BASINGSTOKE RFC chairman of senior playing Steve Parker remains upbeat about his side’s prospects, despite their latest London South One defeat at Sidcup.

Parker saw his side beaten 57-0 in Kent by the title chasers, but he felt there were plenty of positives to come out of a game in which his side were unable to convert their possession into points on the board.

Parker said: “The scoreline did not reflect the effort the boys put in and we had a several long periods of possession, but we just could not get the ball over for a try.

“They were good from set pieces, especially at the scrum, and a lot of their points came from this.

“They are well organised side, but I felt we did well with ball in hand.”

The chairman of senior playing had special praise for a number of players and felt Dave Byett was their man-of-the-match, saying: “He had a superb game for us and was outstanding.”

Three players, Tom Tully, Anthony Roberts and Ed Mellish made their debuts for the first team.

Parker was pleased will all three and said: “They all did really well. I felt Tom Tully linked up well with Kyle Doel and it looks the making of an excellent partnership. We will hope to develop this in the coming weeks.”

The side have no game this weekend, with a visit from mid-table Charlton Park next up for them a week on Saturday.

Parker is looking forward to four good training sessions with the team ahead of his side’s next game.

He said: “The mood in the camp is very good. The boys want to train and it will give us a chance to go over a lot of things.

“I still think we can get out of the relegation zone as the spirit in the team is good and everyone is ready for the battles ahead.”

He will also hope that some of his injured players will be fit for the next game.

Captain Guy Wilkinson (elbow), winger Matt Woodhouse (hip) and prop Sam Turner (back) all picked up knocks in Saturday’s encounter at Sidcup.

Merit South West league leaders Basingstoke Griffins are the only side in action this weekend. They face a visit from title rivals Tottonians III (2.30pm).