BASIINGSTOKE RFC wrapped up a perfect Hampshire Premier league campaign with a 41-7 victory at Alresford, writes BRAD TURNER.

The champions had a relatively unchanged team for the clash as veteran Chris Williams start in the second row and player,coach Simon Appleby dropped from the side for Major Dave Lambert MBE.

Stoke started against the wind and immediately found themselves pressuring the hosts’ try line. Strong attacking play continued, but an over-eagerness to score slowed down the visitors.

Stoke's first try came after 19 minutes from strong running Sam Goddard breaking the home sides defensive line.

Alresford quickly responded with a try of their own after a lucky bounce and missed tackle saw their winger run it in from the halfway.

Normal service was soon resumed with Danny Bourne and centre Matt Buckingham both crossing the line, and Kurtis Eagle converting one, making the half time score 17-7 to Basingstoke.

One change at half time saw Joe Bissett enter play at scrum half and immediately change the game.

Play very much continued how it left off in the first half with captain Jon Bird running a sharp line through the defence, and Guy Pope solo flopping over the line. Both again converted by Eagle.

James Savine showed his standard athleticism running in a further try from quite a distance, before Brad Turner wrapped up the league season with a tidy score in the corner after breaking from the base of the scrum to complete the 41-7 victory.