New Zealander arrives in Nick of time for Sarnians

NEW Kiwi recruit Nick Barton is in Guernsey's squad for tomorrow's big clash with title chasing Chobham. Captain Andy Bailey was excited by the New Zealander's arrival ahead of this game at Foote's Lane.

'He is a back row forward and will be in the squad for the game,' said the Sarnian skipper.

'He has a lot of experience and has played a very good standard, including NPC in New Zealand.

'We're looking forward to what he can bring to our game.'

However, that good news has been slightly tempered for this weekend because the home side are missing star number eight Jim Regnard.

He is best man at teammate Dave McGall's wedding in the UK.

'Jim's obviously a big loss to the squad but we have quite a few quality back rowers now so hopefully we will be able to fill the gap left by him,' Bailey said.

When these two sides met earlier in the season, second-placed Chobham hammered the Sarnians 63-0.

Bailey later described it as 'the lowest point of my captaincy, without a doubt'.

He does, however, take heart from the two wins since then, including an away victory at league leaders Dorking.

'Following the last game away to Chobham, we owe ourselves a big performance,' Bailey said.

'It was not acceptable on any level, but our performances since that game have been very good and consistent.

'This game sets the tone for the rest of our season and we need a huge game from one to 19.

'We are certainly capable of winning - as I've said before every team in this league is capable of beating anyone - but it will require a high-level, disciplined performance from us. We can't afford to give away any soft points.'

Bailey added that the home crowd could really make a difference tomorrow and be 'a 16th man' for the team.

He also gave his backing to fly half Jordan Reynalds who has taken some criticism for his goal-kicking.

'Jordan has taken on these responsibilities because there is no one else in the starting XV at present. He is not a natural kicker but does a job for us and that takes guts. We hope to take this burden off him but his kicking from hand, distribution and decision making are excellent.

'He has the full support of the squad and coaches and from a personal point of view he has raised the standard of our backs no end, getting the most out of and improving talented players like Jim Elliott.'