BASINGSTOKE RFC ended their home league campaign in style with a 50-8 victory over visiting Millbrook, writes BRAD TURNER.
This took their record to superb 21 wins out of the 21 and they will look to complete a perfect campaign this Saturday at Alresford.
A huge crowd was at Down Grange to cheer on the champions and it did not take long for the hosts to open the scoring after some strong running working them down the pitch, giving them ample positioning for their strong set piece.
Following a line out, Jordan Plenderleith used his speed and strength to power through the Millbrook defence, smartly converted by Kurtis Eagle.
Only two minutes passed before Stoke were under the posts again, this time due to similar athleticism from winger James Savine.
Again this was converted by Eagle to make the score 14-0.
Millbrook slotted a penalty before the hosts regained control with winger Carl Hayward travelling down the wing showing some unusually fast pace.
This was swiftly followed by back row Sam Goddard getting over the line, before Hayward bagged his second of the half.
Again this was converted by Eagle before Stoke finished the half with their foot off the gas, going in at 31-3.
Basingstoke came out for the second half as they finished the first, slightly sluggish, but eventually back row Plenderleith opened the scoring again in similar fashion with Eagle adding the extras.
Centre Matt Buckingham got his name on the scoresheet after a strong running performance followed by Goddard getting his second and Eagle duly converting.
Again Stoke took their foot off the gas and closed off the game with a Millbrook try making the final score 50-8.
This was a classy performance from Basingstoke and they face Millbrook again in the final of the Hampshire Vase on the last weekend of April.
All pictures by Chris Pritchard.
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