Batiste back to help out Raiders
FORMER first XV regular Jason Batiste has answered a Guernsey Raiders SOS call for this weekend.
Due to his work commitments after changing jobs, the local academy product stepped away from the first-team squad last year, but the current injury crisis which sees the likes of Owen Thomas, Malcolm Barnes, Sam Whitehead, Dave Davison and Sam Stables missing from the backline meant that coach Jordan Reynolds asked Batiste for assistance against Tonbridge Juddians at Footes Lane tomorrow.
'We have so many people unavailable from the first and second teams that we went through the side, worked out what we had left and who we have registered to see who could play,' Reynolds said.
'Jason has played a few games this year for the seconds, he knows the game and the way we play so we gave him a shout and he answered the call, which was good of him.'
Although he made his name at centre, Batiste will slot in on the wing as Reynolds opts to pair Ned Brown and Glen Walters in midfield while Blair Campbell stands in for Thomas at fly half.
Reynolds is also delighted to welcome back Luke Sayer at fullback from a shoulder injury.Guernsey Raiders v. Tonbridge Juddians kicks off at 2pm.
Guernsey team
Craine, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Merrien, Malagodi, Martin, Chapman, M. Thomas, Nixon, Campbell, Brown, Walters, J. Batiste, Quate, Sayer. Replacements: Ashplant, Gardner, Ahne.
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