Thomas leads Raiders on Footes Lane return
GUERNSEY RAIDERS have been forced into a change from the XV who won on opening day for the first time in four years last week for tomorrow's visit of Chichester.
Back-rower Dale Martin sustained an injury in training on Tuesday and with French newcomer Romain Mercadal currently sidelined by a broken hand, coach Jordan Reynolds has called on Jason Batiste to fill in at open-side flanker.
Owen Thomas will again captain the side in Lewis Hillier's absence, so he will lead them out on his return to Footes Lane after suffering a broken ankle in the Siam Cup against Jersey in May.
'The issue with the ankle is now mind over matter for Owen because it's fully repaired and it comes down to match fitness,' Reynolds said.
'He is probably 30-40% off where he was last year at the moment, but he will get there and he still played really well last week.'
Raiders v. Chichester kicks off at 2pm tomorrow.
Guernsey Raiders team
Craine, Ceillam, L. Batiste, Skovronek, Merrien, Hill, J. Batiste, M. Thomas, Nixon, O. Thomas, Brown, Jones, Davison, Whitehead, Sayer. Replacements: Steventon, Campbell, A. Armstrong.
More in Fridays Guernsey Press.