Guernsey Press

Armstrongs shine as Raiders romp it

ANTHONY ARMSTRONG loped in for a hat-trick of tries as Raiders touched down seven times and grabbed themselves an opening day bonus point at Dorking where they won 40-23.

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There was no catching Anthony Armstrong. (Picture by Mike Marshall, 25725471)

No wonder, then, that Jordan Reynolds was ‘reasonably’ happy with his new team’s start at a ground where the Guernsey side have always had it tough.

‘We have never put those sort of points on Dorking in the 13 years I’ve been going there,’ said the winning coach.

Raiders, who led 31-10 at the break, did not help themselves by ill discipline which cost them three yellows, two of them at the same time.

‘We have got to drop the penalty count for sure,’ Reynolds added on a day when his new-look backline all performed, especially new scrum half, little Jake O’Connor, although a rush of blood to the head cost him 10 minutes in the ‘bin’.

‘Jake has a really good game at 9, Joe (Andresen) did well alongside him and so, too, did the twins.’

With Nick Merrien absent new Aussie Jacob Pinkney caught the coach’s eye.

‘At tight-head prop Jacob played really well with a really good work ethic.

‘But we probably left four or five tries out there due to knock-ons and there is room for improvement.’

On top of Armstrong’s treble. brother Matt was on the scoresheet too, along with O’Connor, Andresen and Doug Horrocks.

Norwegian international Andresen added four conversions on his competitive debut.

Back at Footes Lane Vikings were beaten 48-24 in their first ever game at Zoo Sports Shield Division Two level.

Raiders regular Layton Batiste was among the home try scorers.

Vikings report in Full Time