Raiders up for the challenge
RAIDERS aim to end one of the longest winning streaks in league rugby tomorrow.
Ambitious, big-budget Rochford Hundred have secured back-to-back promotions without losing a game and have begun life in London & South-East Premier with three successive victories, extending their run to an amazing 51 wins in a row. Their last league defeat came on the final day of the 2016-17 season.
Now it is Guernsey’s turn to take on the reigning London North One champions and Essex Senior Cup holders.
‘They have the advantage of playing at home, but we are up for the challenge,’ said Raiders coach Jordan Reynolds.
‘They are pretty forward-orientated, they have got some big ball-carriers and that’s the task for our guys this week – to nullify their carriers.
‘It will be nothing we haven’t seen before, nothing we haven’t faced, and for us it is purely about trying to build on where we were last week.’
Raiders welcome back big guns Lewis Hillier, Doug Horrocks and Sam Steventon after all missed last weekend’s narrow win at Hertford.
Luke Sayer has not recovered from the injury he picked up in that match, so Matt Armstrong comes in on the opposite wing to his brother Anthony, while Matt Thomas has a niggle in his shoulder so also sits this one out.
‘We have gone with what we feel is our strongest, most physical pack this week,’ Reynolds said.
‘We know we have to have a big game, especially in the forwards. We have to stop Rochford and make sure we are using our defence as an attacking weapon too.’
Raiders team (1-15)
Cameron Craine, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Lewis Hillier, Brad Webb, Courtney Raymond, Dom Rice, Doug Horrocks, Jake O’Connor, Owen Thomas, Matt Armstrong, Blair Campbell, Tom Teasdale, Anthony Armstrong, Joe Andresen.
Replacements: Jacob Pinkney, Sam Steventon, Naki Veamatahau.
