Basingstoke’s campaign to challenge league leaders Chichester was dealt a heartbreaking blow following a single-point defeat on Saturday.
The Down Grange side clawed their way back from a 12 point deficit to lead 14-12 in injury time before a last-gasp Chichester penalty earned the London One South leaders a home win.
The defeat brings Basingstoke’s unbeaten start to 2012 to an end.
The loss puts Basingstoke, who remain fourth in the league, 11 points behind Chichester and five points short of third-placed Old Elthamians.
Second place Guernsey remain within Basingstoke’s sights, with a seven-point advantage.
From the starting whistle ‘Stoke were on the back foot as a host of sloppy errors crept into a normally well drilled squad.
After 20 minutes of play, with both teams still scoreless, the home side were able to cross for a converted try.
A Chichester penalty was kicked to the corner. From the lineout a rolling maul overpowered the defensive line for the first try of the day.
Ten minutes later the lead was extended when Chichester touched down in the corner for a second unconverted try and a 12-0 lead going into the final 15 minutes of the half.
Basingstoke hit back and a scrum deep in the Chichester 22 let flanker Steve Hicks drive for the try. He was held up but the ball was shifted to scrum half Jamie Fish who snuck over, with Andrew Humberstone adding the extras.
In the second half Chichester had a man sin binned for punching but James Croker’s men were unable to take advantage.
In the final 10 minutes winger Chris May-Miller managed to break and set up an attacking surge forward. The ball was recycled through the phases before it found the hands of flanker Matt Horne who dived under the posts for their second try of the afternoon.
‘Stoke held on to the lead until injury time when a late penalty was converted by Chichester fly half Stuart Pearham, putting the hosts in front 15-14.
