BASINGSTOKE RFC will hope to climb out of the London One South relegation zone with a victory over visiting Brighton on Saturday (3pm).

Chairman of senior playing Steve Parker is set to be in charge of the team again, as he was last weekend, when ’Stoke made their Hampshire Cup exit at Havant.

Despite the loss, Parker could not fault the efforts of his players. He knows they are up for the fight and hopes a return to Down Grange will inspire them to victory.

The Sussex visitors have yet to win in 2015, losing all three of their outings. Basingstoke are also winless in their last three starts, but have been victorious in 2015, winning at Cobham just after the turn of the year.

When the two sides met in Brighton in the middle of October, the home side won 29-24.

This was after ’Stoke trailed at half-time 22-7. They then staged a great comeback, only to be edged out by the Sussex side.

At the moment, the relegation battle is between four teams: Dover, Twickenham, Basingstoke and Hove.

’Stoke are three points behind Dover and Twickenham, but four ahead of Hove and have to play all three sides away in the closing stages of the campaign.

A few wins before then would ease their relegation worries and one over Brighton would do very nicely.

Basingstoke will welcome back captain Freddie Gleadowe, Ollie John and Glenn Magee, but there are fitness doubts on Dave Byett (hand) and Rilwan Lawal (jaw).

They could also be without Ryan Davis, who was red carded in the Hampshire Cup tie at Havant for a punch, which the player denies.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Parker said: “I have looked at the video of the Brighton game earlier in the season and it was a close game.

“We know it is going to be tough, but we have a few guys coming back and there is plenty of competition for places.

“I know the players are up for the challenge and I hope we have a good crowd to cheer them on to what we hope will be a victory.”