The King’s team responded well to Basingstoke’s magnificent playing facilities, and our alikadoos were generously entertained, with a special mention of the most agreeable Château de Pennautier 2011 – pity there was only one bottle of it!

King’s established an early dominance up front, and soon opened their account with an excellent try. Loose head Joe Mason provided clever and energetic support for George Taylor’s coruscating break from the King’s half, and Joe offloaded to Guy Tyler, who ran in for the try, Rory Jones converting. Full back JJ Kilmartin soon added another (unconverted), from a break by Paddy Sm,ith and Diggy Forshaw powered down the left wing for a third. Ciaran O’Duffy added the bonus point try, at the culmination of a drive from a line-out, and Jones slotted the extras. After a rare foray into King’s territory, Basingstoke fullback Woodhouse ran in for a converted try just before half time. Basingstoke 7 King’s 24.

In the second half, King’s relaxed (relatively) and scored just two more tries, by right wing Paddy Smith (converted by Jones) and scrum half Will Slater. Basingstoke’s contrasting impact subs played significant cameos towards the end, the massive McMullen adding solidity to their pack, and speedy wing Taniform scooting over on the right.

Final score: 12 – 34.

King’s were never seriously threatened by rebuilding opponents, who had much the worse of the injury toll.

Next Saturday 3rd October, the 1st XV will entertain league leading Old Reigatian RFC, KO 14:00.