After last weeks disappointing result against Barnes, where the Titans held over 70% possession, but failed to execute the final phase in the rush to score. This week saw the strength of a side that has promised much, come close, but in the past, just missed out. A side made up of new faces, experienced players and a healthy show of youth, demonstrated how the Rams senior squad were so successful last season. There will be a number of challenging discussions this week. Etween the coaches when it comes to selection, and there is still strength to come back in to both squads, no-ones place in either of the 2 senior sides is a shoe-in.

The perfect start saw the Titans win back their own kick wide on the left, perfect execution of the phases took the ball wide right and then back to the left, with former Colt, Charlie Laflin opening his account within a minute of the whistle. A quiet 20 minutes followed but Charlie continued to find space out wide with his second try after 20 minutes chasing a kick through from the boot of his former colt team mate Harry Stapleton, converted by fullback Olly Mann. Unfortunately losing, Harry 10 minutes later, who came off second in the battle of his Head v opposition Knee, yet another former product of the Gensians youth policy, saw Stuart Gough moving from the wing to fill the fly half boots. The forwards efforts in setting up solid attacking platforms was giving a mobile set of backs, including the experienced Jez Flynn organising from the midfield. Lineouts had been working all day, with the new calls having the desired effect, flanker Captain Andries "Stinky" Steenkamp keen to point out that his darts didn't fail all day. It was now time for the forwards to show what a driving maul really looks like, another youngster George Banks grounding the ball for the Titans 3rd try with Mann converting a slightly easier chance. Scrum Half Andy Webb, back after last seasons horrific knee injury, getting a yellow card for a tackle the referee adjudged to have not wrapped the arms round (to be fair the opposition 9 did bounce before he could complete the tackle). Basingstoke continued to push hard and were rewarded with a try and conversion with 8 minutes of the half to go. Charlie decided it was hatrick time and put another score on the board shortly after, converted again by the ever present Mann. Half time 26-7.

Discipline was costing valuable yards all day, an issue that we must address as the league season starts, however it would be good for societies to recognise the pace of the game at this level and assign referees with a corresponding level of fitness. On a league day, the referee would have been more generous with his collection of cards. As a result Basingstoke opened the scoring with an easy penalty 2 minutes into the second half. Not content with a hatrick, Laflin hit back with his fourth try of the day, Mann adding another 2 points. In the past complacency would have come off the bench as everyone was chasing the whitewash, not today though, mature performances from youngster Crandon working well with new experienced signing Sam Black and Maurice O'Connell, the forwards continued to set up the backs. Giving another new face, Botting the chance to show his pace and secure the Titans 7th try of the day. Yet another pen saw Basingstoke kick for the posts, desperate to keep the difference down. Michael Vancura, introduced to stop Laflin from getting into serious beer purchasing territory, added the 5th for the right wing and his first of the season. Fitness was now the difference between the sides, all of the Titans showing excellent footwork in the contact zone and off loading into supporting forwards. The new front row combination of Glet, Banks and Lischetski working well in the loose and holding their own in the scrum. Banks adding another try to reward the forwards for some outstanding maul driving, with 4 minutes to go. Basingstoke now pushing hard to make sure they left with consolation points, however the Gensians defence remained as resolute as it had for the previous 80 minutes, and in the dying stages saw another new face, that of Elliot Reeks, running the length of the pitch, to secure the 9th and final score of the day.

A very pleasing performance, showing how phases can be played, but discipline at the breakdown needs resolving. A strong team, supported by strength on the bench (Tom Wilkinson, Michael Vancura, Kieran Leicester and Elliot Reeks) gives the club much to look forward to as both the National 3 league and Zoo shield leagues are up for grabs.

Special mention for Ian Jefferies and Olly Mann who had involvement in most plays today, but this was a very high standard from every player on the pitch for every minute of the game.

Pete Gaylor