Basingstoke returned to the Athletic Ground after two years in South West 1 to find Richmond in devastating form. Basingstoke, having beaten Portsmouth the previous week by a bigger points difference than Richmond had at the end of October we entered the game optimistic of a good result.  Unfortunately Richmond had other ideas and were quickly into their stride, running in tries and conversions with just one penalty to Paul Trendell in reply and opening up a half-time lead of 33-3.

The second half was more of the same as yet again Richmond ran in scores and Paul Trendell had one penalty for Basingstoke.  leading to the final score of:

Richmond 67 Basingstoke 6

Team: Neil Young (C), Jamie Folan, Glenike Hawea, Ross Stirling, John O’Leary, Chris Williams, Robbie Northcote, Nick Cooper, Darren Lillywhite, Paul Trendell, Anthony Russell, Simon Buckland, Karl Buttle, Dave Lambert, Mike Goodall, Matt Oliver, George Scott, Ollie Thomas