Raiders welcome back Hillier to their pack

Canterbury arrive at Footes Lane looking to repeat their defeat of Raiders last season, but, as the home coach reminds people, in the 4pm kick-off they will find they are playing a much different, vastly more confident Guernsey team this time around.

‘That was during our long downturn,’ said head coach Jordan Reynolds, who would prefer to recall Raiders’ home win over the Kent side in the previous campaign.

‘Like us, they are a stronger team than last season. They’ve picked some new players and they are gathering some momentum. They are also very physical and their aim will be to very accurate.’

Which makes the return of Hillier all that more important.

Not seen since injuring a wrist in the season opener, Hillier is fully fit again. The second-rower brings size, strength and vast experience to the team, having trained fully on Tuesday with full contact and no ill effects.

‘Having him back is great. With all that experience, he’s also one of our most physical players. He has seen it and done it all before,’ said the coach.

Owen Thomas also returns to the match-day squad which Reynolds was looking to finalise after the Thursday night training session and a string of fitness tests.

One of those centred on big winger Anthony Armstrong, who was forced off at Havant last week.

‘Ant didn’t train Tuesday, but as it is a home game for us it gives us an opportunity to wait and see who pulls up [fit] after training.’

Raiders could go top of the National Two East table with victory, but that also depends on second-placed Tonbridge Juddians slipping up at Worthing, an unlikely scenario given the two

teams’ contrasting early season form.

As for Raiders’ hopes, Reynolds predicts ‘an amazing game’, which comes after Vikings take on Bognor in their own Counties One Hampshire league clash in front of the Footes Lane faithful, kick-off 1pm.

‘We’ll probably need a big support on Saturday and there’s a lot of excitement about it,’ said Reynolds.