WOOTTON Bassett coach Graham Stickler believes his side are starting to reap the benefits of their commitment to youth development as they challenge for Southern Counties South honours.

Bassett are joint top of their division with 10 wins out of 13 a position Stickler says puts them ahead of his schedule.

And the coach, whose side host fifth-placed Dorchester tomorrow, admits a decision taken towards the end of last season has contributed to their lofty status.

He explained: "We're in the middle of a three-year plan that started 18 months ago, so I would say we are ahead of schedule.

"We made a big sacrifice last season, when we knew there would be no relegation, and took the opportunity to give younger players a go.

"I think it is helping us now.''

The approach has also paid dividends in terms of recruitment, with the Supermarine duo of Tim Gallimore and John Clarke crossing the M4 and Malta international Nick Warren also now in first team contention.

All three are in the squad led by skipper Dave Floyd (pictured) tomorrow.

"We've played Dorchester twice already this season,'' added Stickler.

"In the cup, we experimented a little and lost, but we went down there in the league and won a very close one.

Bassett now have to entertain serious promotion possibilities, but the coach added: "I want us to continually raise our performance in each game and see where it takes us. There is no specific plan for this season, other than our three-year one.''

Stickler has kept with the same pack as the one that beat Supermarine in the county vase last week, but rings the changes in the back division.

Tug Wilson starts at scrum-half which allows Sean Millwaters to move to full-back.

Winger Tom Dietrich returns.

Bassett's first reserves head to Bath for a Combination clash against Oldfield.

The third team are in Dorset & Wilts Two North action against Devizes 3rd.