JERSEY RFC Women have received a massive boost of confidence ahead of their challenging away fixture tomorrow against Medway Ladies, as they welcome back their captain, Katie De La Cloche, from long-term injury.
The RFC Ladies have had a challenging season in terms of results, but have seen enormous benefits off the pitch in terms of recruitment.
Welcoming a host of new players, the club’s strength in depth has hit new heights this campaign, bolstered this weekend by the return of their inspirational skipper.
De La Cloche has been sidelined for several months after suffering a gruesome ankle injury in the reverse fixture against the same opposition back in October.
Key player Taye Boakye-Yiadom spoke of the team’s excitement at having their leader back.
“It’s great to have our captain back on the pitch. She’s amazing both on and off the field, and we’ve definitely missed her presence during games.
“Having her back out on the park with us will give everyone such a big lift ahead of tomorrow’s game which we know will be a tough test.”
De La Cloche spoke on the eve of her return: “I’m buzzing to be back and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
“As a group, we are feeling positive. A long run without a game means we have been able to get some tough training sessions in, working on key skills such as tackle technique, rucking and defensive form.
“We have lots of newer players for this game so it’s exciting for them to get some time on the pitch.
“I’m playing at 13, which will be key as the opposition have some strong centres, so big hits in the backs will help keep them at bay.
“I sustained my ankle injury against Medway in the home fixture in October so it’s great to have this as my first game back, I’m really excited and raring to go.”
RFC have already faced Medway once this season in a game that could have gone either way, but eventually saw them defeated 5-17 at CoinShares Park.
After their last fixture was cancelled against Horsham, coach James Morgan believes his girls are “ready to put things right tomorrow”.
“The girls were very disappointed with the last game,” said Morgan, referring to their difficult 0-38 home defeat last time out against a strong Heathfield & W Ladies outfit.
“Since the last game, they have all worked extremely hard in training.
“We’re all really looking forward to tomorrow. Having not played for a while, the girls are ready to put their hard work back into practice on the pitch.
“We have a few players who will be required to play out of position tomorrow with several players out injured, but us as a coaching staff have full confidence in them and their abilities.
“This group has improved massively this year, especially with the introduction of so many new faces and we’re really proud of where they’re at.
“The girls are really upbeat and are completely confident we can avenge the narrow defeat we suffered against them at home in the reverse fixture.”
Fellow coach Max Ayling added his thoughts, saying: “The girls are feeling confident, we have a few players out of position and a few new players in the group, but we have options, which is always a positive thing.
“We will be going into the game with full force and us as coaches just want them to get back enjoying their rugby.”
Experienced player Beth Rosser, who has proved a critical cog in the RFC machine, said: “Despite the changes forced upon us for tomorrow, I think we still have a really strong line-up.
“We are really looking forward to this match. It was a close run thing last game at home against them, and we are ready to take the fight to them.
“We know we have enough to get over the line and we’re ready to get back to our best and produce another good performance against a strong opposition.”
One thing highlighted by key player Georgina Ruellan – unfortunately sidelined through injury this week – is the work being done by new strength and conditioning coach, Dan Barnes.
Barnes has been a key member of the coaching staff all season, and has now taken on the reins of their gym work, as well as their on-field preparations.
Ruellan said: “With all the water-logged pitches in recent weeks, training on pitch has been a challenge.
“But Dan has really stepped up in our work in the gym and I think it’s having a massive impact on the whole group.
“Rugby is such a physical game and the stronger we can be, the more effective we can play our game and challenge against the other teams in this league.
“It’s frustrating being on the sideline for tomorrow, but I’ll be there to cheer the girls on in support and I know they will do us proud.
“Morale is good in the group and the girls are just champing at the bit to get back on the pitch.”
Boakye-Yiadom continued: “With a lot of players taking on different positions tomorrow, it’s both exciting and a great learning experience for the team.
“We know every game in this league is a challenge, and we’ve faced this team before, they’ve got some strong players.
“But no matter what, our team is ready to give it their all on game day and come back with a result to be proud of, win or lose.”
Action tomorrow from Medway RFC in Priestfields, Rochester, is set for a 12.30pm start.
Jersey RFC Women’s squad: [1-15] Beth Rosser, Ella Vieira, Holly Bertram, Georgie Keens, Anel Crowther, Willow Le Luan, Andi Vaughan, Kerry Bisson-Mercury, Bethan Hughes, Taye Boakye-Yiadom, Abbie Lappage, Stacey Benstead, Katie De La Cloche (c), Rebekah Troy, Lucy Kendrick
Replacements: Hannah Le Moignan, Vanessa Kruger, Morgan Carter
