Sarnians face must-win game to avoid the drop

A SEASON'S effort has been reduced to 80 minutes for Guernsey's rugby players. Relegation looms if Andy Bailey's men fail to beat Camberley at Foote's Lane tomorrow (1.30pm), but at least the captain can take his pick from a full strength squad.

The Guernsey side have been in limbo, not knowing what it would take to avoid the drop back into London Four South-West. The Rugby Football Union had yet to decide how many teams would be relegated.

'It is a huge game. It now looks as if the last two teams will go down so it is a must win game for us,' he said.

Guernsey lie third from bottom in London Three SW, tied with Farnham on 14 points, but the Sarnians have conceded fewer points on the pitch.

'Jim Elliott and Ben Le Huray are back fit and available for selection and it will be the first time in a long time that we can name a strong side. Everyone is available bar Matt Morgan,' said Bailey.

'When we played Camberley on their pitch it was like a bog. Weather conditions look better this time but they are a strong side. We will be looking to get the ball into hands and playing it out wide,' he added.

Guernsey may take some comfort from the fact that Camberley currently lie fourth in the division with no threat of relegation and they cannot be promoted.

Farnham, however, have to play champions Andover which will be a tough game for them to win away from home.

'Every game for us has been crucial but now it comes down to the last one. It is a bit of shame that it has come to that really,' said Bailey.

Guernsey's game against Andover was called off due to a waterlogged pitch and due to the vagaries of the RFU's policy it looks unlikely that they will have to replay that game.

'That certainly appears to be the case as we have not heard any different,' said Bailey.