BASINGSTOKE are without a first-team rugby fixture this weekend and senior coach Jim Dixon is demanding extra training during their London division one break.

'Stoke are bottom of the table after five consecutive league defeats and Dixon, in a bid to turn form around, is enforcing the additional training sessions during the match-free fortnight.

This will make the players' commitment three times a week before they return to action against Old Albanians.

The Kiwi said: "Hopefully, having a free weekend will be the break we need that will stop the losing cycle.

"We are working hard to reduce the mistakes we are making because it is our errors that are helping opponents beat us. Our ball retention and penalty count needs to get better and I hope the guys have finally got the message.

"We have been capable of beating each team we've played so far, so it's been frustrating that we haven't got any points on board."

Dixon was pleased his side only gave away five penalties against Canterbury last Saturday, compared with the previous week's 15 versus London Scottish, but he felt the clash in Kent was another two points that got away.

"We led at half-time but threw it away. It showed us how important it is to keep to a game plan and retain the ball," he said.

"Our defence in first and second phases is good. It's only when we're stretched and lose our shape that we get punished.

"We had a lot more territory and possession but didn't take the right options.

"I hope we can improve in those areas and take what we are doing on the training paddock into matches."

Dixon confirmed he is still looking for players, particularly in the specialised roles of scrum-half and prop.

He has been speaking with former number 9, Tom Vincent, about a possible playing return.

Dixon said: "He's keen to play but he lives and works in London, doing a high-profile job involving long hours.

"It makes it hard for him to come down for training, so we're weighing up the options at the moment.

"The thing is, it isn't fair on the guys who have committed to the club if we have someone who can't train and work on the things we need to in the week.

"It's only right the guys putting in the work are those who will get the opportunities to play.

"But I am hopeful Tom can commit to one night a week training, because he is a very good player. But at this stage it's wait and see."

Dixon said he will be watching the 'Stoke second team take on Westcombe Park tomorrow in London.