BASINGSTOKE RFC suffered their first home defeat of the season, as they lost to London One South league leaders Sidcup 25-10.

Once again the home side were forced to shuffle their line-up, as already missing Ryan Davis, Tim Richards and Ryan Travaskis, they lost Oli John in the warm-up, which meant Jamie Folan came into the standing line-up.

The visitors had the wind advantage in the opening 40 minutes and piled on the pressure from the start, but the ’Stoke defence stood tall to a man and kept them out as they tried to force their way in.

The Kent side then had Sam Carmen yellow carded for constantly being offside.

The home side made the most of the man advantage and a minute later scored their opening try.

Captain Freddie Gleadowe found Jobi Kochanowski and Matt Guilfoyle went in at the corner to score.

Guy Wilkinson had a tough conversion out on the touchline against the wind, but was unlucky as his effort hit the upright, but ’Stoke led 5-0 after 19 minutes.

Sidcup replied with a number of phrases, but were stopped just short of the try line.

They then tried a driving maul to get over, but again they were held back.

It was only seven minutes before the break, that finally they managed to score as Carmen put the ball down for a try.

Jamie Cutler then missed the conversion, so the game was tied at 5-5 and that is how it stayed until half-time.

The home side started brightly after the break, as Gavin Hart took a good catch deep in the Sidcup half.

They then lost the ball after a few phrases and from this Ashton Dean was able to dance around three tackles to score after 49 minutes. Cutler again missed the extras.

Dean was over the try line again just after the hour mark, but play was called back for crossing.

The let off was shortlived for ’Stoke, as minute later Peter Grayson scored and with a missed conversion it made it 15-5.

At this point the home side had a mountain to climb and when Dean scored his second try on 71 minutes the contest was over. This time Cutler was successful with the kick and he also added a penalty soon after.

Basingstoke picked up a consolation try in the final minute, after Jon Bird smashed his way forward and after Gleadowe and Kochanowski found their way blocked to the try line, the ball was thrown along the line from Wilkinson and Ben Stewart for Gavin Dampies to score. Wilkinson missed the extras to complete the 25-10 scoreline.

Next up for Basingstoke is a trip to Charlton Park, who were beaten by Sutton and Epsom 17-5 on Saturday.