1:00pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
By John Boyman
BASINGSTOKE RFC’s new head club coach is looking for his side to put a disappointing pre-season behind them.
Junior Paramore has been frustrated by a lack of numbers throughout ’Stoke’s build up to the National Three London season.
An internal trial match due to be held at Down Grange was reduced to 12-a-side because there were not enough players for a proper game. Then, last Saturday, a friendly against Redingensians had to be called off by Basingstoke, who were unable to raise a team.
As a result, ’Stoke go into their first league game of the season, a trip to Staines on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), with just one match under their belt.
Even that did not go very well, with a below-strength Basingstoke losing 38-12 away at Beckenham, who play their league rugby a step below the Down Grange club.
Paramore, who took charge of first team affairs over the summer, admits that things have not gone to plan.
“Pre-season has not gone very well,” he said. “We have had a lot of players on holiday and some injuries, so we have not had the best preparation for the season.
“I am looking forward to getting the league campaign up and running. It will be good to see the guys actually play after the disappointing pre-season.”
Despite the problems, Paramore has seen enough of the players to believe that a good season is still possible.
“The main aim is to push on from what the boys did last year and finish above mid-table,” he said. “If we are near the top of the table after Christmas, you never know and we could be pushing for promotion.
“We have got good players and if we can avoid picking up injuries, we will have a good chance.”
Staines are likely to provide ’Stoke with a tough opening day test. They are new to the league after being promoted, but won London one north last season and will be looking to carry on from where they left off.
“Staines will be full of confidence so it is going to be a tough game,” Paramore said. “We |certainly cannot afford to underestimate them because they are new to the league and just have to front up and see how it goes.”
Most of the Basingstoke squad who finished sixth last season are expected to line up on Saturday – but Paramore has had to deal with the void left by New Zealanders Paul Morris and Andrew Fitchett.
Mike Goodall is likely to switch from scrum-half to replace Fitchett at full-back, while Paramore is currently studying his options at fly-half.
Youngster Luke Flower could be the long-term solution but the coach is also looking at a more experienced option in South African Greg Burrell.
“Luke is very young and we need some experience in that position to run the show,” Paramore explained. “We have got a couple of new boys coming in to strengthen the squad this week and we will see how they gell.”
Paramore’s only injury problem is centre David Byett, who will miss the first six weeks of the season with a knee injury.
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