Guernsey Raiders vs Henley Hawks – Saturday, April 27th, kick-off 3pm

By Alistair Beynon

Henley Hawks travel to the Channel Islands tomorrow to take on Guernsey Raiders in their final game of the 2023/24 National 2 East season. A bonus point victory for Luke Allen’s men would see Henley finish in a respectable fourth place in a competitive league and a certain improvement on last year’s sixth place finish. However, anything less than that could see Tonbridge Juddians, who travel to Westcombe Park on Saturday, overtake the Hawks.

Guernsey travelled to Dry Leas on the opening day of the season in what proved to be a high-scoring encounter that went Henley’s way with a 43-33 triumph. The Raiders have had a disjointed season, showing some excellent form at times with notable wins over Tonbridge, Old Albanian and Canterbury, but also running champions Esher very close despite eventually going down 19-14. They currently sit in 10th place with 11 wins and 14 losses to their name.

In terms of team selection, Allen is forced to make several changes from the side that defeated Canterbury a fortnight ago. Hooker Tom Emery makes his 210th and final appearance for Henley in an outstanding career and will be regarded as one of the best hookers to have ever played for the Hawks. Marcus Lowe reverts back to the second row with Sam Lunnon in what has proven to be a very effective pairing this season. Tom Vooght has played his final game in Henley colours and makes way for Scott White to start at openside flanker. Will Benning comes back into the side at blindside with Alex Bradley starting at Number 8 in another final appearance for the club.

In the backs, Will Crow also makes his last appearance for Henley at scrum half with Leo Webb moving to left wing. George Wood switches to outside centre in place of the unavailable Ryan Crowley with Henry Gibbins starting on the right wing. On the bench sees potential debuts for Morgan Poiner and Tom Cunningham.

Henley Hawks provisional side to face Guernsey Raiders on Saturday:

  1. Dave Manning ©, 2. Tom Emery, 3. Rory Mason, 4. Marcus Lowe, 5. Sam Lunnon, 6. Will Benning, 7. Scott White, 8. Alex Bradley, 9. Will Crow, 10. Max Titchener, 11. Leo Webb, 12. Adam Hakimian, 13. George Wood, 14. Henry Gibbins, 15. Guy Rawsthorn

Replacements: 16. Morgan Macrae, 17. Kadeem Collins, 18. Christian Floyd, 19. Morgan Poiner, 20. Tom Cunningham