Bailey's hope for Sarnian cream to rise to the top

'LET'S hit the ground running' is Andy Bailey's rallying call to his troops as Guernsey begin their second season in London Three South-West. The Sarnians travel to Old Mid-Whitgiftian tomorrow wanting to get off to a flying start with a much-changed squad.

Captain Bailey is setting his sights high for the coming season as he emphasised that his side are capable of challenging for a top three spot.

However, much depends on the autumn period.

'We have got seven games on the bounce to start with. We have never had that many without a break before and it is important we get the momentum going now so we are putting everything into this period and trying to start with a bang,' Bailey said.

'When you say that you have 22 games in the league season, it sounds a lot, but if you lose three or four early on, it puts you under a lot of pressure.

'But it is important to focus on ourselves. We know what we are doing, we are fit and strong and we are keen to be a successful team.'

Bailey led by example last year, finishing as Guernsey's leading try scorer having been on the field for every minute of every game.

He admitted it was a tough first season as captain with two head coaches resigning as well as the terrible injury to Gareth Nicolle and in many ways it was no surprise to see them fighting for survival.

However, as a passionate islander, he enjoyed the chance to lead the side and gave everything to it.

He admitted to one particular error, though.

'If we made a mistake last year, it was that we set off to be safe and if you aim to be just average, that's how you play.

'This year the aim is to be a lot more competitive. There is a real hunger in the squad this time around - we want to be up there. We are also determined to play with a smile on our faces.'

As usual, there has been a high turnover of players in the Guernsey squad over the summer, with some familiar faces having left but new ones coming in.

The main losses come in the pack with two of the biggest factors behind the club's recent successes of the past three years no longer the cornerstone of the scrum.

'It is the end of the Welsh connection with Steve and Paul Thomas having gone back home,' Bailey said. 'We have also lost Jon Flynn.

'If we are honest, we have a far less experienced pack. But this is where guys like Jim Regnard and Simon Sharrott have stepped to the fore and taken on the senior players' mantle.

'They have got a tremendous work rate and they are a shining example to the other guys coming in.'

Laurence Hill-Tout, who has been involved with the first XV for a couple of seasons as a prop, takes over as hooker from Paul Thomas and his captain said he offers a lot to the side.

'Lol is very mobile and gets around the paddock well. A committed, intelligent rugby player, I think he will have a very good season.'

Among the new faces are former Commonwealth Games squash player Adam Shields and promising 18-year-old front-rower Leighton Batiste.

Bailey has high hopes for both.

'Adam has looked very good in pre-season and improves every week and Leighton, who has come through, has the potential to be an exceptional player.'

However, the newcomer who has had the biggest impact on the club has a good rugby pedigree.

'The biggest signing has been Jordan Reynolds. He is an Aussie fly half who has played to a high standard back home and in Ireland,' Bailey said.

'He has come on board as a player-coach, working with the backs. He is adding incredible structure to our play and has opened all our eyes to new things and the phases we are going through.

'As a backline, we cannot wait to get out there and show our stuff.'

Alongside the work being done by head coach Jon Colley, Reynolds' input could be the key to success in the league for Guernsey, who have a unique squad in comparison to others.

'Every team in there has a very strong pack. They feed off having a good pack and a good kicker who will kick the corners well,' Bailey said.

'We have worked on playing a fast game of heads-up rugby and now we know where we are going phase after phase - we are not chasing around like headless chickens.'

With training sessions consistently attracting more than 30 players, there is a definite air of optimism at Foote's Lane, as well as an excellent camaraderie going into the new season.

Bailey believes that could prove the difference between a good and a bad season.

'We have worked on fitness, but most importantly on team spirit,' he said.

'We are a young team now, we have got so much energy, we are all good mates and we have a really good environment within the squad.'

However, there is one word that is banned for the next eight months and Bailey suggest outsiders don't mention it either.

'The Siam is irrelevant. We will think about that at the end of April,' he said.