Henley Hawks vs Guernsey Raiders – Saturday, November 9th, kick-off 2pm 

By Alistair Beynon

Following their well earned rest weekend, Henley Hawks are back in National 2 East action this coming Saturday when they welcome high flying Guernsey Raiders to Dry Leas. Kick-off is at the earlier time of 2pm due to the Raiders travel arrangements.

Following their triumph over Worthing two weekends ago, the Hawks made it three wins in a row and will be looking to build on that momentum against a side who currently sit in second place in National 2 East with seven wins and just a solitary loss to their name. Guernsey have certainly been the surprise package of the season so far having secured try bonus points in all of their fixtures to date, so the Hawks will need to be well aware of the attacking threats the Channel Islanders possess. Their only reverse came in a nail biting 38-37 loss to current leaders Tonbridge Juddians, but they have clinched victories over Worthing (24-16), Westcombe Park (37-26), Havant (39-20), Canterbury (41-23), Barnes (35-31), Old Albanian (37-14) and Bury St. Edmunds (36-35).

In terms of team selection, Director of Rugby Luke Allen names a settled side from the one that defeated Worthing. The only change from that game is the return of George Wood into the starting XV at outside centre with Guy Rawsthorn switching to the replacements bench. Allen will be encouraged to see that back row Will Benning is close to returning to the match day squad whilst fullback Toby Evans makes his first start of the season for the 2nd XV on Saturday.

The Henley Hawks provisional side to face Guernsey Raiders is as follows:

1. Kadeem Collins, 2. Spencer Hayhow, 3. Rory Mason ©, 4. Liam Goodison, 5. Sam Lunnon, 6. Scott White, 7. Roan Noone, 8. Marcus Lowe, 9. Aidan Pugh, 10. Max Titchener, 11. Lailand Gordon, 12. Leo Webb, 13. George Wood, 14. Jamar Richardson, 15. Toby Howe

Replacements: 16. Tom Rendell, 17. Louis Bailey, 18. Shek Sheriff, 19. Guy Rawsthorn, 20. Callum Jones

It is a busy Saturday for Henley sides with the second XV travelling to Tadley for a top of the table clash, kick-off is 2.30pm. The 3rd XV are at home to Berkshire Shire Hall, kick-off 1.30pm. The Henley Hawks Women have a rest weekend.