BASINGSTOKE RFC are eager to get their season back on track and there will be no better way to do that, than to win at Hampshire rivals Havant.

There is a lot of history between these local rivals, especially in the Hampshire Cup, which was where these sides last met in April, when ’Stoke won a thriller 13-11 in extra time.

They will hope for another victory as they head south to face a side who are unbeaten in their last three outings at Hooks Lane.

However, Havant’s last game saw them lose away at Sutton and Epsom 31-27.

Meanwhile, ’Stoke after four straight defeats, have slipped to second from bottom in London One South.

Their last win was an excellent 60-15 in their last Hampshire derby at home to Gosport and Fareham, and they will be keen to do the same in this weekend’s derby game at Havant.

Head coach Will Croker said: “We have lost our last four games, but we feel we are not a million miles away from things starting to click again and getting back to wins. All the players really want to get back out on the pitch and prove this.”

Having no game last week has helped some players recover from minor knocks, while Chris Gyatt, Freddie Gleadowe and Sam Turner played for the A team in their 34-24 defeat at Sutton and Epsom last weekend.

Croker added: “It was good for some players to have a week off, while others who have missed a few weeks were able to get some minutes under their belts.”

Basingstoke are expecting to have a number of players back for the trip to Havant, including tight and loose heads Oli John and Steve Osborne.

They are also hoping Jamie Folan, Callum Staff and back row Dave Greenaway will also figure in team selection.

However, Jon Bird will be rested this week due to a leg injury.

Looking ahead to the trip to Havant, Croker said: “We know this is going to be a tough game as all derby matches are.

“They are a stubborn side with a never-say-die attitude and we expect them to throw the kitchen sink at us.

“We have to negate their threats so we can play our attacking style of rugby.”

He added: “They have had a mixed set of results and we are keen to get back to winning.

“We have a big squad and everyone is training hard, so I see no reason we cannot get the victory we are looking for at Havant and start our climb up the table.”

This is the first of two trips to Havant this season for ’Stoke, as they will return there on January 24 for their semi-final clash in the Hampshire Cup.

Basingstoke will hope to win this week’s dress rehearsal, which will then give them the edge for the cup tie early next year.