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Weekend preview: 1sts v Tonbridge Juddians

Weekend preview: 1sts v Tonbridge Juddians

Natalie Davidson11 Dec 2014 - 19:54
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Thomas KO'd by hamstring

In the week he became officially sponsored as the club’s director of rugby - great thanks to Grant Thornton - Jordan Reynolds is playing down the loss of another key player and heralding the potential of his backline ahead of the visit of Tonbridge Juddians to Footes Lane on Saturday lunchtime, 1.30pm kick off.

Matt Thomas is the latest to join the injured list.

Having been a star in the back row and in particular at No. 8 in the autumn months, he faces a week out after pulling a hamstring in training on Tuesday.

His absence means a move across the backline for Simi Sawene and the coach reckons the change will suit our quiet Fijian down to the ground and allow him to get into positions where he will be more effective.

But it is the backline potential which has Reynolds purring and keeping his fingers crossed that playing conditions are not too bad and allow the ball to be thrown around by a skilful group of individuals.

‘Our game plan will suit the strong runners we have in there even though it is going to be more direct with possible wind and rain.’

Dave O’Hanlon returns at scrum half with Glen Walters moving to stand-off and the skipper, Blair Campbell, moving into the centres alongside Jason Batiste.

Luke Sayer is also back on the wing for the club’s final home game of 2014.

Starting XV: (1 to 15)
Cameron Craine
Bradley Choules
Layrton Batiste
Lewis Hillier
Nick Merrien
Leon Gardner
Robin Le Cocq
Simi Sawene
Dave O’Hanlon
Glen Walters
Luke Sayer
Blair Campbell
Jason Batiste
Matt Hema
Sam Whitehead

Replacements: Simon Sharrott, Dale Martin and Ned Brown.

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