BASINGSTOKE RFC produced one of their best performances of the season despite losing 32-14 at home to London Exiles in London South West Two.

Stoke trailed 15-0 at the break and the second-half proved to be a very tight affair with the visitors just edging it 17-14.

Max Sears scored the home side's first try which he converted and then Jamie Kelleway went over and once again Sears kicked the extras.

the game proved to be in complete contrast to their first meeting of the season in London which saw the Exiles win 85-7.

Basingstoke's Man of the match was David Byett. as he carried the ball extremely well and made some great breaks, he also made sure the midfield was not an easy area to penetrate.

Chris May-Miller fresh back from a university break played really well out of position at 10 and tackled extremely well and he orchestrated our backs very well.

Sears, another player back from university showed great ambition at 15. Other players feed off his youthful confidence and he definitely helped out to get Stoke beyond the gain line on many occasions.

And finally Kelleway deserved a mention as he was a good ball runner as well as solid in defence. He showed great strength for his try finishing off some really good team phase play.

Talking after Saturday's game Stoke captain Rob Northcote said: "There is definitely a renewed feeling of positivity within the team and even though it’s a long journey we know we’re heading in the right direction.

"We’ve also most definitely avenged some sort of demons since the last time we played London Exiles.

He added: "When we played the away fixture before Christmas we didn’t give a good account of ourselves and I remember looking back at the score line of something in the 80’s with disbelief.

"This was a particular low for me and I’m extremely proud of everyone for stepping up and reminding teams that Basingstoke are still a force to be reckoned with."

The Down Grange outfit are next in action on April 16, when they travel to Old Reigatians, before they complete their South West Two campaign with a home game against Weybridge Vandals.