Raiders' survival hopes are still alive

A terrific Tom Teasdale try late on saw Raiders make it three wins in a row with a tight 27-22 victory over Dings Crusaders at Footes Lane on Saturday and leaves Guernsey in with a chance of avoiding relegation.

However, a 22-17 win for Old Redcliffians against Taunton Titans means that Jordan Reynolds’ men are now nine points from safety with just three matches remaining.

‘It’s a fantastic result ... we have given ourselves every chance because we’ve got the five points today,’ said Reynolds immediately after Saturday’s win but before the Old Reds result came through.

‘I think it’s always been there this season, but when we are constantly changing guys out because of injuries and injuries on injuries, it has not been easy on the guys.

‘I think most teams would have given up by now, but the fact that we have won three on the bounce now that does show how much we appreciate that we are here [at this level] and that we are still working hard.’

Raiders, who have 43 points, are 15th in the table, five points behind Birmingham & Solihull Bees who are directly above them in the final relegation spot.

Dings have now dropped to 13th with 52 points while Old Reds and Worthing both have 53 points.

Raiders travel to Henley for their final away game of the league campaign on Saturday before they host Taunton Titans and Old Albanians in the final two rounds of the season.

‘Three left – Henley and then two at home. We’ve definitely got to pick up two wins in those, but it’s great to have two at home, even though they are against some top teams,’ Reynolds said.

• Full match report in Monday's Guernsey Press.