BASINGSTOKE RFC director of rugby Jim Dixon has told his players there can be no repeat of their poor performance against Chippenham if they are to be serious contenders for the South-West One title and achieve promotion this season.

Beset by injuries and unavailability to the backs division - five first-choice men were absent, much to Dixon's chagrin on Saturday, September 16 - plus a two-and-a-half-hour, cross-country coach journey after junctions 13 and 14 of the M4 were closed due to a jackknifed lorry, a subdued 'Stoke duly slumped to a dismal 27-0 defeat in Wiltshire.

It was the first time since 2003 - when North Walsham handed out a 62-0 drubbing in National Three South - that 'Stoke have failed to put any points on the board.

And Dixon pulled no punches in his blunt appraisal when he said: "It was very disappointing - probably the most disappointing match during my time in charge of the side. We let ourselves and the club down.

"It wasn't acceptable. I felt we made excuses for ourselves and I expect more from the players than that.

"It was a very frustrating coach journey home because Chippenham are not a good side as far as I am concerned. They didn't really create anything that should have caused us problems."

The Kiwi continued: "Yes, there were factors that affected the team. But while we had some good players missing and arrived late after the traffic problems, we shouldn't have let it affect us the way it did.

"Individually, players let themselves down, which impacted collectively. That was the frustrating thing, because guys put in a lot of effort in the game.

"But the commitment and work ethic that has made us successful over the past few seasons wasn't there.

"We cannot just turn up and expect to play like we did last season."

The 28-year-old back-row forward added: "I don't think the attitude in some of the boys was right, so if it comes down to picking guys who are younger, keener and want to play for the first team, I will. I couldn't care less about reputations.

"I've spoken a few strong words to some - and to the senior boys about it - because I won't accept that from them."

It is rare for Dixon, now in his third season at the helm, to be so forthright or critical, yet he feels the fact that he has been will ensure the message hits home.

"There are lessons to learn, but we now go forward from it and I am sure the boys will respond in the right way for the rest of the season," he stated.