Cruciate injury rules out Sharrott

GUERNSEY have suffered a major blow before the kick off of the new London Two South-West season with the loss of their captain.

Simon Sharrott, such an influential figure for the Greens over the last few seasons, could be out until December having picked up a serious knee injury.

'I have torn my cruciate ligament and my leg is currently in a cast for four weeks - apparently it will heal better this way,' said the skipper.

'This will mean that I may be out till Christmas, but I'm hoping that the MRI scan comes back with better news, which would mean a quicker recovery time.

'Due to my injury I will be handing over my captaincy in the interim period to Nick Barton and I am more than confident that he will do a great job in my absence on the field.'

New Zealander Barton is one of the most respected players in the GRUFC and has been the outstanding first-team performer for the last two seasons.

As well as leading from the front by example, the back-rower is tactically astute.

However, Sharrott's presence in the front row will be greatly missed as Guernsey embark on their new campaign in London Two South-West, in which they have been placed this season following a rejig of the leagues by the RFU.

Although a division above where they were last season in name, many of their opponents are familiar foes to the Sarnians.