BASINGSTOKE RFC made it four wins out of four in the Hampshire Premier, after they beat fellow high flyers Fordingbridge 59-29 at home last Saturday.

Both sides went into the match unbeaten and the weather made it a perfect day for running rugby.

Fordingbridge started well controlling the first seven minutes, until Stoke managed to take the lead thanks to a penalty try.

A moment of magic from Will Buckingham created Basingstoke’s second six minutes later, which was convert by Kurtis Eagle.

A Simon Appleby try moments after put Basingstoke in the driving seat with Eagle adding the extra two with a difficult kick out wide.

A nice passage of play saw Tom Johnson cross the whitewash to claim his first Basingstoke try eight minutes later to make the score 26-0 and gain Stoke a try bonus point.

Despite the big lead, Fordingbridge did not give up, and their backs were a constant threat with ball in hand, and soon got their rewards with their centre Tom Tully scoring after 33 minutes, which was followed by a Peter Scott finish converted by Mark Hammond.

Brad Turner put Stoke further ahead on 39 minutes after some good offloads, converted by Eagle.

Second Row Ryan Hill managed to get another try for Fordingbridge to make the half time score 33-17 to Basingstoke.

Fordingbridge struck within a minute of the re-start to gain their try bonus point and get the score within 11 points. Some smart play from Eagle at 10 resulted in a line out just short of Fordingbridge line, the forwards secured the ball and their driving play resulted in Sam Goddard crossing the line, with Eagle adding the extras.

Fordingbridge continued to come at Stoke, a great interception from skipper Jon Bird relieved this pressure as he broke upfield, they recycled the ball quickly and gained a penalty, which scrum half George Hemmings capitalised on, taking it quickly to dart under the post to present and easy opportunity for Eagle to make the score 47-22 after 56 minutes.

Basingstoke’s penalty count hindered them throughout the match, the referee took action after 64 minutes by sin binning Gareth Kelly.

Fordingbridge used their man advantage with Peter Scott getting his second and Hammond adding the two points. Another Stoke try and then a strong pick from the base of the scrum saw Brad Turner put winger Michael West in for a score out wide and make the final score 59-29 bringing the end to an entertaining match.

This Saturday, second placed Stoke are away at Gosport and Fareham II.