First Home Win

FIVE places off the bottom, a second win on the bounce and watched by a big home crowd on a filthy wet night.
Life is suddenly a touch sweeter for the Raiders camp and their coach Jordan Reynolds.
‘It was a really good performance ...pretty happy with that,’ said the man who conceded his team had ‘executed perfectly’ the game plan he had set out.
‘They were a quality side - big boys - but the difference was how we knew we would play into the wind and with it.
‘I think Clifton tried to work it out as they went on the pitch.’

Reynolds estimated that his men only missed two tackles in the first half which they played into the wind and rain, which was a huge improvement on the early season stats when Raiders defence resembled the proverbial colander.
Also vital was the killer touch. ‘We had four opportunities and we scored four tries from them,’ said the winning coach.
Reynolds said the Barnes game had provided a huge lift to morale.
‘It was a real difference from the Barnes game; high energy levels; night and day from what they were.
‘We were so gutted losing to Redruth and Worthing but perhaps they provided the lessons we needed.’

In front of another packed Garenne Stand Raiders benefited from a penalty try as the result of a collapsed maul.
Layton Batiste forced his way over too and early in the second period Elia Morisio powered over for the third.
Raiders were temporarily down to 14 when Chris Ahne touched down after supporting Jason Batiste’s break.
Alex Gow kicked 100% to complete another fine performance by the new fullback, while it was hugely encouraging to see Malcolm Barnes safely come through his latest comeback showing all his class in the process.
All in all it was a terrific team effort and the new combinations are starting to gel behind the always dependable pack who reacquainted themselves with recent teammate Dan Hill.

The bonus point effort sees Raiders now sit 11th, five points above the third relegation spot.
At the bottom there is already a gap opening between London Irish Wild Geese, Birmingham & Solihull, and the rest.
‘Yeah, There’s a bit of a gap opening and I guess it makes for a little better viewing,’ said Reynolds.
‘But there are a lot of matches left to play'
Unfortunately it looks like Taylor Quate's name will be added to that long injury list after coming off with an ankle injury just before half time. Early signs show that he will only be out short term. However, heading into the clash again top of the table Rams this weekend could see a few names coming back.
‘Dale (Martin) will be back and possibly Daley (Aremu) too. I can’ t see Jonesy coming back this week though,’ said a coach sleeping that bit easier.

TEAMS
Guernsey Raiders: Steventon, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Hillier, Merrien, Horrocks, Rice, M. Thomas, Clemett, Morisio, Quate, J. Batiste, Barnes, Ahne, Gow.
Replacements: Anderson, Baron, Creber, Teasdale, Alexandre.

Clifton: Simpson, Wheeler, Giltrow, Harper, Dave Hill, Chesters, Rovery, Dan Hill, Openshaw, Barnes, Pomphrey, Campbell, Halpin, Lambert, Levesley.
Replacements: Booley, Taylor, Harrison, Francis, Spencer.