DESPITE expected bad weather, Jersey RFC are hopeful that a large crowd will turn out tomorrow for their home tie against struggling Salisbury.
The amateur side have sold out their pre-game lunch as they aim to secure a seventh consecutive win to begin the Regional 2 South Central campaign.
The coming weeks may prove pivotal in determining the shape of the league table, with Myles Landick’s men facing the rest of the top-five clubs in succession prior to the end of the calendar year.
Despite Salisbury’s unenviable record, winless in the last five, they will have faced every top-five outfit once the Jersey game is out of the way tomorrow.
The Wiltshire side might have fallen to each of those opponents, but did put up 33 points at home to London Irish Wild Geese, the only club also unbeaten along with the Caesareans.
Landick said: “It’s a game that we will certainly not take for granted.
“They [Salisbury] have had a really tough start to the season in terms of opposition, so they will know what to expect.
“We have a nice young squad in there, especially in the back line.
“In total, there are 13 Jersey lads from the 18 in the matchday squad, which is excellent.
“It shows that the pathway through the minis and juniors up at the club is successful and continues to provide a platform for our players to step up to the next level.
“There are a few players missing through injury at the moment, such as Dom Mayo, Jack Macfarlane and Ben Le Chevalier, so it has been nice to give some others the opportunity to step up into those spaces.”
Former Red Scott Van Breda is set to make back-to-back starts for RFC, after playing at fly-half away to Guildford he slots in at centre to make way for the returning Aaron Penberthy.
“It’s been so valuable to have some of the former Jersey Reds in and around the squad.
“Obviously Brendan Owen and Scott Van Breda have both featured this year, but there are many others who are involved.
“James Mitchell is onboard in a coaching role and will be available to play, as well as former Reds captain Lewis Wynne.
“We feel very grateful to have those players around our team and it will only help us to improve and bolster our promotion aspirations.
“I was very clear when the situation unfolded with the Reds, that I will not load the team with six or seven former professionals.
“There will be one or two maximum, depending on availability of the squad.
“But all the current crop have seen it as a real positive to have them around to share their expertise.
“It is a balance I have to strike as a coach, because they are just as hungry for competitive rugby and if they are showing up twice a week for training and working hard, then they deserve the opportunities also.”
The hosts are without top try scorer George Willmott for the contest, as stalwart Tim Corson moves to the number eight position from seven.
Bryn Edwards also comes into the pack, while Joe Ridgway makes way for Ewan Davies at loose-head prop.
Meanwhile, winger Sam Harvey retains his place, while Eryk Swiech replaces Anushan Elanco on the other flank.
Action from St Peter is set to get under way at 2.30pm.
Jersey RFC [1-15]: Ewan Davies, Evan Whitson, Tom Wilson, Tom Tilstone, Bryn Edwards, Brian Njomba, Euan Spencer, Tim Corson, Max Harrington, Aaron Penberthy, Sam Harvey, Scott Van Breda, Nathan Rogers, Eryk Swiech, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Cameron Halliwell, Jenson Holmes.
