the half-time and tackled him as he looked to set to score and forced a knock on.

After the break, Stoke dominated as solid defence forced errors and Woodhouse full of confidence and got the ball into space and deserved his man of the match accolade.

Joyce had a great game and threatened the line and Tom Allen constantly got over the gain line. Max Sears was solid at 15 and always kept the defenders on their toes with his quick feet.

Captain Northcote said: “On behalf of the players I can’t thank the coaching team and management team enough. They’ve been on this journey with us and even though we’ve all had our ups and downs they’ve always strived to be positive and their attitude has been admirable.

“Lastly a massive thank you to all the supporters. It’s not been easy for them, but the players have really appreciated all the support. Hearing the noise and seeing all the smiles as we walked off the pitch on Saturday will stay with me for a long time.

Head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford echoed his captain’s sentiments and said: “It was amazing feeling winning for the first time this season and the players deserved it and I was really pleased for them.

“They have struck together all season and it showed what they can achieve and now we can look forward to next season. They have showed great character and they will stand them in good stead going forward and I would love to be head coach again next season.”

l Tadley Tigers completed their Berks Bucks and Oxon Premier campaign in fine fashion with a 88-7 win over visiting.

The result made sure they finished their campaign in third spot.

l Chineham Lions lost their final game in Hampshire One beaten at play-off bound Bognor 59-3.

However, the side who until recently looked set for a top four finish, but hold their heads up high after coming a very creditable sixth in their first season after being promoted last summer.