BASINGSTOKE RFC maintained their perfect start to the season with a 41-0 victory over Portsmouth seconds, writes BRAD TURNER.

This week Stoke gave a debut to Roger Moorhouse who took up a spot on the bench.

The first half saw Stoke get off to a slow start, not getting their first try until 12 minutes in.

After some good phase play, the ball found its way to prolific winger Michael West, who dotted down in the corner.

A further 20 minutes followed before Stoke doubled their lead through scrum half George Hemmings, whose good support capitalised on a strong line break.

The half was closed from another score from fly half David Lambert, stepping in for the injured Kurtis Eagle. More good support work saw him cross the line to make the score at the half 15-0.

The bonus point was secured only two minutes into the second half by fullback James Savine, who cut a strong line at serious pace to score under the posts. Hemmings converted to make the score 22-0.

At no point did Portsmouth look like breaking down Basingstoke’s defence, and the hosts superior fitness started to show.

Lambert scored a second after some swift backs play before securing his hat-trick with another try.

The support play from Stoke was relentless which was shown by how many line breaks they were able to convert into points.

Hemmings converted Lambert's third try before doing the same again after replacement Sean McDermott powered over the line, making the final score 41-0 to the hosts who looked in control for the entirety.

A few claims were certainly made for starting shirts in the upcoming cup fixture against US Portsmouth this weekend.