RAIDERS have most of their big guns back for Saturday’s trip to Hertford who they trail by one position and nine points in National Three London & South-East.
They travel looking to avenge the 31-17 defeat they suffered against Hertford in October and with a strong squad after last week’s mix and match side for the thriller at Dorking.
Coach Jordan Reynolds recalls the influential half-back pairing Adam Nixon and Owen Thomas, while Malcolm Barnes makes his first appearance since December, coming in at inside centre in the absence of both Ned Brown and Blair Campbell.
Sam Whitehead moves to full-back having played fly half at Dorking while young Callum Gladstone starts on the wing.
The big question in selection was what to do with the highly versatile and always improving Dale Martin.
He shone on the wing at Dorking and stays there tomorrow.
A Raiders win could close the gap on a faltering Hertford to as little as four points, but we have to watch Shelford and Dorking who stay on our shoulders. Kick off is at 2pm.
Raiders team:
Steventon, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Hillier, Merrien, Hill, Mercadal, M. Thomas; Nixon, O. Thomas, Barnes, Jones, Martin, Gladstone, Whitehead.
Replacements: Craine, Skovronek, Newson.

CRUNCH GAME FOR LADIES

VICKI RANG returns to the line-up as Guernsey Ladies host Lewes in the much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash at the Old Club Pitch at Footes Lane on Saturday afternoon (2pm).
‘Once again we are at home which will hopefully help to give us the edge,’ said coach Chris Griffiths.
‘We managed to beat Lewes 15-12 away at their place in November in a very close game that was fiercely contested right to the very end and we know that it could be another very tight contest.
‘There is a lot at stake and nerves may play a role in deciding the outcome, whichever team can control theirs better may well come out on top.
‘After a very tough and physical encounter against Medway two weeks ago, we have really pushed on at training and feel fully prepared to take on what promises to be a strong Lewes side.’
With both teams neck-and-neck on 43 points, it’s not quite winner takes all, but it will go a long way for whichever side wins in terms of edging closer to the title.
With Rang’s return Chelsie Blondel switches back to her more accustomed position in midfield while Jillian Smith will start on the wing.
The coach will also look to his strong back row of Tanya Scholtz, Fiona Power and Eleanor Woodward, his side’s player-of-the-month for January, to maintain their excellent recent form.
‘I am really pleased that we are able to field a full strength squad this week and we have plenty of pace and power throughout the side which we hope will cause Lewes a lot of problems and make it hard for them to defend,’ Griffiths said.
‘Conditions may well play their part, too. After a lot of rain the last two weeks the ground may be pretty heavy-going and could cause issues for both teams, especially if it starts to rain.
‘“Fortunately” we have been training in torrential, horizontal rain this week so we are well prepared to play in poor conditions should the heavens open.’
‘Of course, we all know what it would mean to win, but there is still the small matter of New Ash Green and Worthing for us still to play before any titles can be decided,’

Guernsey Ladies team:
Michaela Rabey, Sophie O’Connell, Heidi Mahy, Kristine Vavere, Ellie Whittles, Tanya Scholtz, Fiona Power, Eleanor Woodward, Jemma Crouse (captain), Fiona Ashworth, Anneka Saunders, Hannah McLennan, Chelsie Blondel, Jillian Smith, Vicki Rang. Replacements: Michelle Schofield, Janelly Le Maitre, Aiga Vecmane, Sarah Woodington.