BASINGSTOKE RFC lost their South West Two Hampshire derby basement battle at Andover 38-7.

From the kick off it was a physical game as Andover love to use their forwards, but faced possibly one of the strongest back lines Stoke had put out all season.

The visitors managed to get some good width on the ball, off the back of some great line breaks from their centre partnership of David Byett and Tala Petelo.

Unfortunately, they were able to finish the move off, and then shot themselves in the foot and had two men sin binned which meant Stoke played out the first half with 13 men on the pitch.

Despite the two player deficit the lads really stepped up and held Andover to only one score during this period.

After the break, the visitors were unable to capitalise on the pitch’s downhill advantage, but kept pushing.

This effort paid off after some good phase play, a great kick and chase, which saw Will Joyce collect an offload from Petelo and make it over the line for their only score of the game.

Another big plus from the game was the first team debut of Jack Saunders from Stoke's academy side and did not look out of place. During a phase of pressure within Basingstoke 22 he made a great turnover.

Captain Rob Northcote said: "With relegation confirmed the pressure has been lifted, and it’s about starting the rebuilding for next season whilst enjoying the last few games we’ve got left.

"We’ve got the right people to do this and I’m excited about what the next few months has in store for the club."

He added: "I’m looking forward to keeping the improvements going in the right direction as we look to welcome London Cornish on March 19."