BASINGSTOKE RFC led at London Cornish, before losing 51-8 at Roehampton to the London Two South West title chasers.

The game was only two minutes old, when the visitors kicked a penalty from James Ephraim. Unfortunately, for him he was forced out of the contest with a shoulder injury shortly after.

The London side were ahead two minutes later and led 27-3 at the interval and by this time further injuries to James Savine and Terry Robson and with their front row sidelined they went to uncontested scrums for the rest of the game.

Stoke were first to score after the interval, as Ben Hawkins playing at number 10 put in a great kick which was backed up by the chase of Carl Hayward.

Getting the better of his opposite number Hayward touched down for what was an unconverted try.

Injuries plagued Stoke again in the second half as they lost Chris Dorling. This did not help the visitors cause and the home side added four tries to their tally.

Captain Rob Northcote said: “I want to praise again the effort and commitment the guys are putting in at the moment.

“It’s not easy being on a losing streak but the energy and heart the lads show week in and week out is commendable.

The skipper added: “A real positive from the game was the debut of one of the future stars of the club with Glen Serafica stepping up from the academy. He showed some real heart and put in some great hits around the park. With the wind not being great for a hooker he also showed some great accuracy at the lineout. Great debut and look forward to seeing him involved going forward.”

Stoke are on their travels again this weekend to fifth placed London Exiles.