BASINGSTOKE RFC opened their London One South campaign, with a thrilling 33-29 victory over visiting Dover on Saturday Captain Ryan Davis went under the posts for a try in the final minute, which gave his side victory, in a game very much of two halves.

The home side dominated the opening 40 minutes and led 16-5 at the break, but their Kent rivals then took control of the game and led twice in the closing stages.

Straight after the interval the boot of Jack Ayling narrowed the lead to five points.

A rare ’Stoke attack saw Jon Bird storm towards to try line only to held up, but as the ball moved through the hands of Tim Richards and Callum Staff, it led to Jobi Kochanowski scoring on the other wing.

Ryan Trevaskis who had a perfect kicking day added the conversion for a 23-11 advantage.

Dover hit back to level the match, thanks to a try from Jamie Farris and Ayling’s conversion and penalty.

The Kent continued to have the upper hand and Ayling’s penalty took then into the lead for the first time in the contest with 10 minutes to play.

Good work from Kochanowski earned ’Stoke a penalty, which Trevaskis slotted over to level the match.

However, the visitors again made good ground and Ayling kicked them in front again with four minutes left and it looked like this would be the final score, until Davis made the most of good work from Joe Piggott, Kochanowski and Richards to score under the posts at the death.

Earlier in the contest, the home side got off to a good start with Trevaskis kicking over two penalties, while Ayling failed with his two kicks to make the score 6-0.

The home side scored the opening try of the match after 20 minutes, as Kochanowski and Trevaskis fed Richards who just failed to take the ball over the line.

’Stoke kept the ball and forced their way over thanks to Adam MacDonald and with Travaskis in great kicking form the advantage became 13-0.

Dover opened their account as quick ball led to Charlie Halls scoring. This was the only time in opening 40 minutes the home defence was caught flat footed.

The home side made sure they added to their tally before the break thanks to a Trevaskis penalty and then thanks to last grasp try won the match to start their campaign with a victory.

Next weekend, they are on their travels to Guildford, who won their opening fixture 26-24 at Sutton and Epsom.