Ash sets sights on leaders Chichester (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Ash sets sights on leaders Chichester

1:00pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Rugby By John Boyman

ASH Paterson believes that Basingstoke RFC can give their promotion push a big shot in the arm by beating London One South leaders Chichester next week.

’Stoke have made a very positive start to 2012, securing bonus point victories in their opening two games of the year to stay in touch with the division’s top dogs.

Victory away at Chichester on February 4 would put the Down Grange club into real contention not only for promotion but also the title – and full-back Paterson says that a win against Dover on Saturday would be the perfect preperation.

“I’m confident we can get the win we are looking for at Down Grange and the aim has got to be a bonus point win as well,” he said. “If we can do that it will set us up nicely for Chichester.

“I think we have every chance of beating them because it was so close last time we played them.

“All of the top teams still have to play each other again so it’s important that we keep winning to get ourselves in a good position. If other results go our way we can top the table.

“We definitely want to get second and a play-off place though. Our aim at the start of the season was to win promotion and that has not changed.”

It has been suggested in some quarters that Basingstoke’s young squad might benefit from a couple of seasons in London One South to prepare them for life at a higher level – but Paterson has faith in the current squad.

“This is probably one of the best teams I have played in at Basingstoke,” he said.

“We have a good enough squad and players to survive at the next level up, even if that means a couple of seasons in mid-table before pushing on again. Bouncing back from relegation to go straight back up is very achievable for us.”

In his time at ’Stoke, Paterson, pictured right, has played in a number of different positions, filling in on the wing, in the centre and even at scrum-half.

However, he has enjoyed having a run in the team at full-back, his favourite position.

“I am second top try scorer at the club and am enjoying every moment this season,” Paterson said.

“I certainly prefer being in a settled position and full-back is a position I really enjoy. You get a bit more control and space.

“You get to come into the line from different positions and angles, while you can see what’s going on because you are a bit further back. That gives you the chance to pick out where the opposition’s weaknesses are.”

His position could come under threat if Ceri Cummings returns to action in the near future – but Paterson is in no mood to give up his shirt without a fight.

“There is no reason why I should not keep the number 15 shirt when Ceri comes back in,” Paterson added. “The coaches want all of our best backs playing though so if I’m asked to play on the wing or at outside centre, I will do that.”

This season has seen Paterson handed extra responsibility as vice-captain and he has enjoyed the challenge, particularly when asked to lead the side out in the absence of regular skipper Neil Young.

“I enjoy the responsibility of being captain and really like leading the guys out on to the field,” he said. “I’m still only 23 but I see myself as a senior player and aim to set an example for the young guys to look up to.”