BASINGSTOKE RFC will have their best chance yet to end their winless streak this season, when they face a visit from fellow London South West Two strugglers Andover on Saturday at Down Grange.

The All Blacks have lost their last seven games after they opened their campaign with a victory.

A big crowd is expected at Down Grange for a game which kicks-off at 3pm.

The basement battle is sure to hotly contested by these local rivals with a win being so important to both sides.

Stoke head coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford is putting no pressure on his young chargers ahead of what is their second Hampshire derby in as many weeks.

Last weekend, Stoke travelled to the south of the county and lost 34-0 in Portsmouth.

Hatherley-Hurford said: “I was really proud of may players, Portsmouth were well drilled outfit last week and deserved the win.

“We are a young team and I think it is only a matter of time, before we will come into our own and click.”

Looking ahead to this week's game against Andover, Stoke's head coach added: “We always look forward to playing at home with the excellent support we have and like every team in this division we will treat Andover with the respect they deserve.”

Stoke captain Rob Northcote felt in Portsmouth the forwards did not get enough ball to the backs as they looked very dangerous when given the chance.”

The first 40 minutes was hotly contested as the visitors only trailed 12-0 at the break.

The visitors may not have scored, but James Ephraim produced an excellent 40 metre run which included three dummy passes and prop James Savine showed his old winger’s pace as he weaved 30 metres up field.

Looking ahead to the Andover game, Northcote said: “What constantly impresses me is the attitude of this team and even if we are still searching for that elusive first win the positivity of the guys isn’t wavering.”