LAYTON FIRST TO 300
LAYTON BATISTE’S momentous 300th game in Raiders colours will get due exposure and spotlight this weekend, but without getting too sniffy about it... as important as recognising an outstanding effort by a popular modern great undoubtedly is, winning five points from the home game against Sevenoaks is even more so.
Raiders have to win and win well if they are to keep up their challenge for the London and South East Premier title.
But, as head coach Jordan Reynolds, will surely remind his players, Sevenoaks are not to be under-estimated one iota. They proved that when Raiders had to dig deep into the mud to beat them in Kent, and also when the Oaks beat Wimbledon.
The good news for Raiders followers is that there is a full squad to select from and in those circumstances Courtney Raymond returns to the back row and Jake O’Connor is back in the 9 shirt after a rest on the bench at CS Stags.
Preparation has been good said the coach.
‘I have to say that having had a week off the boys have come back really fresh and are really charged up.
‘We had a good session on Tuesday and it was great to get back on the KGV (3G).
‘All of January we didn’t have anywhere to train properly and now we are back on there we will have no excuses.’
Reynolds has seen the forecasts and expects a forward-orientated game.
‘It will be the same conditions as last time we played them but the pitch won’t be as poor.
‘The second half at their place was pretty tough.
‘Sevenoaks box kick in any sort of weather, but I think whoever uses the wind best will win.’
But, even allowing for Storm Dennis, Reynolds expects his back-line to want to show their talents and fully utilise one of the biggest pitches in the division.
‘Dorking and Brighton are the same size, but Footes Lane is five to 10 metres wider than most. Tt is certainly one of the best in the league.’
Footes Lane is sure to have the biggest London & SE audience of the day too and a packed Garenne Stand will no doubt give an extra cheer for Layton as he trots out for his 300th appearance.
Reynolds reckons he can go on to challenge or beat the 400 mark.
‘This will be a definite first for a Raiders player and it is a huge achievement. It has taken 14 years of rugby to get there.’
The game kicks off at a revised time of 2PM.
The Vikings vs Sevenoaks 2nds has also been revised and will now take place at 3:45pm on the Garenne Stand, Footes Lane pitch also.
Please note: Slaw BBQ will not be available this Saturday.
RAIDERS TEAM: Steventon, Ceillam, Batiste, Webb, Merrien, Raymond, Rice, Horrocks; O’Connor, Thomas, Andresen, Teasdale, M. Armstrong, A. Armstrong, Sayer.
Replacements: Craine, Pinkney, Barker.