Who needs the World Cup when you have the Siam?

THERE can be no doubting the Antipodean influence at the Guernsey Rugby Club these days. It is no coincidence that the first team's upturn in fortunes last season and their tremendous run up to Siam Cup glory followed the introduction of Kiwis Nick Barton and Peter Miers to the pack coupled with the form of Aussies Rob Brazier, Jordan Reynalds and Cameron Patten in the backs.

Arguably the best player against Jersey in May, Dan Taylor-Edwards, has now left, only for fellow New Zealander Dylan Chatterton to join the fold this campaign.

Just for good measure, his hometown mate, Hayden Green, made his Guernsey debut at London Cornish a week ago.

Barton believes, though, that the best is still to come from the side who have won their last four matches.

'The team has progressed this season,' he said.

'Since our first couple of games, we have been putting up some good numbers. Our structures are getting better as we are beginning to learn them more thoroughly.

'But, to be honest, I do not think we have seen the top opposition in this league yet.'

The 27-year-old flanker from Palmerston North switched across the scrum last week to take the place vacated by the now-departed Darren Jones, but it was a move that he was happy to make.

'I have played mainly blindside since I have been here. Back home, though, I played openside, so I have got no problems playing there this year.'

Although it was perhaps reluctantly at first, Barton has also taken on the role of place kicker for the side and has proved quite adept at it as his 100% success rate in the Siam Cup demonstrated.

Chatterton found it hilarious that his teammate was desperate to absolve himself of any blame for a missed shot at goal - typical of the squad's camaraderie.

The 25-year-old, who works with Barton as an accountant at Investec, has slotted over a couple of left-footed conversions himself this season, but it has been his incisive running and guile with ball in hand from outside centre that have been hugely impressive.

'I normally play as a fullback or a winger,' Chatterton said.

'The coach put me in the centres because we have had a few injuries. Hopefully I will get the chance to play at fullback at some stage soon.'

He believes that the number of Antipodeans in the Guernsey line-up helps him and the other backs to show their abilities.

'We have got quite a good backline with Jordy running the show. He makes the moves for us and we run off him,' said Chatterton.

'We just look to use our backs and spread the ball around, although once winter hits in I reckon we will be lucky to see the ball in the backs - the forwards will be sticking it up their jerseys.'

As for the rest of the season, Barton emphasised that the green-and-whites were aiming for top spot and he knows why a certain trophy is always high on the agenda.

'I have been here almost a year and been lucky enough to have a Siam win under my belt already. Talking to a few of the locals, you get to realise how much that means to them,' he said.

'There are two goals this year - one is to win the league and one is to win the Siam. We need to take care of the league first before we even look towards the Siam.'

Mention the Siam Cup to a novice such as Chatterton and he breaks out into a broad smile.

'That was the first thing I heard about when I arrived. I am really looking forward to playing in one.'

* BARTON, Brazier and Reynalds have all been carrying knocks this week, which has delayed selection for tomorrow's game with Tottonians at Foote's Lane (kick off 2pm).

The side was due to be finalised after last night's training session.