BASINGSTOKE hooker Jamie Folan believes that spending a season at a lower level has benefited the club.

’Stoke suffered relegation at the end of the 2007-08 season but bounced back brilliantly to claim the London two south title last term and earn a place in National Three South.

Folan thinks a season in the wilderness has had a positive impact on the young team and is sure that the current squad is the best he has been a part of.

“I do not think that going down was a bad thing in the end,” the 21-year-old said.

“A lot of young guys played last year and got some good experience to build on.

“It was also good to be winning every week. We found out what works and are still trying to play the same expansive game, it’s just a bit harder.

“I think this is the best squad I have played in.

“I would have said that last year as well and we have built on that strong squad, recruiting people like Rory Greenslade-Jones and Sam Harding.”

Basingstoke have had a mixed start to the season, producing some good victories but also losing games that they might be expected to win.

“It’s always going to be difficult when you move up a league,” Folan explained.

“I think everyone is noticing a difference compared to last season, especially on the physical side of things.Last year there was more room for skill, whereas this year it’s more physical, which I am happy with because the physical side is one of the strengths of my own game.

“I also played my first two seasons of senior rugby at this level so I have experienced it before and know what to do.

“I think a good target for the season would be to finish in the top half.

“There is no reason why we cannot do that with the strength we have in our squad.”

In addition to moving up a division, Basingstoke have also had to contend with problems off the field, with new head coach Jim Kelly questioning the players’ commitment due to a lack of numbers at training.

Folan admits that this has had an impact on the team but argues that players are not choosing to miss sessions.

“It’s not that guys are deciding not to train, it’s just that some people work shifts and others have to travel down from London,” he said.

“It’s not through choice, it’s just the way things are.

“We have had trouble with numbers at training though and I cannot remember a session where the whole team was there.

That is not good and is probably the main problem at the moment.

“We are not getting enough of the right people there.

“No disrespect to the guys in the twos and threes but we need our top players there to set the level |so we can build towards the weekend.

“Hopefully it will get better but I think it is just the way things are and we have to learn to cope with it.”