Fourteen tries, one red card and plenty of drama saw Down Grange treated to a classic game of rugby between Basingstoke and Portsmouth which will be remembered for some time.

Whilst the result itself was not what ‘Stoke were looking for it was a performance that had everything.

For the first time this season ‘Stoke secured their try bonus point in the first half of a match. An early try from Travis Clayton saw the hosts ahead inside five minutes but that didn’t last long as Portsmouth hit back with two of their own tries, one against the run of play, to take a 12-5 lead.

A response from ‘Stoke was needed and they provided with three tries in 10 minutes.

A brace from Luke Wareham and another from veteran Simon Appleby meant the try bonus point was secured before half time for the first time this season.

Alfie Rowley added the extras to give ‘Stoke a 24-12 lead. The visitors did hit back just on half time after some quick hands through their backs saw them narrow the gap to just seven points.

The second half began with ‘Stoke enjoying plenty of possession and creating several opportunities and they eventually turned it into points as Sean McDermott finished off a lovely move off the line out, assisted by Simon Appleby.

Portsmouth then had their first real spell of sustained pressure for which they were rewarded with more quick ball allowing them to find the space on the outside to score their third try.

An instant response from ‘Stoke from the restart saw them restore their advantage as Travis Clayton scored his second and a sixth ‘Stoke try.

‘Stoke led 36-22 with a quarter of the game left to play however they would play the next 10 minutes with 14 men as Simon Appleby was sent to the sin bin for a rest.

In this time the visitors scored two tries to tie the game at 36-36.

‘Stoke hit back straight away to restore their lead after Marvey Miranda pounced on a charge down and was able to dive on the loose ball. But the lead was slender and the visitors hit back almost immediately.

A line out inside the 22’ was claimed clean and the visitors took full advantage, going under the posts to tie the game. A successful conversion saw them take the lead for the first time in 70 minutes, and it was to be the end of an eventful afternoon.

FT: Basingstoke 41-43 Portsmouth.