EXTRA training, along with set-piece and attacking play refinement, are some of the ingredients Jim Dixon and his Basingstoke side hope will make Cornish cream of St Ives.

'Stoke travel down to Cornwall this weekend seeking to avenge an 18-3 EDF Trophy defeat on October 28, and also build on the success of a 22-3 league win over Reading Abbey.

That welcome success a fortnight ago ended a four-match losing streak and put 'Stoke closer to St Ives in the South West One table.

St Ives' progress in the EDF Trophy came to an end last Saturday with a 26-16 defeat in Canterbury while Dixon's men were taking a well-earned weekend off playing.

Director of rugby Dixon used the extended break to focus on aspects of team play he felt needed improving - and he believes it will pay off come Saturday.

He said: "We've had the forwards in for extra sessions and they've worked very hard on our set-piece.

"Our scrum and lineout has not been as strong as I'd like in the past few weeks, so it needed a bit of technical refinement.

"We've also, as a team, been working on improving our attacking play because we haven't been taking the opportunities we've been creating."

He added: "The boys needed a free weekend to rest up - so it's been very beneficial. We want to win against St Ives.

"For the trophy game, we went there and back in a day, which was a big ask, and played in some very trying conditions.

"But we're going down late Friday afternoon this time so we're only 10 minutes away on Saturday. That's going to help our preparation. We'll be a lot fresher.

"Cornish sides are always strong and very tough to play at home, but we're feeling confident.

"Our defence, when we've had 15 players on the field, has been very good in recent weeks. We haven't conceded a try in some time at full-strength. So we must make sure we keep our concentration, discipline and 15 players on the field for 80 minutes."

Apart from centre Myles Rutherford (broken knuckle), Dixon's backs division is in place, with Mike Goodall, Karl Buttle and Dave Lambert lining up behind half-backs Jamie Fish and Simon Humberstone.

New Australian overseas arrival Mike Swenson will play at outside-centre, with Andrew Patrick moving inside to cover Rutherford's absence.

Hooker Andrew Rowlands (broken ribs) is out, but Dixon is yet to decide his front eight.