Another bumper crowd at the Lane, as Havant entertained Guernsey Raiders for the first time in the league. Both teams entered the field to loud cheers from the faithful.
With Havant attacking from the off, after some early skirmishes, Wes Dugan crashed over for the first try of the afternoon, after some great play from the pack. Jacob Knight nailed the conversion and an early lead 7-0.
Guernsey came more into the game after the restart, causing Havant problems in the ruck. Havant also lost the influence of Sean Shepherd at hooker to a nasty injury on sixteen minutes. Guernsey’s direct running resulted in several penalties inching them closer to the Havant try line. Finally scoring in the corner, by Carter Hackett the kick by Ciaran McGann tying the game at 7-7.
Guernsey from the restart put pressure on Havant and some fine play from the Havant defence kept them out.
Finally more pressure from the Guernsey forwards at the scrum resulted in another penalty which was duly converted by
Ciaran McGann. Making the score 7-10.
Havant roared back with several moves deep in side the Guernsey half, resulting in a penalty kicked effortlessly by Jacob Knight game tied again at 10-10.
The seesaw battle continued with both teams running hard but both defences kept on top.
With the clock in the red, Havant had one more opportunity after more foul play from Guernsey, Jacob Knight again making no mistake. Havant led 13-10 with the referee blowing for half-time.

Half-time Havant 13 Guernsey Raiders 10

The 2nd half started with a bang and Guernsey on the attack. Another penalty in front of the posts and the game was tied at 13-13 Ciaran McGann again accurate.
Havant had to wait another ten minutes, with some surging runs from Joel Knight and Wayne Dugan saw Havant approach the Guernsey try line. Big Harrison Young made no mistake and Havant had their noses back in front, 20-13.
Back came Guernsey their pack in particular causing real issues all afternoon in the set piece. With Dylan Lawley yellow carded.
Guernsey levelled the game with a good move wrapped up by Ciaran McGann. The conversion was good by Ciaran McGann 20-20.
Havant then lost Dylan Read to a yellow with the pressure mounting on the pack Havant again were left defending on the line, which Guernsey finally breached and Havant were guilty, penalty try making the score 20-27 with less than 10 minutes to play.
Havant again had a man sent to the bin this time it was Tam Lindsay with the Guernsey pack having field day in the sunshine of Hooks Lane.
Guernsey’s fourth try soon followed by Callum Roberts giving the islanders a 20-32 lead.
With the pack dominant Guernsey scored a fifth try Jack Colbourne after a chip to the corner converted by Ciaran McGann.
The game was controlled till the final whistle.

Full -time Havant 20 Guernsey Raiders 39

Tough day for Havant. It was never going to be easy against a well drilled side. Guernsey well worth their win.
Highlight for me Ben Holt's try saving tackle against the big number 5! superb.

Will Knight's thoughts after the game
"A very disappointing day. We started well and were playing the better rugby but the disruption of losing our hooker impacted and we struggled to get any platform to play from. Having said that we were in the game right up until the last 5 minutes. We got on the wrong side of the ref and you can’t play against quality opposition with only 13 players on the pitch. We can take a lot of learning from this loss and we will be better prepared to cope with similar scenarios in future games."