Match report: New Milton RFC delivers season’s best display in 26-15 Hampshire Counties One loss to Basingstoke RFC.

New Milton’s woes continued despite a much-improved showing in a valiant losing effort against Basingstoke on Saturday.

Despite the result not going New Milton’s way, many watching felt that the team put in their best display of the season.

The team earned praise for their defence and attack, with the scrum looking powerful, meaning there were lots of positives to be taken.

Alex Bolter-Jackson showed his class by taking a well-worked try, which the ever-reliable Dalton Thomas converted. Sammy Smith crossed over for New Milton’s second try before Thomas slotted a penalty.

The loss leaves New Milton at rock bottom of the Hampshire Counties Four table, seven points off second-from-bottom Bognor.

There is plenty of time for New Milton to turn their season around, with 13 games still scheduled to be played.

The Strongmen man-of-the-match award went to New Milton number eight Tom Wood, who Evemy Electrical sponsors.

New Milton: H. Chung, S. Bew, E. Hynd, J. Corbett, D. Mallard, L. Thompson, R. Pearce, T. Wood, R. Day, D. Thomas, J. Eldridge, A. Bolter-Jackson, N. Smith, N. Miller, S. Smith. Subs: G. Warne, M. Mycroft, L. Minardi.