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THEY may already be relegated, but Basingstoke will be keen to get a good result for Jim Dixon in their final game of the season.

Saturday's match against high-flying Worthing at Down Grange (3pm) will be director of rugby Dixon's last match in charge.

"It is going to be a strange day for me, but I am glad that my final game will be at home," Dixon said.

He would like to end his five years at the club on a positive note, but he admits that this could prove difficult.

'Stoke already know that they will be relegated from London one whatever the result on Saturday, while Worthing could be heading for promotion. They have already secured second place and will be looking for a win that could secure them a home tie in a play-off for promotion against Bracknell, of South West one.

The Sussex side have been in fine form all season, winning 18 out of their 21 games so far, and last week they beat champions Richmond 13-12. Basingstoke, on the other hand, have lost 12 of their last 13.

"It would be nice to go out on a high but that will be very difficult to do and a big challenge," Dixon said.

"Worthing are the most complete side in the league, but I hope that the boys will be able to go out there, enjoy it and get a positive result.

"Worthing have a great pack, with some excellent guys up front who create a good platform for the rest of the team.

"We will have to be very well prepared up front and, if we defend well, we will be in contention. I'm sure the lads will be up for it and looking for a good finish to the season."

Dixon will be without forward Ross Stirling, who has not recovered from a knee injury in time to play again this season.

In addition, five players will miss the match because they will be in Gloucestershire preparing to represent Hampshire in the semi-final of the under-20 county championship.

Wingers Karl Buttle and Glen Lewis, hooker Jamie Folan, prop Matt Oliver and back row Luke Richardson have all played a part in Hampshire's run and will be looking to reach Twickenham with a victory over Gloucestershire on Sunday.

"It is a shame that they will be missing, but they have done incredibly well with Hampshire and it is a big weekend for them, so we understand and are supporting them," Dixon said.

4:56pm Friday 18th April 2008

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