OWEN THOMAS is back for Raiders’ final National Three London & South-East game of the season, but a shade worryingly skipper Lewis Hillier is again missing for the home clash against Colchester.

It’s a problem with a swollen foot that is now bothering the captain and the hope is that it is not broken.

But there is some good news on the forwards front with fellow second-rower Nick Merrien available again and vying for a start with the IPES Siam Cup clash just a fortnight away.

All in all, it will be a much stronger team that starts the last home clash of a fine league campaign, than the side that travelled to Guildford a fortnight ago.

But, at the same time, Malcolm Barnes will be rested having picked up a shoulder injury at Guildford.

Even without ‘Barnesy’ the backline is classy and promises entertainment, which certainly has not been lacking at Footes Lane this season.

Ken Hellier starts at full back with Luke Sayer on one wing and Dave Davison on the other.

Colchester will be no pushovers though and it is important, said the coach, that the side gets back the winning mentality with Jersey looming fast.

'Colchester have been playing some good rugby so we have to be right on the money and they love to throw the ball around, as do we, so it should be a good game.

'We have had great home support at Footes Lane this year and it would be good to pay back our supporters by playing well on Saturday and showing the class that we have.'

The game kicks off at 2pm on Saturday.

Guernsey Raiders team
Sam Steventon, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Nick Merrien, Cameron Craine, Romain Mercadal, Dale Martin, Dan Hill, Adam Nixon, Owen Thomas, Dave Davison, Ned Brown, Luke Jones, Luke Sayer and Kenny Hellier.

Replacements: Luke Skovronek, Blair Campbell and Jim Elliott.