Basingstoke Rugby Club move six points clear of relegation following their away win against Civil Service on Saturday.
The Down Grange side went into the match hoping to climb up the National Three London and SE league with a win.
And they took home five points, with an extra two added for a four try bonus, putting the side fourth from bottom and on equal points with derby rivals Bracknell.
Earlier in the season, Basingstoke lost out 27-34 at home to Civil Service. But this time around they reversed fortunes, overcoming the London side 42-26.
The first half saw Basingstoke take the lead with three tries to the home side’s two in reply.
The scoring was opened with Civil Service converting two penalties. However, the visitors fought back with Ceri Cummings adding two penalties.
Basingstoke took the lead shortly after. Then Civil Service went down to 14 men following a yellow card.
With the one-man advantage, the visitors scored three tries in quick succession. Winger Ashley Paterson gathered a chip over the back line to cross for the first converted try.
Freddie Gleadowe scored Basingstoke's second, playing off scrum half James Platt. Seconds later Rhydian Slade Jones collected a Paterson kick to score. In all three tries Cummings kicked the conversions.
Five minutes before the end of the half, the home side crossed over for a converted reply, ending the half's score at 27-16 to ’Stoke.
The Civil Service came out fighting after the break, scoring an unconverted try within two minutes of the restart.
Second row Ratu Komaisavai kept the visitors on top, driving over the line three minutes later.
However, Basingstoke's lead was always under threat as the home side responded with a try after breaking from their own 22.
Then after 55 minutes, Cummings added three points with a penalty conversion.
Shortly afterwards Gleadowe was sin-binned for not releasing and a 14 man Basingstoke were left to soak up Civil Service pressure. Despite being a man down, they scored their final try with Platt crossing the line and Cummings converting, finishing the scores at 42-26.
Junior Paramore's men will hope to build on their win when they take on Havant next Saturday at home.
