BASINGSTOKE RFC chairman Dr Steve Tristram is pleased that, from today, the rugby club has a new weekly page to inform the local community of the latest developments at Down Grange.

The Hampshire Clinic's Sports Medicine Service-sponsored page will be keeping our readers abreast of matters of interest at the club, from senior team to juniors and much more.

It will include updates on the work of the club's new community development officer Jim Dixon as he takes the youth development programme into Basingstoke schools to encourage youngsters to take up the sport.

Dr Tristram said: "Having a weekly page in The Monday Gazette will improve both the profile of the club and the new sport injury treatment facilities, such as hydrotherapy, at The Hampshire Clinic."

The introduction of the page in The Monday Gazette caps a good few weeks for the club. Off the pitch especially, the future is looking bright for 'Stoke.

The club recently received a massive financial boost when it secured major sponsorship deals with Eli Lilly and FX Management Services.

Dr Tristram said: "It has been a very positive period for us recently, in terms of sponsorship and funding, which as an amateur club we do need.

"Gaining the support and financial backing of two of Basingstoke's leading businesses is very pleasing. Not only that, but the support from smaller sponsors and backers has also increased significantly.

"Although we have not yet reached the total amount of funding we received last year - FX as flagship sponsors invested heavily - we are very close. It means we are in a good position financially.

"Looking at fortunes on the pitch, I am hoping that we can consolidate our position as a division three south club.

"It's been a difficult start to the season, with three tough away games and injuries playing a part. We need to win our home games. Fingers crossed, if we do that - and I believe we can - we are good enough to stay in national rugby."

Saturday saw Basingstoke's first national division three south fixture at Down Grange, when Dings Crusaders were the visitors. Being the first home match of the season, a special lunch was staged beforehand for club sponsors and supporters.