BASINGSTOKE RFC start their defence of the Hampshire Cup with a trip to Havant, the side they beat in last season’s final.

The bitter Hampshire rivals have won the trophy 30 times between them, Havant having won it 16 times, but not since 2008.

When these sides met last season, it proved to be a real nail- biter at Down Grange, the home side winning 13-11 in extra-time. This was after the sides had been locked together at 6-6 after 80 minutes.

’Stoke would love to repeat the victory in Saturday’s semi-final clash and earn a place in the final, which will be played in April.

The two sides have already met at Havant’s Hooks Lane ground during this league campaign, with the home side taking the spoils 38-22 in mid November.

However, this will count for nothing on Saturday, as both sides will be as determined as each other to make it to another county final.

Basingstoke head coach Gareth Lewis said: “We always want to win the Hampshire Cup and we always want to beat Havant.

“There is a lot of history between the teams as we have played them so many times over the years.

“It is nice to have a break from league action, but we have a big home league game against Brighton after this game. So we have to be sensible with our team selection and make sure we do not risk anyone who is injured.”

’Stoke are hopeful Matt Horne and Steve Osborne will have recovered from recent knocks for the game. However, captain Freddie Gleadowe is yet to return to the club after his Christmas break, while No 8 and coach Gavin Hart has decided to step down for personal reasons.

Lewis added: “The league form counts for nothing as this is a one off game and we want to make another cup final.”

The other Hampshire Cup semi-final will see Portsmouth face Gosport and Fareham on February 14 and the victors will stage the final on April 25.

’Stoke lost at Gosport and Fareham 32-26 last Saturday.

The only silver lining was the two bonus points that they picked up, which moved them closer to their relegation rivals.