HOLDERS Basingstoke RFC are out of the Hampshire Cup following a shock 20-17 defeat at the hands of Winchester at Down Grange on Saturday.

The visitors, who play their league rugby two divisions below 'Stoke, raced into an early 10-0 lead and were never pegged back by the much-changed hosts.

The advantage was extended to 17-0 before half-time and while Steve Osborne, Ryan Davis and Gavin Dampies scored second half tries for Basingstoke, they were unable to complete the comeback.

See The Monday Gazette for a full report and all of the reaction.