BASINGSTOKE RFC ended their recent points drought, but were unable to stop the London Two South West top side Cobham winning 85-3 last Saturday.

This was the runaway leaders 14th win in 15 games, and they are now 16 points clear at the top and heading for the title.

Will Joyce kicked Stoke’s only points of the game.

Looking back on the game captain Robbie Northcote said: “During the game and at the final whistle I couldn’t have been more proud of the guys and their attitude shown throughout the entire 80 minutes.

“Despite the score line and after witnessing some really good phase play by Cobham the players’ heads remained high.

“This is credit to them as individuals plus immense maturity for some really young guys that have never experienced this before.

He added: “I’m constantly impressed with the quality of players coming out of the academy and that’s a huge positive for the club. Glen Serafica and Jack Rushworth had another strong game and Adam Camm making his debut from the bench did not once look out of place.

“Cobham are a really tight unit and a team that have played together for a few seasons.”

This Saturday, Stoke are in action against Portsmouth and when these sides met in the reverse fixture in November on the south coast, the home side won 34-0.

Portsmouth did not play on Saturday, as their home game against London Cornish was postponed.

Looking ahead to the game Northcote said: “Recently a new vibe has started to creep into the squad and I think the stark realisation that relegation is very much on the cards has actually taken pressure off of the lads.

“This, upbeat, no pressure attitude has started to show on the players in the way they’ve been approaching games on and off the pitch.

“With just six league games left I’m excited to see this care free attitude on the pitch transpire once again as we continue to search for the first win.”