JUNIOR Paramore insists that his Basingstoke RFC side are getting better every week – but admits that they need to start winning games soon.

’Stoke have lost their first three National Three London outings, going down 23-22 in their most recent game at Havant on Saturday.

For the second week running, Basingstoke threw away a 14-point lead – but head club coach Paramore was able to take some |positives from the game.

“It was frustrating that we threw a lead away again but we are coming together as a team, which is positive,” he said.

“I was a bit disappointed after the game but it was definitely a step forward.

“We are getting better every week and improving a lot as a team, learning the moves and everything.

“We have got to start getting results now though. Everybody likes to win and we need to start doing that sooner rather than later.”

’Stoke currently lie second-from-bottom in the league table, having secured just two bonus points from their opening three games.

They need to start hitting form soon – or they could face becoming embroiled in an unwanted relegation battle.

However, they will be hard pressed to get their first win on the board this weekend as they face a trip to high-flying Barnes.

The London club, who were relegated from National Two South at the end of last season, have won all three of their games so far, collecting maximum points in the process.

They beat Civil Service 48-29 last week and Paramore admits that it will be hard for his team when they travel up the M3 on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

“It will be tough this weekend but I am hoping that the boys can come back and do the unexpected,” he said. “Barnes are looking strong but, for us, it’s all about playing as a team.

“When we looked after the ball last week we scored some cracking tries. We know that it can be done, it’s just a matter of being patient rather than giving the ball away.”

’Stoke will continue to miss centre David Byett, who is expected to be on the sidelines for several more weeks due to a knee injury, while the game will also come too soon for physical flanker Dan Rees.

Rees’ continuing absence due to a shoulder injury is a big problem for ’Stoke as he is a key man around the breakdown – and Paramore is hoping to have him back for next weekend’s visit of local rivals Bracknell.

One player who will certainly be out for a while is prop Tim Coghlan, an army officer who has been posted out to Afghanistan until December.