BASINGSTOKE RFC head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford believes things are still very much going in the right direction, despite his side losing their opening home game 34-12 against KCS Old Boys.

The Stoke boss was impressed with the visitors and they built up a 24-0 lead after just 30 minutes.

The home side hit back and winger Matt Woodhouse scored a try, which Sion Hughes converted.

However, the visitors added another score to their tally for a half-time lead of 29-7.

The second 40 minutes was a lot closer, with only one score for each team.

The Old Boys scored first, before Taniform Tala beat five players in the 22 and went in for an unconverted try.

Looking back on the game, Hatherley-Hurford said: “It was another step forward for us and it was nice to have a guard of honour from the under-nines and so many people supporting the boys.

“I got a lot of excellent feedback from them on how well the boys played and how much of an improvement it was from last season.

“I don’t expect things to happen overnight and once we click and fire on all cylinders I fear for the sides we have to play.”

Next up for Stoke is a trip to Effingham and Leatherhead, who finished mid-table last season.

The visitors will be minus James Savine for the trip as he suffered a rib injury against the Old Boys.

Hatherley-Hurford is looking forward to the trip and said: “There is no pressure on the boys I just want them to go out and enjoy their rugby.”

Before Saturday’s game with KCS, Basingstoke RFC president Dr Steve Tristram announced he had chosen Ark Cancer Centre Charity as his charity of the year.

The president is encouraging fellow club members to help raise awareness of, and funds for, the unique centre, which will serve residents in the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust area, including Basingstoke and Deane.

Dr Tristram, who has taken up the role of president after 20 years as chairman, said: “The rugby club has a proud tradition of being at the heart of the local community, and of helping good causes. Ark Cancer Centre Charity is a very worthy cause, and I am delighted to endorse and support it as the President’s Charity of the Year.”