BASINGSTOKE RFC were given a baptism of fire on their return to rugby’s National League London, getting thumped 73-5 by East Grinstead on the opening day of the season.

The teams, promoted together from London One South, had drawn 17-17 on the final day of last season but ’Stoke were no match for their hosts on Saturday, conceding a total of 10 tries and scoring just one.

The visitors were 21-0 down after just 12 minutes and trailed 41-0 at half-time.

Three further tries extended the lead to 58 points before Andy Hore scored Basingstoke’s only try.

Grinstead added two more scores in the closing stages to wrap up a comprehensive victory.

Director of rugby James Croker admitted that plenty went wrong, but says his side must put the game behind them.

“It was a bad result and we have to write that one off,” he said. “We have a lot to learn from today against a very good side.

“If we are to be competitive in this league we have to trust ourselves and not look to blame each other.

“At times our lack of support, missed tackles and poor touch finders put us under pressure and East Grinstead punished us.”

’Stoke were without several key players. Fly-half Adam Davies, centre Freddie Gleadowe, wingers Karl Buttle and Gareth Kelly, second row Jake Henderson and back row forwards Will Ford and Ryan Davis were all missing.

Croker will be hoping he has at least some of these players back for Saturday’s opening home game of the new season, when well-fancied Dorking will visit Down Grange.