BASINGSTOKE RFC head coach James Croker was unable to hide his disappointment after seeing his side held to a 14-14 draw by Old Elthamians.

Saturday’s clash at Down Grange saw third-placed ’Stoke host the side just above them in the London One South table.

The visitors took the lead in the first half, only for Basingstoke to level through centre Matt Guilfoyle – and it was a similar story in the second period, with Matt Horne’s try getting the hosts on terms after Old Elthamians had again gone ahead.

Neither side was able to make a further breakthrough and the game ended in a draw, much to the frustration of Croker.

“We got into the right areas and had three golden chances to win but the negative is that we were stopped on each occasion,” he said. “They never looked like scoring apart from one poor kick chase from us and two decent mauls.

“They had a lumpy pack but we realised that the area to attack them through was the midfield. We got through holes, with forwards breaking through midfield, but were unable to take advantage.

“We played in the wrong areas, did not go through the phases like we should have and our scoring zone conversion rate was not good at all.”

The result saw Basingstoke slip one place to fourth in the London One South table. They are just four points behind leaders Chichester but still face trips to all of the other title contenders.

“We have seen all of the other top sides now and we are confident we can go on and get results in the second half of the season,” Croker added. “Before today we had scored more points than any other team and also conceded fewer, which means we have to be confident.

“The good thing is that we didn’t lose, so it’s a stalemate with Old Elthamians, but we see it as three points lost rather than one gained. We should have claimed a bonus point win today.”

See The Monday Gazette for a full report and more pictures from the game.