Pack problems at root of defeat

GUERNSEY are sticking firmly to their pre-season goals after a second away defeat in London Three South-West. The Sarnians, who were missing valuable members of their pack including James Regnard, conceded five tries in a poor performance, which resulted in a 36-5 loss to Old Wimbledonians.

Assistant coach Colin McLatchie did not make any excuses about the display.

'We were poor collectively as a team in defence, we took the wrong options and we kicked terribly,' he said.

'The guys themselves know that they made some fairly basic mistakes.'

Guernsey were not helped by the early loss of fly half Ian Weideman through injury and later on Paul Thomas spent 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Their only try came midway through the first half, when they were already 24 points in arrears, scored by captain Andy Bailey.

'In the backs, we did not do much wrong when we had the ball. It was when we did not have it that things went pear-shaped. Maybe it has opened the guys' eyes to what they have to do,' McLatchie said.

'On the plus side, Divan Crouse was outstanding. He was one player who could have left the field with his head held high.'

Guernsey now have a couple of weeks to work on what they have learned in this league so far before their opening home game against Old Reigatian.

'What we did say was that we would try and win our home games and if we could sneak one or two away wins it would be a bonus. From that point of view, we are not despondent,' McLatchie said.

'The last couple of years have been hectic and very successful. Now is the time for the guys to stabilise and learn to play at this level.'