Dover Rugby Club staged a tremendous late rally to defeat London 2 South leaders Basingstoke at Crabble on Saturday.

In the last few minutes, Dover came from 16-10 behind to kick a penalty and score a converted try to grab victory.

Basingstoke went ahead with an early penalty but Dover responded with a try from winger Ricky Mackintosh.

Dover went 10-3 ahead just before the half hour when full-back Jamie Townley was in support and managed to go over the line.

The scoreline could have looked a lot healthier for Dover but the two conversions and a penalty were missed.

The second half started in Basingtoke’s favour following a number of errors from Dover and within minutes, the visitors had scored a try following some flimsy defending.

Basingstoke took the lead from a penalty and further pain was inflicted when Dover conceded the simplest of tries.

Now six points behind and time against them, Dover needed a rapid response.

Martyn Beaumont slotted a penalty with four minutes remaining and Dover overhauled the leaders when Mackintos touched down with the extras added.

The victory knocked Basingstoke off top spot, while Dover moved up to seventh.

Dover face fifth-placed Chobham at Crabble on Saturday.