BASINGSTOKE RFC have been handed a home tie against Norfolk outfit Wymondham in the opening round of the EDF Energy National Trophy.

The club played in the Intermediate Cup last season, losing to Chester in the quarter-finals, but will compete in the more senior National Trophy this season.

Wymondham, who won the Eastern Counties division one title last season and will play in London division four north east this year, will make the long trip to Down Grange on October 18.

After suffering relegation at the end of last season, 'Stoke will this year play their rugby in London division two south.

The fixtures have now been released and Basingstoke, now under the guidance of Geoff Richards, will begin with a trip to Gravesend on September 13.

The following week will see Beckenham visit Down Grange, with 'Stoke back on the road seven days later, when they travel to Old Colfeians.

The club will be hoping to be involved in a fight for promotion, come the end of the season, and if they are, 'Stoke will have the advantage of playing their final game on April 18 at home, with Thanet Wanderers the visitors.

Basingstoke RFC fixtures 2008/09
September
13 Gravesend (away)
20 Beckenham (home)
27 Old Colfeians (away)

October
4 Sidcup (home)
11 Tunbridge Wells (away)
25 Dover (home)

November
1 Cobham (away)
8 Dorking (away)
15 Chobham (home)
29 Thanet Wanderers (away)

December
6 Maidstone (home)
20 Chobham (away)

January
10 Dorking (home)
24 Cobham (home)
31 Dover (away)

February
14 Tunbridge Wells (home)
21 Sidcup (away)

March
7 Old Colfeians (home)
14 Beckenham (away)
28 Gravesend (home)

April
4 Maidstone (away)
18 Thanet Wanderers (home)

10:58am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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