BASINGSTOKE retained the Hamp-shire Cup with a thrilling 16-15 victory over arch-rivals Havant on Sunday.

Yesterday afternoon's triumph means 'Stoke have now retained the cup for the second year running. The latest victory also means the FX-backed side have won the county crown nine times in the last 13 years.

The dramatic win was achieved despite a nail-biting finish with Havant just missing out on a last-gasp drop goal attempt that would have clinched the game for them.

As he celebrated another famous victory, jubilant 'Stoke coach Ian Calder said: "We played most of the rugby during the game and deserved, once more, to put our name on this cup. Somehow we went in at half-time 9-6 down but put that right in the second-half."

Despite all their pressure in the opening half, Basingstoke only had two penalties to show for it - both from the boot of Calder.

The home side had Steve Claffey to thank for a hat-trick of penalty kicks and he added another after the break.

Calder once more replied to make it 12-9 with 30 minutes to play.

The visitors then got the try their pressure deserved as Calder and Tom Dean were involved in a move which saw Neal Taylor go over. Calder converted to give 'Stoke a 16-12 advantage.

But the pressure was soon back on, as straight from the kick-off, the visitors conceded a penalty which was converted, reducing the gap to just one point.

'Stoke then mounted a number of attacks with Calder unlucky not to score with a great run from the 22 metre line only to drop the ball.

As the game came to a close Havant gave it one last push and Anton Petzer went for a match-winning drop goal. But it sailed wide of the post, the referee blew for time and Basingstoke started their celebrations.

BASINGSTOKE: C Norton, R Joseph, J Rees, N Taylor, G Jones, I Calder, T Dean, N Young, A Riley, S Collins, N Hooker, S Drawbridge (K Chapman), P Della-Savina, R Baker, M Reeve. Reps (not used) R Holmes, M Evans, S Buttle, K Chapman, S St Bernard, D Jones.