Match Preview

IF YOU WANT THAT PRESENT, GRAB IT BOYS!

THE challenge to the Raiders guys is simple enough.
If you want to feel that extra warmth and satisfaction of being top of the London & South East Premier title at Christmas and going into 2018, then make sure you win.
Another win at Sutton & Epsom on Saturday will ensure just that - a perfect Christmas present you could say - but it won’t be easy, especially without the services of the still mercurial Malcolm Barnes who has headed home to NZ for a nice festive break.
The importance of getting our heads right is the message coming from head coach and selector Jordan Reynolds, fully aware that the only two occasions Raiders have lost this season came when they metaphorically took their eye off the ball.
‘It is very important to get the win because we want to stay on top for as long as possible and keep the pressure on the teams chasing us,’ he said.
‘We have talked about not handling being at the top well enough and we have got to make sure we have the right mindset and we have talked particularly about reproducing our home form on the road, which means going away and winning well.’

Back in early September, Sutton & Epsom were the first side to visit Footes Lane this season and put up a great fight before eventually being beaten 25-17.
Our pack won us that game and Reynolds is confident they can do so again on Saturday.
Young Aussie Kyle Brown starts in the 9 shirt, but that is the only change to the backline.
There is a familiarity with the pack too, although on this occasion Cameron Craine is not around to come off the bench to bolster things.
But fit again Charlie Currie is highly able in that department as is, of course, the highly versatile and under-rated Dale Martin.
Come on Raiders!

The final team will be confirmed after training on Thursday evening.