Regnard free from ban - but still out

JAMES REGNARD has escaped a suspension - but will still not play for Guernsey tomorrow. The big No. 8, who has been the green-and-whites' most consistent performer for the last couple of seasons, was sent off in the Sarnians' most recent London Three South-West fixture against London Irish Amateur.

Guernsey won 21-8, with Regnard scoring both tries at Foote's Lane before he was shown red in injury time at the end of the match.

Captain Andy Bailey admitted that there was confusion over the dismissal, with the referee appearing to show a straight red card.

However, the position has been clarified, much to Guernsey's satisfaction.

'The report has come in from the referee, which says he was sent off for two yellow card offences,' Bailey confirmed. 'Basically, it means that the red card was punishment enough on the day and Jim does not have a case to answer with regard to any suspension.'

Unfortunately, though, Regnard is unavailable for tomorrow's trip to Winchester as he is away.

'Jim not being there is not an excuse we can use against Winchester. We have to show that we do not have to rely on him to win matches,' Bailey said.

'We are going to have a look at a couple of back-row combinations in training, but Nick Barton will be moving to No. 8.'

It would, therefore, appear that the decision to be made is who plays openside flanker as Hayden Greene is now settled in the blindside berth.

In the backs, Jim Elliott is still out with his hip problem. Otherwise, the selectors have everyone else available.

Despite having lost only one of the last nine games, Bailey is wary of tomorrow's match.

'This round of fixtures - the last before Christmas - always throws up some strange results,' he said.

'It might be because there is lots of pressure on people at this time of year and that a lot go away, but we have a bad record in pre-Christmas games and we always seem to be away from home.

'It is important that we focus on obtaining the two points. It will not be about putting in an amazing performance, but about getting the job done.'

The two sides met at Foote's Lane at the start of last month, with Guernsey winning 27-5.

Bailey, though, is not reading too much into that result.

'They have a very good forward pack, they are having a reasonable year and have not lost many at home. It is going to be a tough game for us.'