BASINGSTOKE Rugby Club face the first of three Hampshire derbies in their next four London South West Two outings with a trip to Winchester on Saturday (1pm).

Stoke lost 33-10 to Warlingham in their last league game a fortnight ago and will be hoping to snap their losing start to the season against a side who sit sixth in the table after winning two of their four games so far.

Winchester have already beaten Hampshire rivals Andover and Portsmouth this season, so they will be looking to make it a hat-trick of county scalps by beating Basingstoke.

Stoke’s new captain Robbie Northcote is looking forward to the club’s first derby game of the campaign and said: “Winchester is always a great fixture. We’ve played them plenty of times in the past and it’s always a good contest.

“We’ll prepare the same ahead of this game and enjoy a quick trip down the road.”

The mood in the Basingstoke camp remains upbeat, despite their tough start to the season, and Northcote said: “You wouldn’t think that we have lost all four games. The lads are so positive and willing to learn after each game, which makes playing on a Saturday even more enjoyable.

“We’re a young team, full of energy with a drive to improve and we’re hugely lucky with the quality of coaching we have.”

He added: “Head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford is perfect for the club and his energy and passion is what the club needs.”

The skipper is also enjoying his new role and said: “Being captain is a real honour and something I’m very proud to tell people.

“I’m lucky enough to have played alongside some great captains in the past and hopefully I can learn from them as well as add my own personality to the mix.”