JIM Dixon is set to use Basingstoke RFC's EDF Energy National Trophy first-round match against St Ives as an opportunity to hand some of the club's Dragons players a chance to stake a first-team claim.

Director of rugby Dixon was angry with 'Stoke's performance and their last-minute 25-24 loss to Oxford Harlequins at Down Grange last Saturday - and he has held strong talks this week with his players to resolve the issues which led to that defeat.

He feels his comments have been taken on board and was pleased with the collective reaction in training but, having promised personnel changes this weekend when 'Stoke take a week off South West One league action, he has made eight and relocated a couple of players too.

Coming in to start are forwards Simon Lovegrove, Jamie Folan, Phil Perkins, Chris Williams and Steve Pywell, while Dave Holland, Simon Humberstone and Mike Goodall enter the backs line.

"We are taking a strong side down there - the one that deserves to go on form," Dixon said.

"I've also called up the boys who have been playing well for the Dragons and I am looking forward to seeing how they do in pressure situations."

Dixon admits making a second lengthy trip to Cornwall in as many weeks - a fortnight ago 'Stoke went down to Penzance to face league leaders Mounts Bay - "is not ideal, but that's the way it goes".

However, the bonus for Dixon is that it gives him the chance to assess St Ives, who are fourth to 'Stoke's eighth in the league table, before they meet again on November 25.

Dixon said: "Playing a team in our league is of significant value to us. It's a competitive environment where everything counts and it gives us the chance to lay down a psychological marker.

"We want to get to the second round - but we will have to make sure we get off to a good start.

"Cornish sides are strong and well-supported on home turf, but we'll hopefully quieten their fans if we play to our ability."

'Stoke: Ollie Rogers; Dave Lambert, Mike Goodall, Andrew Patrick, Karl Buttle; Simon Humberstone, Dave Holland; Simon Lovegrove, Jamie Folan, Phil Perkins; Ross Stirling, Chris Williams; Tom Northcote, Steve Pywell, Caan Childs. Replacements: Matt Oliver, Shane Murphy/Andrew Rowlands, Darren Lillywhite, Adrian Hopkins, Dan Rees.