BASINGSTOKE RFC head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford remains very up beat despite his side's 32-19 loss at Winchester in London South West Two, at the weekend.

Hatherley-Hurford said: "It was the most complete game so far, the effort and desire put in from all the players was a delight to witness.

"It was a hard to end up loosing the game having dominated most of the game, but Winchester never gave up and they worked hard to take the win."

Stoke are still searching for their first win of the season, but have limited to all the opponents to just over 30 points and against Winchester racked up their biggest points so far as Karl Bruce, Mat Woodhouse and Will Jenkins all scored tries and man of the match fly half James Ephaim converted two.

Looking at the season so far the Basingstoke boss said: "What has impressed me so far is our consistency in the results we are not allowing teams to run away and competing and keeping them close and at the same time we are gradually increasing the amount of points we are put on the scoreboard and that is only going to get better."

He added: "My hope is that with continued consistency and being able to field a team of the same core players every week, a win is just around the corner."

Hatherley-Hurford also had praise for his new club captain Robbie Northcote and said: " Robbie (Northcote) has been away from the game for a few seasons and continues to impress me with his attitude and passion for the club.

"He is a natural leader of men and has my unwavering support and respect as head coach, were I playing I would proudly follow him into battle on the field without hesitation."

Basingstoke are not in action this weekend as it the World Cup final, next up for them is a visit from Cobham on November 7.

The Rugby Club are looking to get more people playing rugby through the RFU’s O2 Touch initiative. Touch rugby is a fun, non-contact version of rugby played by people of all ages and every level of ability and experience.

It is hoped the World Cup will encourage people to take up the sport and there is not better way to start than touch rugby.

Community Basingstoke RFC's rugby coach Geraint Cooper said: “Touch rugby is a great way to keep fit and to have some fun. The best thing about it is that anyone can play and I’d definitely encourage people to pitch up to play.”

The club runs weekly touch rugby sessions at Down Grange on Monday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Sessions are free and open to anyone aged over 12 with men and women of all abilities welcome. Sessions will be split into adults only and parents and kids.

For more details please email Cooper at crc@basingstokerfc.com or go to register at o2touch.co.uk and put Basingstoke into the search engine.