Seven newcomers

SEVEN new Guernsey caps will start Saturday's Siam Cup at St Peter. Captain Andy Bailey yesterday announced a strong 22-man squad, which contained no surprises and all the debutants have played major roles in the side's impressive late run in London Three South-West.

In the pack, New Zealanders Peter Miers and Nick Barton make their first appearances against Jersey and another newcomer, South African Gerrie Marais, will scrum down with Miers in the second row.

At half-back, the Australian combination of Rob Brazier and Jordan Reynalds join forces once again and their fellow countryman Cameron Patten partners Kiwi Dan Taylor-Edwards in the centres.

'We have been lucky that we have had a reasonably settled team for the last five or six games and we have been very pleased in the way we have finished our league season,' Bailey said.

'Scrum half was probably the most difficult position to decide. Rob Brazier is that little bit more experienced so that is what turned the tide in his favour, although Harrie Marais will definitely get game time and we will be looking for him to make an impact.'

With the weather set to be fair for the annual showpiece, Guernsey will be looking to utilise their mobility in what is a dynamic starting XV.

'We are confident in our own ability and Jersey are not going to get anything given to them,' Bailey said.