BASINGSTOKE Griffins recorded a magnificent seventh straight win to consolidate top spot in the Hampshire Merit South West table after a 22-10 victory over visiting Tottonians III.

The Griffins opened the scoring quickly, with winger Kyle Mason going over, but this woke up the visitors and they began to apply pressure, with some powerful forward phases resulting in a converted try and a penalty.

The home side’s cause was not helped by a yellow card for full-back Sion Hughes, who was later taken to hospital with neck and head injuries.

The final 10 minutes of the opening half saw the sides cancel each other out.

’Stoke made a couple of changes at half time and fared a lot better, as the forwards built a platform that allowed the backs to run out wide more.

Man-of-the-match Rob Mooney, in only his second game at scrum-half, was working the ’Stoke pack hard to ensure good ball at the breakdown for stand-in fly-half Steve Briggs, who distributed to the hard-running backs.

This resulted in a try for winger Doug Dickinson as he finished off a flowing move.

Soon after, Mason picked up his second score, diving over in the corner after some great work from Will Jenkins.

’Stoke grew in confidence as the half went on, holding on to possession and frustrating the visitors, who saw their Number 8 carded.

Dickinson picked up his second score of the game to round off a superb fightback.

Stand-in coach Steve Parker said: “Just when I thought the side had shown me everything, they dug deep and found more.

“It was a great comeback, as the team remained resolute, stuck to the game plan and executed it perfectly.”

He added: “We were down on numbers this week, what with it being an international weekend, and the likes of Rob Mooney, Doug Dickinson and Steve Briggs stepped up.

“The boys deserve their beers. It was a great team performance. Roll on Millbrook next week.”

This weekend is a busy one for the Basingstoke teams, with the Griffins and Cavliers both in action at Down Grange.

Millbrook face the Griffins and the Cavaliers entertain local rivals Chineham II.

Meanwhile, the Dragons are away at CS Rugby and the fifth team travel south to take on Portsmouth III.