A derby clash we just Hav to win - Lewis (From Basingstoke Gazette)

A derby clash we just Hav to win - Lewis

8:00am Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in Rugby

GLEN Lewis could not be more motivated for Basingstoke’s clash with rivals Havant this weekend.

The ’Stoke winger is desperate to help his side to victory at Down Grange on Saturday as they look to establish themselves as Hampshire’s top club.

“It’s a must-win game because we really want to finish above them,” he said. “There are three Hampshire clubs in the league and it would be brilliant to finish above both Havant and Portsmouth.

“I personally would love to beat Havant. Of all the games in the season, this is the one I want to win the most.

“They are our local rivals so it is about more than just points, especially as we lost at their ground earlier in the season. It would be awful to lose at home as well.”

In addition to National Three London points, the game is doubling up as the semi-final of the Hampshire Cup, which Basingstoke won last year.

“That gives us even more incentive,” Lewis added. “It would mean so much to retain the Hampshire Cup because Havant have been on top a lot in recent years.”

Lewis scored the only try of the game as ’Stoke beat Havant on their own ground to claim the cup last year but is hoping to put in a more rounded display on Saturday.

“I am hoping to play even better against them this time around,” he said. “The try last year was pretty much a run in and I want to be more involved all round this time.

“I have not been scoring as many tries as I would have liked of late though and will be looking to put that right against Havant.”