YOUNG hooker Jon Bird believes that Basingstoke RFC are capable of winning at both Chichester and Sidcup to bolster their chances of claiming the London One South title.

’Stoke’s hopes of earning immediate promotion back to National Three London were dealt a major blow as they lost at home to both Sidcup and Chichester last month.

However, Bird believes the Down Grange club have the players to win both reverse fixtures – and the title.

“We can definitely win the league,” he said. “We know we are capable and topping the league is certainly within our reach.

“Obviously it will be harder to win at Chichester and Sidcup but we went away from our matches with both sides thinking we could have won. That gives us confidence because we know we can beat them.

“We know what we will be up against next time and just have to adapt to make sure we come out on top.”

The defeats to Chichester and Sidcup were followed by a disappointing performance against Trojans in the Hampshire Cup, with Basingstoke scraping through to the semi-finals thanks to a 9-5 victory.

Their form has improved markedly since then though, with comprehensive league victories over Hove and Trojans putting ’Stoke right back in contention at the top of the table.

“We have put in good performances in our last two games and seem to be climbing the league now rather than slipping down it,” Bird said. “It was disappointing to lose to Chichester and Sidcup, while the performance in the Hampshire Cup wasn’t good enough but hopefully that was just a blip and we are over it now.

“We knew what we were doing wrong, changed a few things and now we are really looking forward to the next few games.”

Those next games are a tricky run into the Christmas period, with a home game against second-place Old Elthamians followed by a trip to Guernsey, who currently sit fifth.

“We have already got into the mindset that it is going to be tough against Old Elthamians,” Bird added. “That game could be the key to our season and it is important that we get the win.

“The trip to Guernsey is going to be a bit of a challenge because we are going there and back in one day but we know it is coming and have to get our minds ready to go there and put in a good performance.”

Putting in a good performance is key for Bird every week as he looks to establish himself as the club’s first choice hooker.

The departure of Jamie Folan has left the number two shirt up for grabs, with head coach James Croker admitting that there is very little to choose between Bird and main rival Lloyd Staszkiewcz.

Bird has started the last three games but admits that he still cannot take his place in the side for granted.

“I always know that Lloyd is there waiting for his chance,” the 21-year-old said. “It keeps both of us on our toes and makes for a really competitive atmosphere.

“It’s always good to have competition there. It means I am always really motivated to get down to training because I have to make sure I keep hold of the shirt.

“This is probably my best season so far. I’m training harder than ever before and hopefully that is paying off.

“Lineout throwing was the main area I was determined to concentrate on this season, trying to get my throwing accuracy up to 100 per cent. I was a bit off to start with but seem to be getting better as the season goes on.”