THE collective decision to employ a ‘back-to-basics’ game strategy paid dividends on Saturday as Winchester Rugby Club ground out a 13 points to 12 victory over Effingham & Leatherhead.

Their second win of the season was, above all, an outstanding Winchester team performance and the preference for simplicity over oft-criticised complex moves and game plans appears justified. “We changed the system,” said Winchester vice-captain Matt Woods. “It was a decision made by the whole squad.

“We knew our roles and felt much more comfortable. Change was needed, things weren’t working for us but today our new fly-half worked particularly well with our centres. They were solid in defence and strong going forward.”

Full story in this week's Hampshire Chronicle.