BASINGSTOKE RFC Griffins completed the league double over Merit South West title rivals Lymington Mariners with a 39-0 victory at Down Grange.

In the teams’ previous meeting in December, ’Stoke ended the south coast side’s 100 per cent start to the season and after this win, they are three points clear at the top of the table.

The home side started quickly, being strong in defence, countering the big runners and generating several turnovers.

The Griffins have some hard runners too, with Jamie Lee and Dan Williams breaking the gainline seemingly at will. It was not long before Alan Sturgess went over for the first score, which was converted by Dan Williams.

The well-drilled home side’s backline then began to exert serious pressure on the visitors, running smooth patterns, supported by the roving ’Stoke pack.

This gave Williams the chance to increase the lead with a penalty to make it 10-0 at half-time.

After the break, the Griffins moved up a gear and began a relentless series of phases and possession.

This resulted in tries for Joe Newbold (2), Williams, Dan Lewis and Alan Crisford as ’Stoke put the visitors to the sword, eventually winning 39-0.

Coach Chris Hughes said: “This was another superb team performance; we are training hard and taking that into our games.

“Dan Williams has been an inspiration in organising the backline and our pack is up there with the best in this league.”

Hughes added: “Everyone played out of their skins and as a coach I cannot ask anything more. I just hope we can maintain this form in the final nine games of the season and bring home the title.”

The Saturday they face a trip to Trojans III, while at Down Grange the fifths take on Petersfield.