Raiders tie up playoff at worst

Despite missing a stack of first-choice picks Jordan Reynolds’ side ran in six tries to despatch form-side Westcombe Park 38-27 in front of 700 at Footes Lane and with it pull out to a three-point lead at the top of London and South East Premier.

Reynolds’ men still have Barnes clinging onto their coat tails though, the Londoners edging out Tring in the big title battle 20-17 to all but end the losers’ hopes of winning the big prize.

That result leaves Tring trailing the Guernsey side by eight points and even if they were to beat Reynolds’ men next week, they now have too much to do.

With games against Tring away and bottom side Towcestrians - a side Raiders thrashed 75-0 in the UK - to come to Footes Lane on the last day of the season, Raiders now stand on the verge of stepping up into National Two for the first time.

Reynolds says his team are determined to go up as champions, rather the play-off route with a win over South West Division runners-up Bournemouth or Maidenhead.

That game would take place on 28 April, but Reynolds wants better.

‘At the end of the day we want first spot - I think this team deserves it.

‘I was really impressed with the way the boys handled it [the pressure]. They have taken ownership and I have had to say very little this week. Some of the contact out there was excellent.’

And to do do it with a patched-up side, gave Reynolds greater satisfaction.

‘We had seven out, but look what we still did against a really good side.’

Anthony Armstrong, who scored two of the six tries, was singled out by his coach.

‘I thought Anthony and Dale (Martin) were absolutely outstanding today.’