AFTER the nine-try thrashing of Guildford - a performance which Jordan Reynolds rates 'as right up there' among his favourites since taking over as Raiders coach - it is only human nature to think that it will be another cakewalk taking on a side the league table suggests is of even lesser class seven days later.

But Reynolds knows much better and the history books suggest Raiders will have a major struggle on their hands away to Chichester, 'I think we have only ever beaten them once away,' said our head coach who selects from a depleted squad again but certainly not to the extent of some recent away-day clashes.

And it will be amongst the forwards that the most alterations occur with skipper Lewis Hillier ruled out with the cut eyebrow he incurred against Guildford, as well as old faithful Cameron Craine who reminded everyone of his lingering ability with two tries in last week's rout.

Matt Thomas remains sidelined too, but one big plus is the form of Dale Martin who continues to develop as a player almost by the week. Among the backs, Luke Jones and Malcolm Barnes both drop out from last week as they are saved for the big clashes early in the new year, but the good news is that Kenny Hellier has recovered from the rib damage that led to him missing a chunk of the Guildford success and the talented Armstrong brothers return in their Christmas break from university life.

Matt, the younger of the two, may well start in the centres alongside Ned Brown who, after missing several games last week, reminded everyone of his power and influence with his ball carrying and tackling, 'Luke took a knock last week and it hasn't settled down, so it's not worth risking him,' said the coach who puts the Guildford win in his top five, only bettered possibly by those classic wins such as against Dorking, Westcombe Park and Tonbridge.

And talking of Dorking, Raiders fans will be hoping they feel a strong Guildford response when they meet this Saturday. A Guildford victory or a draw between those sides would be the stepping stone for Raiders to climb back to fifth in the Christmas table if, of course, it is coupled with a win for our lads.

And while those games are going on, many GRFC lads will be involved in St Jacques' last home game of 2016, against Havant Dolphins which kicks off at KGV at 1.30pm.
Get along to support them.