ALL CHANGE IN THE BACKS
JORDAN REYNOLDS admits the Siam is coming ever-more into his thoughts as he prepares his side for their last massive league test of the season against title-chasing Wimbledon.
‘We are trying to build something for the Siam and playing well against a side like Wimbledon is really important to gain momentum, ’ he said in announcing a much-changed set of backs with Owen Thomas, Luke Sayer and Sam Whitehead all nursing injuries picked up at Amersham last weekend.
Of the three, the injury to stand-off Owen Thomas is most concerning. He tore his hamstring during last week’s win and is likely to face between two and four weeks on the sidelines.
Whitehead, who has had more than his fair share of knee issues, needs a scan on a new knee injury and Sayer has damaged his shoulder.
But, the good news is that there is always the old maestro, Malcolm Barnes, to call on.
Barnes and Adam Nixon, will start as a half-back pairing on Saturday with Nixon moving to 10.
Jim Elliott also gets a rare run-out, while Dale Martin moves to the wing and Kenny Hellier moves to full back.
Despite the absences, it is a strong squad that welcome Wimbledon to Footes Lane where defeat for the visitors would likely spell an end to their title hopes.
Raiders have never been so endowed in choices for the pack and that strength in depth in the forwards is emphasised by Layton Batiste and Luke Skovronek starting on the bench tomorrow alongside the improving Colt scrum half Ben Holland.
Wimbledon won the previous meeting between the two sides 39-14 in December when Raiders fielded a weakened side through injury.
But Wimbledon travel knowing that Raiders’ form in 2017 makes them a very different proposition this time.
Guernsey v. Wimbledon kicks off at 2pm tomorrow at Footes Lane.
Raiders team:
Craine, Ceillam, Steventon, Hiller (c), Merrien, Hill, Mercadal, M. Thomas, Barnes, Nixon, Elliott, Brown, Jones, Martin, Hellier. Replacements: L. Batiste, Skovronek, Holland.