BASINGSTOKE RFC’s losing streak in London One South continued, as they lost at local rivals Havant 38-22.

The visitors were unable to repeat their Hampshire Cup victory back in April, as the home side took the bragging rights as top team in Hampshire for the time being.

This was the first of three meeting between these sides this season, with the next in January again at Hooks Lane for a place in the final of the Hampshire Cup.

The last meeting is at Down Grange in a London South One fixture on the first weekend in March.

Havant were the first to score from Pete Living and then captain Joel Knight converted his own try.

The home side extended their lead further, as full back Pat Gains claimed his first Havant try.

Basingstoke replied with a penalty from Ryan Travaskis, before Steve Cruddas in his 200th league game for the club, was yellow carded for a late tackle.

At this point, ’Stoke piled on the pressure, but then conceded another try as Ed Wilkins scored in the corner and Knight kicked the conversion.

The visitors hit back after they drove over for their first try of the game from Ryan Davis.

Then right on the stroke of half-time, Dan Munden showed his pace to make it 31-8.

Basingstoke came out hard after the break and they soon scored from Joe Pickett which Travaskis converted and this was just the start they were looking for.

After long spells of pressure on their own try line, Havant broke out and Ben Brierley went over The visitors then picked up a consolation try late on from Dave Byett which again Travaskis converted, to complete the 38-22 scoreline.

The loss for ‘Stoke, their fifth on the trot, saw them lose ground on Dover, who are directly above them in the table, after the Kent side drew at Hove 8-8.

The victory for Havant saw them record back-to-back home wins, after their previous success being a 42-15 win over Twickenham.

The Middlesex side are the next opponents for ’Stoke this Saturday at Down Grange (kick-off 3pm).