Match Preview

OLD FACE RETURNS TO THE LANE

DAN HILL returns to Footes Lane on Saturday, but this time he won’t be wearing a Raiders shirt.
After a decent period in Raiders colours the back-rower returns in Clifton colours and, no doubt, will be a friendly target for many of his old colleagues.
Raiders head coach Jordan Reynolds, chuckles at the prospect.
‘He will have a bit of a target on his back that’s for sure.
‘But that said, he is still in contact with some of the lads and a good mate of theirs.
‘But I’m sure Lewis [Raiders captain] will be looking out for Dan in a friendly but competitive way.
‘Sure, he will be looking for some of our lads, but the difference for Dan is finding all 15.’

The head coach reports that the mood in the camp has gone up a big notch with last week’s first win at Barnes.
‘It’s a 100% difference. The win surprised us all and it has given us a lot of confidence.’
The sight, too, of Malcolm Barnes and Jason Batiste returning to the centres, is also a big plus.
Barnes will make his return in a green-and-white shirt having recovered from his broken elbow.
‘He was given the all-clear from his specialist four weeks ago so he has been involved in training since then,’ said Reynolds of his assistant coach.
‘Although he is a scrum half, he has played a lot in the centres for us.
Reynolds had also hoped to have Luke Jones back but he did not come through Tuesday’s training unscathed.
‘He had a bit of a response. He’s close but no point in rushing these things,’ he added.

The ankle injury to Charlie Currie means Layton Batiste will start at tight-head with newcomer Dave Anderson an option off the bench.
The weather forecast is terrible, with rain and high wind, so Reynolds expects the game to be very much like the Redruth clash.
‘It will make it narrow for us and that’s good because Clifton’s backline is renowned for being sharp.’

Raiders against Clifton kicks off at 6pm tomorrow at Footes Lane. The Bar will be open from 3pm and showing the South Africa vs New Zealand match on TV. Free entry for members and under 16's. £9 entry for non-members. Food available for purchase.

Guernsey:
Sam Steventon, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Lewis Hillier (c), Nick Merrien, Douglas Horrocks, Dom Rice, Matt Thomas; Owen Clemett, Elia Morisio, Taylor Quate, Jason Batiste, Malcolm Barnes, Chris Ahne, Alex Gow.