BASINGSTOKE RFC’s winning run in 2017 came to end as they lost 23-7 to visiting Old Tiffinians.

The visitors arrived at Down Grange looking to avenge a defeat from earlier in the season and were the first to score after three minutes.

A chip over the top took a kind bounce and the Old Tiff forwards were able to go in underneath the posts.

A penalty soon after extended the lead to 10-0 and as the home side found it hard to get things goings, the visitors added an unconverted try in the corner.

By the 18 minute mark, Old Tiffs had kicked another penalty for an 18 point cushion.

The home side finally got their side of the scoreboard moving, after Simon Appleby’s break from the back of a scrum saw him hand the ball to Tom Price for a score. This was converted by Dave Byett.

Soon after, good play from Stoke again, saw Glen Serafica held up over the line and at the interval the score was 18-7.

After the break, the home side were unable to add to their tally, while the visitors did with a try just after the hour mark, which completed a 23-7 victory.

Despite the loss Stoke remain in fourth place in London Three South West.

This coming Saturday, they are back at home in a Hampshire Bowl semi-final, when Trojans are the visitors to Down Grange.