THE only way is up for Basingstoke RFC now after they slid to the bottom of the London One South table last weekend, when they lost their basement battle at Hove.

’Stoke now have just five games left to make their great escape, and this starts with a clash against their arch Hampshire rivals Havant on Saturday at Down Grange.

The visitors have already beaten Basingstoke twice this season, both at their Hooks Lane ground.

The first time was in the league and the second was in January in a Hampshire Cup semi-final tie, when the visitors played the last 20 minutes with 14 men.

’Stoke will hope it will be third time lucky when Havant make their first trip to the north of the county since losing last season’s Hampshire Cup final at Down Grange.

The Hooks Lane outfit have lost their last three outings, including a 24-12 defeat at struggling Twickenham a fortnight ago. So hopefully ’Stoke can add to that run in a game that is sure to be a battle royale between two sides with a history of a long rivalry.

Basingstoke picked up no new injuries from their loss at Hove and will be boosted by the return of skipper and scrum-half Guy Wilkinson. Prop Ollie John is also added to squad for the Havant game.

Basingstoke RFC chairman of playing Steve Parker said: “We have a number of players in contention for shirts this week, so we will have to make some decisions as to who plays, which is nice.

“Every game now is going to be like a cup final for us. As a club, we always want to beat Havant.

He added: “I am looking forward to a big crowd getting behind the boys and I just want them to go out on the field and express themselves.

“Hopefully, we will get the result all their hard work on the training pitch deserves.”