1:00pm Friday 16th March 2012
BASINGSTOKE RFC will host either Havant or holders Gosport and Fareham in the final of the Hampshire Cup after Tottonians decided against travelling to Down Grange for the semi-final.
The match was due to take place on Saturday but the London Two South West side took the decision to concede the tie more than a week in advance due to a shortage in the front row.
Basingstoke were upset by Gosport in last year’s final and head coach James Croker says his players are keen to put that right in this season’s county showpiece, which will take place at Down Grange on Easter Saturday.
“The boys lost the final in bad circumstances last year with a bit of a cloud over the club but that is history now and the final will be a chance to really put that behind us,” he said. “It’s great for the club because they have a proud tradition of competing in and winning the Hampshire Cup.”
Saturday’s match being called off gives ’Stoke a potentially vital week off as they prepare for a final push in their quest for promotion from London One South.
With four games to go, Basingstoke are six points behind Old Elthamians, who currently occupy second spot and a play-off place.
’Stoke beat Hove 34-15 on Saturday to maintain their charge and Croker insists that there is still all to play for.
“We have to win all of our games, but Old Elthamians have still got to go to Hove, which is great news because we found out on Saturday that they are a tough team to break down,” he said.
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