BASINGSTOKE will face Old Colfeians at Down Grange to open their 22 league fixtures for the 2004-05 rugby season.

After end-of-season doubts over which league they would be playing in, following relegation from national division three south in April, 'Stoke will compete in London division one.

And one of their toughest examinations takes place in their second game when they travel to one of the title favourites - Richmond.

Senior coach Jim Dixon said: "The fixture list's pretty good as we've got three games at home in the first month, so we're quite happy.

"Old Colfs are a side we know well and we're all looking forward to going to Richmond.

"They are a big club and have big ambitions, but the structure we'll have had in place in pre-season and our first few games should put us in a good position.

"We want to be playing them early in the season before they get into a run of form, and I'm hopeful we will upset Richmond."

Dixon said he was still holding talks with his number one target - a prop - and was hopeful of getting the player to 'Stoke.

He said: "I'm still waiting to hear back from him, but I've also lined up another couple of guys, including a back-up prop.

"It's still a bit early in the summer to get new players to commit. They want a rest and holiday after a long season."

Dixon also announced that the club have appointed their new community coach.

Oliver Rogers, from Sussex, will start in July.

Dixon said: "We wanted to get someone to replace me as soon as possible because the schools programme has gone well this past year and the local schools are keen to carry on with the development scheme.

"Oliver has got a lot of experience working with kids, as he has set up programmes at schools in the area he is now, and he's worked part-time with the RFU regional development officer in Kent."

See your Friday Gazette for the full list of fixtures.