BASINGSTOKE gained a vital first National League 3 South victory of the season when they defeated Reading 9-6 at Down Grange, but the win can have been the only satisfaction they gained from a scrappy, untidy match that was in keeping with the gloomy conditions.

Basingstoke defended well, especially when the powerful Reading pack drove play towards their line in the first-half. But there were few other redeeming features in a match where both side's handling was woeful and the performance of the three officials left both sides bemused and angry.

Matt Hart opened the scoring with a penalty for Basingstoke but Carlson Russell then gave Reading a 6-3 interval lead with a penalty and drop goal. Hart soon equalised with another penalty and sealed victory with a third success at the death.

Havant's storming start to the season continued with a 41-8 pounding of Staines in their London 1 encounter. Havant were dominant from the kick-off and three Syd Claffey penalties confirmed their control of territory early on. Alan Barnes got a try on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a 14-3 lead.

Claffey added a penalty, try and conversion before Al Holl scored. As Havant finished strongly, Filipo Virgili scored his first league try, Holl grabbed his second and Claffey added another conversion.

Despite a third league loss in a row, Winchester drew comfort from their 10-9 defeat at Thurrock. Three late changes meant the veteran Ian Stooksbury, plus newcomers Russell Churcher and Dave Budge were drafted in and all three did extremely well in a gritty Winchester performance. Three Andy Ashwin penalties produced Winchester's points, in a game that could easily have gone their way.

Alton slumped into the lower reaches of London 2 South with another home defeat, this time 25-13 at the hands of Haywards Heath.