Basingstoke RFC Ltd

Basingstoke Rugby Club’s return to play continued last weekend with several of the youth teams in action against local opposition.

The Colts, formed of under 17’s and under 18’s players, welcomed Andover RFC to Down Grange for a match between two teams that have a long standing, but good-natured rivalry.  The game, played in torrential rain, was contested right from the start with plenty of skill and attacking endeavour on display.  The match ended 39-17 to the home team, a result which Colt’s Head Coach, Terry Davenport felt was well earned and showed the progress the young players have made in recent weeks. 

The Under 15’s travelled to Alton RFC for a tri-way session with Reading Rams – the fixture was the first time in 14 months that the team faced opposition from outside their own club.  Any rustiness or nerves were quickly brushed aside as the team got into their stride against the Rams, with the forwards being particularly influential in the ruck, forcing plenty of turnovers at the breakdown.  The match finished 26-17 in Basingstoke’s favour, a deserved result for a dominant display.  Following a short break, the team played their second match of the day against host team, Alton.  The game, closely fought throughout, was eventually won by Alton, who secured a match winning try in the final minute, taking the game 20 points to 14. 

The Under 13’s hosted Alton RFC and Reading Abbey in a tri-way fixture, taking the opportunity to provide valuable experience to new players and focus on developing the team for the start of next season.  The first game, against Reading, began with both sides intent on playing fast-paced attacking rugby, making for an exciting end-to-end game during the first half.  Basingstoke, weakened by injuries to their fly half and inside centre, found the second half more challenging, with the final score ending 5-45. The second game, against Alton, proved to be a challenging contest, where the away team’s depth in numbers contributed to a resounding victory.  Head Coach, Doug McGeachie was pleased with the team’s performance, praising the way the boys conducted themselves, playing together as a team and competing until the final whistle. 

Commenting on the weekend’s matches, Alistair Mackenzie, Chair of Youth for Basingstoke RFC, said: “It was great to see so many of our youth members playing this weekend. These are players that have missed so many months of rugby over the last year, it was pleasing to see the rugby values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship present in each match.”

PR Enquiries:

Stewart Gillies

Marketing and Communications

Basingstoke Rugby Football Club

07740 341563

marketing@basingstokerfc.com