BASINGSTOKE RFC rounded off their home campaign of 2016 with a 26-13 Hampshire derby victory over visiting US Portsmouth.

The victory kept Stoke in fourth spot in London Three South West.

On Saturday, their final game of 2106, will see them make the trip to seventh side Weybridge Vandals.

Last Saturday, US Portsmouth did not disappoint, as they played their traditional style of play, which is forward dominated.

The conditions played into their hands and due to an ever growing injury list and unavailability Stoke fielded a lighter pack. So it was evident the home forwards were in for a tough day.

The visitors took a six point lead, as the home side fell foul to a couple of cheap penalties within kicking range.

When the home side did get their hands on the ball and retained possession, they were good going forward with some good phase play in tricky conditions.

Without a recognised hooker, Rhyan Harmon stepped up for the day and threw in extremely well, which meant the home side could build a platform from their lineouts.

From a clean lineout Jonny Till scored under the posts and the first half finished with the home side leading narrowly 7-6.

The second half did not get off to the best of starts as the visitors took the lead again.

However, this provided the focus for Stoke to push on and take the game away from US Portsmouth.

Simon Appleby and Dave Lambert, who were jointly awarded the man of the match both scored.

After some really good energised play by the backs.

Ed Mallaby, who quite rightly got our players’ player of the match, scored the final home try and Ephraim kicked over his third conversion of the game.

After the game captain Robbie Northcote said: “To get a win in tricky conditions against a very forward dominated team was extremely pleasing. It showed great character by the players who dug deep and didn’t stop. "