Basingstoke 12 Sutton and Epsom 20

Sutton and Epsom dominated their league game away to Basingstoke and the winning margin does not reflect the balance of play.

An early penalty from Sutton skipper Sam Frost was answered by a try from Basingstoke's Jason Rees. The conversion was missed.

From the kick-off the ball came to full-back Keith Middleton who took off from his own 10-metres line and ran through a static home pack and defensive backs to score. Frost converted.

Sutton increased their lead when Graham Dowden went in under the posts and Frost converted again for a 17-5 half-time lead.

The second half was a disjointed affair and a Frost penalty was all Sutton could manage.

With five minutes to go, Basingstoke scored a second try which was converted.

l Sutton stay in second place in the league, three points behind Havant, and this Saturday are at home to Chichester in the third round of the RFU Intermediate Cup (Rugby Lane, 2.15pm).

November 23, 2001 16:00