'Stoke look to win another derby game (From Basingstoke Gazette)

'Stoke look to win another derby game

1:50pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Rugby Exclusive By Graham Merry

BASINGSTOKE RFC director of rugby James Croker is looking for his side to grab another bonus point win when Gosport & Fareham are the visitors to Down Grange on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

For the second week running ’Stoke will face a Hampshire derby as the fixture comes hot on the heels of their 43-12 victory at Trojans last weekend.

That was thanks to 31 unanswered points in the second-half after the sides went in level at 12-12 at half- time.

Looking back at that game Croker said: “The first half was the worst half we have played in a long time. We were just too loose and making too many unforced errors. “We put that right after the break and I am looking for another bonus point win this weekend.”

Newly promoted Gosport have suf¬ fered two defeats in their opening two games and last week lost 32-17 to visiting Havant.

They did play ’Stoke last season in the final of the Hampshire Cup at Down Grange, which the home side won 16-10. Croker added: “I am hoping the game at Trojans is a wake-up call and we can carry as we played in the second-half.

“There are no easy games in this league and many banana skins. We will treat them with the respect they deserve.” Basingstoke will be without tight head prop Ollie John, while Gareth Kelly will face a late fitness test.

Otherwise everyone else is available as ’Stoke will try to get their first home win under their belts.