Four big names back for trip to Amersham

It was with relief more than delight that head coach Jordan Reynolds yesterday named a side for tomorrow's National Three London & South-East trip to Amersham & Chiltern that he admitted is getting close to his first-choice XV.

The return of Nick Barton, Malcolm Barnes and Glen Walters in the pivotal 8-9-10 axis is a major boost to a side who have lost five of their six games so far this season.

Add to that a first start of the season for lock Lewis Hillier and it is no wonder that Reynolds said this week 'it's like we are starting afresh'.

'There are good combinations in there and if you look at the back row and the half-backs, there are no weaknesses, just quality players, which is so vital for us to play the type of rugby we want to play.'

However, the coach added that while there is an air of positivity returning to his squad, that needs to be translated into wins on the pitch quickly and he expects a tough test from sixth-placed Amersham & Chiltern.

'In their first game of the season they put 40 points on Hertford away from home so we have to look at that and say that is their potential and, having lost to Hertford last week, we have to raise our bar.

GUERNSEY TEAM

Craine, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Merrien, Hillier, Thomas, Le Cocq, Barton, Barnes, Walters, Taylor, Hema, J. Batiste, Hile, Whitehead. Replacements: Bellingham, Regnard, plus one to be confirmed.

• More in today's Guernsey Press.