NEW Basingstoke RFC captain Freddie Gleadowe is looking forward to leading his side up the National League Three London table in the final months of the season.

The free-scoring centre, pictured, was part of ’Stoke’s promotion-winning side last season and admitted they had found it tough at the start of this campaign.

Gleadowe said: “We had a lot of changes in the line-up, but we have now found our feet.

“We now want to put in a string of good performances and take ourselves up the table.

“It would be nice to take a couple of scalps, before the season ends and I see no reason why we can’t.”

The 22-year-old, who is studying to be a doctor at the University of Southampton, is proud to be captain of the team.

“I was quite surprised to take over as captain, but it is an honour to lead the boys out each game,” he said.

Last weekend, Basingstoke’s trip to Westcombe Park was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch – unsurprisingly, not the first game to be postponed this season.

Gleadowe said: “It is tough having games cancelled as you get yourself mentally and physically ready for a game.”

Once the league season is over, Basingstoke will turn their attention to the Hampshire Cup and a semi-final tie at holders Portsmouth, which has now been moved to Saturday, April 19.

The winners of this tie will host the final against either Gosport or Havant a week later.

Looking at the cup campaign, the new captain said: “We are not going to take Portsmouth lightly as they are a good side, but for me it would be a great way to end the season, leading the boys to victory in a final, and lifting the trophy.”