JAMES Croker faces a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hampshire rivals Trojans – but it’s a problem that Basingstoke RFC’s head coach is happy to have.

The ’Stoke boss has an embarrassment of riches to pick from in certain areas and the issue is trying to keep everybody happy.

The Down Grange club are especially blessed when it comes to second row forwards. Andy Hore, Jake Henderson and Steve Drawbridge have been vying for two spots in the side all season and Croker now has another option in Gavin Emerson, who impressed on his full debut against Hove last week, capping a fine performance with a try.

“Gavin Emerson is a fine player who gives us something a bit different to our other second row forwards, but he has got to keep playing well because he has other players breathing down his neck,” Croker said. “Everyone needs to be on their toes.”

Croker also has tough decisions to make in other areas. Centre Callum Staff remains sidelined with an ankle injury but flanker Matt Horne is back in contention after missing last week’s 49-8 win over Hove.

However, James Saunders did well in his absence, while dangerous full-back Ceri Cummings could return after an ankle injury, giving Croker another difficult decision to make.

“I think we could be there until midnight in the selection meeting because there are a lot of players pushing for a place throughout the whole club,” Croker added. “Keeping everyone happy is the problem but it’s better to have that headache than be scratching around for players.”

Saturday will see Basingstoke face Eastleigh-based Trojans for the second time in three weeks. The sides met at Down Grange in the Hampshire Cup on November 5, with ’Stoke scraping a 9-5 victory from a poor game.

“We have got to be realistic in that we played badly and still got the win so we carry confidence into the game because we will play better,” Croker said.

“They have to up their game and the pressure is still on them.

“We won a lot of set plays and the forwards gave us as much ball as they have throughout the season but we did not take advantage.

“If we can keep the ball better we should be able to get the right result.”

Last week’s victory over Hove, combined with leaders Chichester suffering a first defeat of the |season at home to Old Elthamians, saw Basingstoke move back into contention for the London One South title.

They remain fourth in the table but are now just six points behind the leaders and Croker is confident that they can close the gap by picking up bonus points.

“We are back in there now but we knew that teams would not go unbeaten unless they were exceptional,” he said.

“We are still not even halfway through the season so it is all to play for.

“We need to start picking up bonus points and Saturday showed that when we fire we are more than capable of getting four tries. It has taken the players time to adjust to our new approach but our key decision makers are starting to use the ball well.”