‘’MEZ’’ BACK FOR TRING
The selection headaches have been mounting for Jordan Reynolds.
But, he stresses, all positive ones.
‘Too many players to pick from’ is not something he has said often deep into a season these past few years.
But that’s the case as Raiders entertain Tring tomorrow afternoon at Footes Lane (2.30pm), a must-win game as they seek to stay on the promotion coat-tails of Wimbledon and Rochford Hundred.
Matt Thomas is fit again and has earned himself a spot on the bench and Tom Teasdale returned to training this week.
Asher Veamanthau seems to have recovered from his own tight hamstring and 'trained on Tuesday without a hitch' said the coach.
Reynolds' most immediate priority, though, is to get five points from today's home game against Tring.
The most significant selection is the return of Nick Merrien to the second row, having lost his place to the English newcomer, Courtney Raymond.
Merrien has produced some strong performance for St Jacques Vikings in the Zoo Sports Shield and he adds some power to the pack.
Layton Batiste drops to the bench and veteran Kiwi Cameron Craine misses out altogether as Reynolds opted to have an extra back rower on the bench in the shape of Matt Thomas.
In the backs, Amanaki Veamatahau plays on the left wing, his twin is back in the centres alongside Matt Armstrong, with Big ‘A’ on the left flank.
Joe Andresen again slots in at full back, giving the attack another attacking option and angle of attack.
On the downside, Chris Ahne is out for the season after rupturing an achilles tendon at training on Tuesday.
The winger had only just returned to the squad after long-term injury and was even on the scoresheet at Sevenoaks last time out.
Everyone feels for Chris, said the coach, who had seen the player work hard to put himself back in contention and having got into the side for the last game.
Tring arrive sitting ninth in the table, having lost narrowly at home to Hertford last time out.
The Grant Thornton Guernsey Rugby Academy U13's will host Midhurst U13 as a curtainraiser match at 12.15pm.
Squad:
Sam Steventon, Tom Ceillam, Jacob Pinkney, Nick Merrien, Brad Webb, Lewis Hillier (capt.), Dom Rice, Doug Horrocks; Jake O'Connor, Owen Thomas, Amanaki Veamatahau, Asher Veamatahau, Matt Armstrong, Anthony Armstrong, Joe Andresen.
Replacements: Layton Batiste, Matt Thomas, Luke Sayer.