SURPRISE, SURPRISE returns to national television screens this week (urghh!) and locally Jordan Reynolds has sprung his own very big one for the home game against high-flying Bury St Edmunds.

He has named captain Blair Campbell as his new No. 6 and flanker.

It might appear an odd move but the coach is confident it is the right thing in the circumstances and is delighted to have the club’s natural leader back fit again after recovering from a broken hand.

He has been missed.

‘He’s been away for a long time and having him back is vital for us and I hope he can get back where he wants to be in terms of performance,’ said Jordan, who has no doubt Blair is up to the defensive side of this new flanker’s role.

His defence is probably the major strength of his game and he will be able to make far more tackles in this position.’

Asked what Blair’s strength is, the coach says it is simply leading by example.

‘He does not say a lot but when he speaks up everyone’s listening. He knows when to speak and when not to and when it comes to training he’s out there on his own.’

Fans will also be surprised to see old favourite Jim Elliott back in the starting XV.

Jim, of course, was one of the heroes of Guernsey’s vintage Siam successes of the Noughties and the coach has no hesitation in bringing him back on the wing.

'He’s probably fitter than he has ever been.’

‘It is great to have him back on the wing. He’s a big man in great shape and he also has a wealth of knowledge.’

The other major team news is that Layton Batiste is out as he starts a suspension for his recent red card and also missing is Nick Barton (hamstring).

In the absence of Malcolm Barnes, Glen Walters moves over to scrum half with Sam Whitehead playing at 10.

Luke Sayer plays at full back while newcomer Matt Hema plays inside centre.

Darrin Bellingham, try hero last week at Amersham, starts at loose-head and promising young hooker Daniel de Kock is in the match-day squad for the first time.

The game against Bury St Edmunds kicks off at 2pm.

Team: Bellingham, Ceillam, Craine, Merrien, Hillier, Campbell (captain), Le Cocq, Thomas, Walters, Whitehead, Taylor, Hema, Batiste, Elliott, Sayer.

Replacements: Roberts, de Kock and O’Hanlon.

Twenty four hours later the Guernsey Ladies put their unbeaten record on the line against visiting Southampton Ladies.

‘We are looking in good shape and have a strong squad available again,’ said coach Chris Griffiths who welcomes back into the squad Gemma O'Connell-Gaine who has played for GLR for several seasons in the past.

‘We are fully expecting a tough game against Southampton Ladies on Sunday but we haven't played them yet this season so we don't know exactly how they will play and what their strengths are.

‘We're hoping to take them on up front in the scrums which is usually one of our big strengths and we will then be really looking to try and get our pace merchants flying in the open spaces, the likes of Justeen Baker at 13 and Anneka Saunders and Mae Skillen on the wings.

‘Defence will once again be paramount as we look to secure our record as best defence in the league, having only let 17 points slip past us in three matches, we will want to put on a really good defensive display being at home.

Squad: Eleanor Woodward, Sophie O’Connell, Heidi Mahy, Kristina Vavere (c), Tanya Scholtz, Michelle Schofield, Fiona Power, Vicki Rang, Hannah Kathryn Lord, Jemma Crouse, Anneka Saunders, Hannah McLennan, Justeen Baker, Mae Skillen, Chelsie Blondel, Ju Francart, Gemma O’Connell-Gaine, Katie Conroy, Caitlin Bowie and Jemma Wilson.

Kick off is at 1.30pm at the Footes Lane pitch, support as always is very welcome.