JIM Dixon says he was disappointed with the way Basingstoke RFC ended their season with two big defeats, but feels his players deserve to be praised for their efforts over the course of the season.

A 55-7 Hampshire Cup final loss to rivals Havant was followed by a 96-15 drubbing at Cambridge, the team that took the London one title ahead of Worthing, who they began the day level with at the top, thanks to their high-scoring win over 'Stoke.

Player-coach Dixon reflected: "It wasn't the way we wanted to end the season but we came up against two very good sides who have shown us what is required if we are to become a national rugby side."

The Kiwi (pictured) added: "It was a very difficult game at Cambridge because they were hungry to win the title and at half-time they were on identical points with Worthing.

"So they pummelled us in the second half and it was more like a sevens game.

"The good thing is that we were already safe in the league and that's why the guys deserve to be praised.

"They turned things around after Christmas and our bad start in 2004 by working hard and winning games. It made sure we didn't have to go to Cambridge needing to win to stay up."

Now that the 2004-2005 season is over, Dixon said the next tasks to be completed involve retaining the sponsorship of the vast array of companies who back 'Stoke.

"That's the main focus at the moment because we cannot start talking with players and offering them incentives to stay if the financial backing to do it isn't there."

The players' annual end-of-season dinner and prize-giving evening takes place tonight in the clubhouse, while tomorrow there is a lunch to thank all of the club's sponsors before the Michael Rogers Trophy tournament.