THE end of an era in Basingstoke rugby history takes place tomorrow when Ian Calder plays his final game as the club's player-coach.

The home clash against Redruth closes Calder's tenure as director of rugby at Down Grange.

The 38-year-old Kiwi was told a fortnight ago by senior officials that his current two-year con-tract would not be extended when it finished at the end of May.

Calder said: "It is time to move on after three good years with the club.

"My family and I are still going to be living in town, so we won't be strangers at the club. It's just that I won't be employed by them any more."

Calder reiterated his disappointment at 'Stoke's relegation from division three south and loss of national rugby status.

He said: "You always hope that when you leave a club, it's in a stronger position than when you joined.

"But we still have a lack of playing resources. The club have worked hard to remedy the problem without success. That's cost us big time.

"Other than that, everything is in place. The club deserve to be in national rugby and I hope they make a swift return, although winning London division one will not be easy unless the club recruits well in the summer."

Calder has beaten a hamstring injury to be fit to resume his duties at fly-half - he missed playing in Saturday's 66-7 loss at Westcombe Park - and is aiming to make sure he enjoys a winning finale.

Calder said: "The Westcombe Park defeat is not how I want us to be remembered in national rugby.

"It would be nice to finish the season with a win - not just for me personally, but for all the boys who have put in a huge effort.

"It would be great if clubmen like Steve Buttle, Stan Hobden and Selwyn St Bernard, who think this may be their last 'Stoke match, went out on a high."

The pre-match lunch is a sell-out and a good crowd is expected for the 3pm kick-off.

Basingstoke hope to make an announcement tomorrow concerning Calder's replacement.

Basingstoke: G Murdoch; R Holmes, S Buckland, R Northcote, Y Cullum; I Calder, T Vincent; N Young, M Evans S Hobden, R Stirling, A Wilson, J Dixon, S Appleby, S St Bernard. Replacements: N Barton, C White, C Hampson, S Buttle.