Guernsey could lose vital points

GUERNSEY'S amazing last-ditch comeback to defeat Old Emanuel three weeks ago could count for nothing. The match has been ruled as abandoned after the final scrum of the match had to be uncontested.

At that stage Guernsey had lost starting prop Dave McGall to an ankle injury and his front-row replacement, Lawrence Hill-Tout, was off the field having stitches in a facial wound after he was stamped on by an opponent, who was subsequently sent off.

'The rule of our league is that you must have a front rower on the replacements' bench, which we provided,' said Guernsey captain Carl Johnson.

'Basically, the rules state the game is abandoned in that situation.'

Guernsey are likely to ask for the result - a 22-18 victory - to stand on the grounds that the player was off for temporary treatment, but are not overly optimistic of the ruling going in their favour.

Abandoned games are replayed only if, come the end of the schedule, a team needs points to decide promotion or relegation issues. Otherwise none will be awarded.

'We will have to wait and see, but it has been disappointing,' Johnson said.

The Sarnians today play their first London Four South-West fixture since that controversial encou-nter when they travel to Old Paulines.

Guernsey defeated them comfortably 38-13 back in October but the opposition have improved since that clash.

'We got them very early on this season; it was our first game at Foote's Lane, and we were very strong at that point.

'I think they were a bit shell-shocked and disappointed with their performance. They have been stronger since then,' said Johnson.

Guernsey will be without Hill-Tout for the trip, which has left coach Rob Box short of front-row options, although McGall is fit.

There are no injuries in the backline and it is likely to remain unchanged.

Also this afternoon, main title rivals Old Reigatian visit Old Emanuel, while third-placed Dorking are away to KCS Old Boys.