1:00pm Friday 19th March 2010
By John Boyman
AFTER losing at Old Albanians last weekend, Mike Goodall says he and his ’Stoke teammates will be looking to take their frustration out on Haywards Heath.
The Basingstoke scrum-half was unable to mastermind an against the odds victory over National Three London’s second placed team last weekend – the Down Grange club going down 43-0.
The ’Stoke squad came away from that game upset by the way Old Albanians have splashed the cash to bring in better players and Goodall says this made them even more determined to bounce back with a win.
“Old Albanians was always going to be tough but we were really annoyed with the way it went last week,” he said. “They have got a lot of money and have brought in a few players from clubs at a higher level.
“We didn’t play badly but they just had too much because of the new guys, which was frustrating. We want to take that frustration out on Haywards Heath this weekend.”
Struggling Haywards Heath will travel to Down Grange on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) having lost their last 10 and with just one away win to their name all season.
Basingstoke won 35-12 when the sides met in Sussex earlier in the season and Goodall believes that a big score could be on the cards if ’Stoke make a good start.
“We are a team that really sparks when we are confident so if we can run in a couple of early tries we should have a good game,” he added. “They are struggling and might crumble, so that will be the aim.
“We will definitely be looking to get back to winning ways and getting a four-try bonus point will be a priority as well.”
Basingstoke have been in top form at Down Grange of late, winning their last six home games.
Goodall said: “We are flying at home and we all much prefer playing at Down Grange.
“Our pitch is so much better than the others we play on, which suits us because it means we can get our running game going.
“Everyone in the team is always looking to put in a performance at home but sometimes we want to do that so much that we try to force things. The skill is definitely there but sometimes we just mess up that last pass.”
’Stoke could be given a boost by the return of captain Simon Appleby and dangerous winger Glen Lewis. Appleby has been struggling with a chest problem, while Lewis has had a hamstring injury, but both could be in line to make a comeback.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/trade_directory/