They are heading to Havant, looking to make it six wins in a row in National Two East having turned things around dramatically since beginning the campaign with three straight defeats, and they will be under the stewardship of coach Luke Jones as holidaying Guernsey director of rugby Jordan Reynolds misses the next couple of games.
‘Given the start we had – which was difficult because things were not quite clicking, injuries happened and there was some unavailability – we are in a good place now,’ said Jones.
‘Everyone has got the same mindset, there is a good buzz around the squad, everyone is challenging each other in the way you want them to and we have been putting in some good performances.’
He admitted, though, that last weekend’s break was something of a double-edged sword.
‘Given the way we ended the first block of fixtures on a high, having the rest week when we did was perhaps a bit of a shame, but in saying that the rest is always going to be needed the way the season was going, the competitiveness of the league and the toll it takes on the body,’ he said.
‘So now we are getting back into it, looking to pick up that momentum again, and it will be interesting to see how we and the other teams come off the back of that rest week.’
Havant’s campaign so far has been the opposite of Guernsey’s as they began with two impressive wins, but have been on a losing streak since which has seen them drop to 11th in the table, six places behind Raiders.
However, Jones has warned against complacency.
‘The league has strengthened massively over the years we have been in it and you cannot take your foot off the gas against anyone.
‘Every team has their strengths, but they also have areas to exploit and that is what we will be looking to do against Havant.
‘They started strongly but they have had mixed results since.
‘Going from what we saw last season, they are quite a direct side with a big forward pack, but they have also scored some exciting tries this season.
‘We will be wanting to come into the game and get some dominance in the set-piece. As much as I loath to say it from being a back in my playing days, set-piece wins you the game because you have got to have a platform to play from, otherwise it can be a very long day at the office.’
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