BASINGSTOKE RFC’s under-14s beat Tottonians 19-17 at the Wellington Sports Ground in Eastleigh to win the Hampshire Cup.

This was their toughest game of the campaign, given the size difference of some our players and Basingstoke’s young side showed fantastic determination and courage to run out winners.

It capped a great season for the side who beat Winchester and Gosport and Fareham to make the final.

Stoke started really well and were rewarded with a try from Lewis Cleeve, which was converted by Sully Brown for a 7-0 lead. Stoke nearly scored again, before Tottonians responded to make it 7-5 at half time.

The second period was a tight affair with both sides defending well. Tottonians scored to lead for the first time at 12-7. Stoke fought back and tries from Riley Darragh and Scott Burkhill made it 19-12.

Tottonians replied with their third try, but Stoke battled to the end with some superb defending and came away deserved winners.

l The winning squad was as follows: Jude Gardner, Louis Turner, Scott Burkhill, Ellis Springer, Jack freeman, Adam Lewis, Rory Messenger, Lewis Gifford, Sam Hughes, Jude Larcher, Gavin North, Charlie Davenport, Jake Jagged, Archie Garland, Leo Spallone, Aidan Payne, Riley Darragh,Owen Jones, Lewis Cleeve, Sully Brown, Dan Bulley and Ben Pugh.

The coaching, management and first aid for the team was made up of Amanda Marshall, Jim Garland, James Jagged, Tony Jones, Terry Davenport, Mark Gifford, Dale Cleeve , Jerry Tibble and Gareth Lewis.