BACK in September a brilliant defensive display saw Raiders hold Westcombe Park at bay and register a third straight win in National Three London and South East to mark themselves down as potential title challengers for the first time at this level. But a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then and coming into Saturday’s rematch Westcombe lie third in the table and have a good shout at the title and/or promotion, while a top five spot seems the best we can hope for after a miserable autumn.

When the teams first met Raiders’ 12-10 victory might have been a tad more convincing but for two missed penalty attempts in the last quarter of the game, but by then they had lost regular kicker Owen Thomas to injury. The good news is that Owen is back fully fit and the other Thomas, Matt, returns this weekend, as does Luke Jones and, on the bench, Luke Skovronek and Luke Sayer.

In targeting a double over the team from Blackheath and a third straight win in the league either side of Christmas, it’s a strong squad Jordan Reynolds has been able to name, but given Westcombe’s quality that is just as well. He had also hoped to recall skipper Lewis Hillier, but the big lock re-opened an eye wound in training on Tuesday and has been ruled out. 'He took a tackle and made his eye three times worse,' said Reynolds.
'Thankfully, Raiders have Matt Thomas back and he plays at 5 with Dan Hill staying a No.8..'

The coach is also pleased to have former Cornish Pirate Jones back and returning to the centres where early season he was forging a good understanding with Ned Brown.
They complement each other,' says Reynolds. 'Luke has the ability to read a defensive line and complements what Ned does. It would be great to have these two playing together regularly over the second half of the season.'

Tomorrow's game is the first of three home games in January which could, if overcome, give Raiders the springboard to a strong second half which they have been known for in recent times. But there is the not-so-little matter of overcoming Westcombe first.
'It's a big game for them as well and to do the double over them will take a massive effort,’ said the coach. 'I think it's achievable, but we will have to be at our best.'
The game at Footes Lane kicks off at 2pm.

TEAM:
Sam Steventon, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Nick Merrien, Matt Thomas, Dale Martin, Romain Mercadal, Dan Hill; Adam Nixon, Owen Thomas, Sam Whitehead, Ned Brown, Luke Jones, dave Davison, Kenny Hellier

REPLACEMENTS:
Luke Skovronek, Luke Sayer and Jason Batiste.

Ahead of that game our table-topping ladies take on Ashford at ‘The Lane’ in a 11.30am kick off.
Chris Griffiths is able to name a strong squad despite the absence of key duo Tanya Scholtz and Kristina Vavere, both out of the island this weekend.
It is the girls’ first home game since September and they have another here next week as they home in on the South east South One title.

Squad:
1. Andrea Harris
2. Sophie O'Connell
3. Heidi Mahy
4. Sarah Woodington
5. Michelle Schofield
6. Ellie Whittles
7. Fiona Power
8. Eleanor Woodward
9. Jemma Crouse (C)
10. Fiona Ashworth
11. Chelsie Blondel
12. Hannah McLennan
13. Jillian Smith
14. Anneka Saunders
15. Vicki Rang

Replacements:
16. Emma Rayson
17. Janelly Le Maitre
18. Aimee Gaudion
19. Fiona Drape
20. Rebecca Drury
21. Morgan Johnson