A four-try blast in the last 17 minutes saw Basingstoke's outstanding December come to a close with their fourth win in five games and a move into eighth place in National Division Three South after beating Barking 39-11.

Two tries from centre Barrie Kirwan and one each through Yann Cullum and full-back Chris Norton in the closing quarter, coupled with 19 points via the boot of director of rugby Ian Calder, did for the visitors.

Calder was delighted with the level of victory, especially after the difficult preparation for the match. "A good forward effort helped the backs score four excellent tries. It would have been nice for the forwards to get on the scoresheet, though," he admitted.

Elsewhere, Millbrook gave a good account of themselves and restricted a strong Havant Dolphins side to just a single try in the first half, before the experienced Hooks Lane side pulled away with six tries after the break in winning 39-0.

Winger Keith Molyneux grabbed a brace, while England under-19 starlet Neil McGovern was among the single try scorers.

A Fordingbridge XV beat New Milton & District side 38-7 in an 'whoever-was-available' clash while the annual inter-club game at Fareham Heathens went the way of the elder statesmen for the third year running, the Over-37s - the age limit was altered allowing more to play in the juniors - winning 22-10.