Wimbledon closed the gap on third-placed Basingstoke in London Division One South thanks to a 14-5 win over their promotion-chasing rivals.

Dons’ defence throughout was excellent and breached just once, in the dying minutes of the match, by a storming run by Basingstoke lock Paterson, to get his team’s only points.

Although aided by particularly strong games from forwards Chris Lewis, Rob Tait and Pete Wallace and half-backs Charlie Morgan and man-of-the-match Neil Hallett, this was an all-round team performance.

Hallett’s place-kicking was exemplary, keeping Wimbledon ahead from his first successful penalty after three minutes through to his third nearing half time.

Wing Tommy Moore (then replacing the injured Morgan at scrum-half) clinched the win with a well-taken try in the 75th minute, after backs and forwards had combined to take the ball 50m upfield.

The only downside for Dons was the yellow-carding of the two Brown centres and flanker Steve May.

Next week, away at Cobham, Wimbledon will be wanting to produce a repeat performance – if for no other reason than to round off the club career of stalwart Jules Callanan, who is moving abroad. His commitment, ability and leadership skills will be sorely missed.

Wimbledon 2nd XV also had a good result, beating Old Reigatians 2s 35-13, and the Wimbledon Strollers beat Sutton & Epsom 3rds 52-21.