Rib worry leaves Thomas doubtful

GUERNSEY are sweating on an injury to Paul Thomas ahead of their trip to KCS Old Boys. The hooker, who has been outstanding in his all-round game this season and an influential figure in the Sarnians' unbeaten run, picked up a rib problem last weekend and was due to undergo a fitness test at training last night.

Captain Carl Johnson said that it would be a major blow if the regular number two was unable to play against the team placed fifth in London Four South-West.

'The biggest problem comes in line-out throwing. Paul is the best in the club by a distance and with him throwing in, it allows us to vary our moves,' said the skipper. 'Also, with Paul in there, if the pack is having trouble in the scrum, he can still take the ball even if we are going backwards.'

At times last season when Thomas was unavailable, Jason Mroch stood in but he has only just returned to playing following a break from the game and it could be too early for him to return as a first-team starter.

'We might take an extra prop and Steve Thomas might hook,' said Johnson, examining the other options.

Dave McGall, another of the regular front-rowers, will definitely miss the trip as his partner is due to give birth any day now. However, Jim Regnard, who missed the win over Southampton two weeks ago, returns to the pack.

In the backline, the management have to decide whether to promote Stuart Lloyd-Jones from the bench or keep Jim Rowe at fly half.

Rowe has impressed in his two games at number 10 despite it not being his normal position, but the conditions may favour Lloyd-Jones' accurate kicking game if Guernsey look to play the percentages.

Guernsey beat the same opposition 22-3 at Foote's Lane in October, but Johnson still expects a tough test tomorrow, especially as KCS will be out for revenge.

'They have a pretty handy pack and they are only one win behind Dorking and Old Reigatian.

'They would have been reasonably unhappy with the loss over here. It was not a high-scoring game and I think we scored a couple of tries in the opening 20 minutes, then did not score again but defended very well.'

All of the top three have away fixtures tomorrow with Guernsey's closest rivals, Old Reigatian, visiting South-ampton while Petersfield host Dorking.