Month-long break leaves team rusty but ready

CARL JOHNSON says Guernsey's rugby team will be rusty when they resume their Hampshire One campaign tomorrow after a four-week lay off. The Sarnians last league fixture was the 78-8 demolition of Sandown and Shanklin on 8 November, but they were unable to keep the momentum going due to the Isle of Wight's progression in the Powergen Cup and the World Cup final, which resulted in a postponement of fixtures.

To make matters worse, Guernsey have key players missing for the encounter with Farnborough including Graham Hards, who has dislocated a shoulder, Dave McGall (chest infection) and Steve Hale, who is heading home to New Zealand for Christmas.

'Three of our biggest players are not available for our pack so if we could move the ball out to the backs, Saturday will be the day to do it,' said Johnson yesterday.

Guernsey are also expecting to be without regular fly-half Stuart Lloyd-Jones who was unable to train on Tuesday due to a back problem. South African Divan van den Heever is set to take the number 10 shirt.

But despite the lack of league fixtures, table-toppers Guernsey did manage to get some match practise last weekend.

'We had an internal game - the chairman put out a side against us,' said Johnson.

'It was not a bad game for us in that it was hosing down with rain, it was cold and wet and we had to dig it out of the mud.

'We have been a bit lucky so far this season because the conditions have been so good and it has allowed us to move the ball around, but we needed to get used to different conditions.

'But, yes, we will be a bit rusty,' he added.

Farnborough lie fifth in Hampshire One, four points behind the unbeaten league leaders having played a game more.

That match was last weekend when they beat Fareham Heathens 27-26.

'Last year they beat us and we have not beaten them in the recent history of the fixture. But they have not fared as well this season,' the Guernsey skipper said.

'We will stick to the simple plan we have been using - keep it tight for the first 15-20 minutes and then take it from there.

'If it is windy, hopefully we can get the use of it in the first half and put the pressure on them early by using the boot and playing low risk rugby.

'Then, if we can get a few points ahead, we could perhaps look to move the ball around in the backs a bit more.'

The match kicks off at 2.30pm in front of the Garenne Stand.