BASINGSTOKE Griffins crushed visiting Isle of Wight 55-0 to extend their winning run to nine games.

The visitors were soon behind as skipper Dan Williams scored and converted his own try.

The island side hit back as they looked for a score of their own, but the home side defended well, before centre Mat Howell and full-back Dave Wheeler both went over for tries.

Simon Appleby then completed an excellent first-half, going over to take the score to 22-0.

After the interval, Appleby scored his second try of the contest, converted by Williams.

The ’Stoke forwards then dominated the game, making some excellent runs through the Isle of Wight defence and creating space for the centres and wingers.

Hooker Dan Lewis went over for the home side and then Appleby scored his hat-trick try.

Further scores from Howell and Adam Angell, and a conversion from Williams, completed the home side’s impressive 55-0 victory.

The Griffins’ man-of-the-match was Josh Pimm for his work-rate throughout the match.

In another game at Down Grange, the Cavaliers lost 24-10 to the visiting Winchester Vets.

Basingstoke took an early lead with a try from Joe Newbold, who stood in at the last minute at scrum-half. His score was converted by Jason Jacob.

The Cavs fought on against an experienced Winchester team, but the visitors led by half-time.

The home side put up a brave fight in the second half and added to their score thanks to a Jacob penalty.

This weekend, the Griffins will hope to extend their winning run when Portsmouth IV are the visitors to Down Grange, while the fifths also have a home game against Nomads II.

The Dragons face a trip to Hertford, while the Cavaliers are away at Petersfield.