Basingstoke 18, Marlow 17

Basingstoke opened their season with a win over visiting Marlow, writes Martyn Humberstone.

But the FX-backed side will have to improve on Saturday's performance if they are to do well in the league, which starts this weekend at Tabard.

They left it late to take victory from Marlow, scoring with the last move of the game to land a one-point win.

After a lively and competitive first 15 minutes, with most of the play in the middle third, Basingstoke managed to break the deadlock with a penalty from Dave Jones.

Marlow replied straight away with a converted try after sustained pressure in the Basingstoke 22.

Dave Jones then reduced the gap to one point with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after he'd had a try disallowed for a knock-on and missed another attempt at a penalty.

Basingstoke made a number of changes at half-time, adding new players Fraser Jones and Barry Kirwin to lock Ross Stirling already on the pitch, and withdrawing scrum-half Simon Wickes.

Kirwin impressed in the centre, as did Fraser Jones who scored from the wing.

An individual effort resulted in a chip and chase, which he won but was adjudged to be impeded on the way and a penalty try was awarded. Dave Jones converted.

Wickes and Stirling also had solid first games for the club. Stirling had a 50-metre run which he couldn't quite convert into a try.

Marlow then did the same as they did the last time 'Stoke went in front - they replied with an interception try that was converted to regain the lead at 17-13.

Basingstoke then had their best spell of the game with three consecutive lineouts five metres out and several minutes of pressure. However, they were unable to convert any of this into points.

Then, five minutes into injury time, when the game seemed lost, Ian Calder took a quick tap penalty and ran in from 30 metres to score with the last move of the game.

Despite the win, there was a downside. Due to injuries, Chris Norton, Gareth Jones, Rafer Joseph, Jason Rees, Simon Wickes and Tom Dean are all doubtful, or already unavailable, for this weekend.

But with experienced players due to return, including ex-captains Phil Della-Savina and Neal Taylor, Basingstoke look strong for the season ahead.

After the game, player/coach Ian Calder said: "There are a lot of positives we can take from this game but also areas that need developing.

"We need to work hard at training and getting our support runners closer to the ball carrier.

"Our centres all played well - Barry Kirwin, Tony Jones and Jason Rees - and we are pleased with new player Ross Stirling.

"We are now looking forward to the start of the new season, away at Tabard on Saturday.

"However, it's unfortunate that injuries have been sustained."

Basingstoke: Chris Norton, Gareth Jones (Fraser Jones), Tony Jones (Barry Kirwin), Jason Rees, Robbie Holmes, Dave Jones (Ian Calder), Simon Wickes (Andy Byett), Neil Young, Matt Evans, Steve Buttle (Steve Collins), Ross Stirling, Steve Drawbridge, Simon Appleby (Marcus Reeve), Richard Baker, Kelvin Chapman.