Stoke won a real nailbiter against Maidenhead at Down Grange, Stoke started slowly and allowed the visitors to lead twice before a good passage saw tries for Myles Rutherford, converted by Mike Goodall, then Dave Lambert scored a long distance effort again converted by Mike. Mike Goodall then posted another penalty to take the score to 20-8. Slack work then allowed Maidenhead to close the gap with an unconverted try and the sides went in at 20-13. The second half Maidenhead were first to score and levelled at 20-20, they then took the lead but Andy Rowlands try converted by Mike Goodall put Stoke back in front. But with the clock ticking down Maidenhead came back and scored to lead 30-27. Stoke didn’t roll over and right on the last knocking Karl Buttle scored with Mike Goodall converting for the final score.

Basingstoke 34 - 30 Maidenhead

Team: Mike Goodall, Dave Lambert, Simon Buckland, Myles Rutherford, Karl Buttle; Matt Lucas (rep Andrew Patrick 70 mins), Darren Lillywhite, Neil Young, Andrew Rowlands, Shane Murphy, Ross Stirling, Russell Northcote (rep Chris Williams 70 mins), Tom Northcote, Simon Appleby, Caan Childs. Not used: Matt Oliver.