Too little too late!

Ravens went down fighting but it was too little too late. The game started badly with a try within a 60 seconds for Basingstoke and they built on that aggressive start with a demonstration of forward power. Both sides carried into contact hard but the Ravens couldn't retain possession and after 15 minutes of attrition Basingstoke scored again as they found space on the outside and the cover just wasn't there. Another 8 minutes of attrition and Ravens just couldn't keep the ball to make the try line and Basingstoke's No.8 was beginning to dominate the game. Harry Rabjohn put in a tackle that reverberated on the touchline and the Basingstoke Fly Half left the field. Ben Wheeler carried hard but was chopped down and landed badly on his elbow and had to leave the field. Gregor House was holding on to the ankles in every tackle and Ed Bell was driving everything he could forward. 17 - 0 to Basingstoke at half-time.
The second half started like the first as Basingstoke scored within 60 seconds when 2 attempted tackles missed, and 8 Ravens opted not to tackle, the ball carrier who ran in from 60m out. 4 minutes later and they crossed again to take a 29 - 0 lead. Ravens suddenly came to life and retained possession through the phases for the first time in the game. Basingstoke couldn't cope with it and gave away penalty after penalty resulting in a Yellow card. A combination of quick takes and kicks to touch and Ed Bell scrambled over for Ravens on 13 minutes into the second half. 8 minutes more of attrition rugby and Harry Rabjohn broke from the half way and made it to 2m from line, another penalty and after two attempts at the line finally William Hosell carried it over. 29-10 final score and both teams left the field battered and bruised after a high impact game. They will next meet in the League next season. 3rd/4th Play-off for Ravens against New Milton on 12th March. Basingstoke progress to the Cup Final against Tottonians where on todays form there should be a real forwards battle.
Great to have a Hampshire Society Referee for this game and he had an excellent game.