BASINGSTOKE RFC avenged another early season defeat as they won at Battersea Ironsides 10-7 in the London Three South West.

Stoke took the lead in a hard fought contest after two quick penalties, the second seeing James Ephraim kick the ball between the posts for a 3-0 lead.

Battersea had the chance to level things with their own penalty, but this was missed so Stoke took a slender lead into the second half.

In a game of few chances, the home side took the lead around the hour mark, as their winger was able to run in and score which gave them a 7-3 lead.

Battersea came looking for a second try, but the visitor’s defence stood firm.

With time running out, the home side were gifted a couple of penalties and soon found themselves on the Battersea five metre line.

They were then given another penalty and went for a line-out which was taken by skipper Robbie Northcote.

This was the platform and Simon Appleby looked set to go over, but was stopped.

Stoke continued with a couple more phases and Dave Lambert was able to force his way over for a try. Ephraim made no mistake with the conversion, to earn his side a 10-3 victory.

This kept Stoke firmly in fourth place and they now have a week off before they entertain Old Tiffinians on Saturday January 28.