BASINGSTOKE RFC slipped to the bottom of London One South after they lost their basement battle at Hove 46-5.

The visitors got off to a great start as they scored the opening try of the game from Sean McDermott as they played down the hill.

However, the home side hit back as James Fin scored twice and Andy Fry added another try to make it 15-5 at half-time.

After the interval and now playing down the slope, Hove added five more tries as Martin MacDonald and Brandon MacCarthey both scored twice, while Pat Andrews also went over for a score.

Three of the five tries were converted by Sam Whiting as Hove finished comfortable winners.

’Stoke will now have start winning games quickly if they are to avoid the drop, and their next game is a home Hampshire derby with bitter rivals Havant on Saturday.