JERSEY RFC Women have their eyes fixed on the summit of the league table, and are “well up for the challenge” hosting Worthing Warriors in a battle of the top two.
It has been just over a month since Simon Le Moignan’s side were last in league action, in which they suffered their first defeat of the season away to East Grinstead Ladies.
Now with four wins from five, the Islanders sit just two points behind tomorrow’s opponents with a game spare over their rivals.
Built on a stern defensive foundation, Jersey have conceded just 39 points across the opening five games, while scoring 143 of their own.
Faced with a Warriors side who they have already dispatched 36-0 in the reverse fixture, Le Moignan says his team are “relishing” the opportunity of reaching the league summit.
“Winning the league is something we discussed at the start of the season,” he said.
“We have an incredibly driven squad and, although that goal brings added pressure, it’s something we are relishing the possibility of.”
Despite a shock defeat prior to Christmas, the coach is confident his team will bounce back to winning ways.
He added: “I think the break has helped us after the defeat to East Grinstead.
“We have been nursing a few injuries, so the time off has provided the girls with a chance to rest and recover.
“It feels like the season starts now for us. We have a busy run of fixtures ahead. We’re training well and are ready to make a statement.”
The close of 2023 saw the end of inspirational captain Lauren Lowe’s playing tenure, with the mantle picked up by an able replacement in the shape of Katie de la Cloche.
“Lauren [Lowe] has been an incredible servant of Jersey women’s rugby,” added the coach.
“She is well loved throughout the group and she will be sorely missed. We wish her all the very best in her next steps.”
Jersey’s opponents have had an unusual league campaign thus far. Occupying top spot, their results have consisted of four victories, including two walkovers, as well as two thumping defeats.
With their last two fixtures before the break both walkovers, the UK side have been without a competitive game since mid-November.
Le Moignan continued: “It’s always difficult around the Christmas period to manage the time away.
“Both sides will need to shake off the rust, but we are confident we can use our superb home crowd support to our advantage and start the new year with a bang.”
Action is set to get under way from Jersey Rugby Club at 10.30am, prior to the men’s side, who are in action in the afternoon.
Women’s NC 2 South East (South)
P W D L Diff Pts Adj
Worthing Warriors 6 4 0 2 -60 24
Jersey RFC Women 5 4 0 1 104 22
Seaford Ladies 5 3 0 2 13 19
Beckenham Ladies II 7 4 0 3 43 18 -5
Sutton&E Ladies II 5 3 0 2 61 18
Crawley Ladies 7 2 0 5 -85 18
East Grinstead Ladies 6 3 0 3 16 13 -5
Beccehamian Ladies 5 1 0 4 -68 5 -5
Hove Women II 5 2 0 3 -24 0 -10
Jersey RFC Women to face Worthing Warriors [1-15]: Ella Vieira, Lucy Hart, Holly Bertram, Willow Le Luan, Emilie Langlands, Abbie Syvret, Katie de la Cloche (c), Kim Vallance, Emily Hart, Laura Turpin, Tina Davies, Kerry Bertram, Georgina Ruellan, Beth Cooper, Kim Hacquoil.
Replacements: Hannah Le Moignan, Becka Hunter, Beckie Vautier, Kirsten Slatter, Ashling Magner, Bethan Hughes, Claudia McGuigan.
