First and last Siam for duo

TWO Raiders will make their Siam Cup debuts after being named in the Guernsey starting XV for Saturday’s big game in Jersey.

Guernsey Raiders flanker George Shannon, pictured taking the ball into contact, who was awarded the National Two South player of the week award for his performance in the victory over Old Redcliffians is making his Siam Cup debut in his final match before leaving the island. (Picture by Martin Gray, www.guernseysportphotography.com)

But it will also be both George Shannon and Elia Morisio’s last game for the club as they depart the island this summer having both been regulars throughout the club’s inaugural National Two campaign.

Front-rowers Dave Anderson and Harry Baron are also in line to make their Siam bows off the bench, although it is largely a very experienced Guernsey squad.

‘The number one thing for us in selecting the side was consistency – we wanted guys that have played together,’ said head coach Jordan Reynolds, whose team are defending the cup for the first time in a decade.

‘There were some tough decisions – not selecting Tom Teasdale in the starting XV was really tough, but when you have Malcolm Barnes at nine it’s difficult.

‘We looked at having Tom in the back three or in midfield, but we went with combinations who have been playing together because that means less disruption for us.

‘Will Tom Teasdale have an influence on the game, though? Absolutely, 100% yes. It is not going to be long before he is on the pitch, maybe even in the first half.

‘Looking at that bench, it could be that it’s more exciting than the starting team because there’s quality there and this year we want the replacements to make an impact.

‘Sometimes the game can be slow, sometimes it is high-tempo, but we want guys coming off the bench who can be game-changers,’ added Reynolds.