BASINGSTOKE RFC open their home campaign in London South West Two on Saturday (2pm) when King’s College School Old Boys are the visitors to Down Grange.

Stoke started their campaign last weekend and with 10 minutes to go, they looked like they could win the contest at Weybridge Vandals, as they had just scored a try and only trailed 13-7.

Unfortunately, the home side had other ideas and enjoyed a super finale as they ran out 30-7 winners.

It was a shame for the visitors, who had defended well for the first 70 minutes.

The first half had seen Weybridge unable to find a way through the Basingstoke back line and they had to settle for a couple of penalties to lead 6-0 at the break.

A driving maul from a line-out shortly after the interval saw the home side extend their lead to 13-0.

Stoke hit back as Chris May-Miller released Matt Woodhouse and the winger ran 60 metres to score. Will Joyce kicked over the extras and it was very much game on.

Both sides then had chances until the last few minutes.

Basingstoke’s head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford was very upbeat about the game said: “I am proud of all the players. We competed and we could have won the game except for the bizarre final few minutes.

“There were plenty of positives to come out of the game. We are rebuilding this club and it is not going to happen overnight, but it was another step in the right direction.”

One player who impressed the new coach was Curtis Eagle, a youngster who made his first team debut at number 10.

This weekend, Basingstoke are expected to welcome back Jon Bird, Rob Durham, Will Jenkins, Fraser Parris and James Savine.

Hatherley-Hurford is expecting a tough home opener as KCS Old Boys beat visiting London Cornish in their season opener.

The Basingstoke head coach said: “We know the fans had little to cheer about last season, but this a new beginning and we want the fans to come down and be the extra man.

“We can’t promise we will win, but the boys will go out there to do their best. I want them to enjoy their rugby and express themselves.”