JERSEY RFC Women can move one step closer to securing the Women’s NC 2 South East title tomorrow with a win over the only team to have beaten them this season, East Grinstead Ladies.
Jersey have enjoyed a sparkling league campaign thus far, recording 11 wins from their 12 fixtures. The one blip on their record came in the away reverse fixture against this weekend’s opposition back in December, where they were shut out 12-0.
East Grinstead, although currently bottom of the league table, have as many as four games in hand over their rivals and have suffered an series of disrupted fixtures.
Since their victory over the Caesareans, the West Sussex side have had a match abandoned, one postponed and also conceded a home walkover loss to Beccehamian Ladies which came with the double jeopardy of a five-point penalty deduction.
But Simon Le Moignan knows the threat their opponents hold and is keen to correct the reverse result.
“We’re not fooled by the league table,” said the Jersey head coach.
“We know all too well the threat this team can pose us after our previous contest with them.
“They’re a decent team, but we’re flying at the moment and we’re all keen to right that blip on our record.”
As the season finale draws closer, Le Moignan and his team are eyeing a break after this match, something that will offer some rest and recovery for his players.
He added: “It’s been an incredible season, but we’ve got some sore bodies in the group at the moment.
“If we can get through this game physically unscathed, we’ll be in a good position to use the break to our advantage and have everyone fit and firing for the final two matches of the season.”
The Islanders hold a 17-point cushion at summit and are within touching distance of securing the crown.
“The girls know we are close to achieving our goal,” continued Le Moignan.
“We set ourselves the target of winning the league at the start, so I’m so proud to be in this position now.
“I reckon if we win this weekend, then overcome Beckenham at home on 6 April, that’ll secure it for us.
“The girls are daring to dream. I think the win over Worthing at the start of January (a thumping 66-5 home victory) was the moment for the girls to really get their heads around where we are going and how possible it is.
“They’re an incredibly driven group and they deserve all the credit in the world for their efforts this season.”
With International Women’s Day approaching, Le Moignan was keen to praise his side as role models for young girls and women in sport.
He continued: “Our group are so close, they all look after each other so well and create such a warm atmosphere.
“I think through their success, but also the way they conduct themselves, makes them fantastic role models for young girls on Island.
“They want to spread the word of women’s rugby and show that there is a pathway for young girls wanting to get involved.
“Their efforts, both on and off the pitch, are making this happen and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this journey with them.”
Action from CoinShares Park is set to start at 12.30pm.
Jersey RFC Women to face East Grinstead Ladies [1-15]: Nicole Rodrigues-Ferreira, Hannah Le Moignan, Kirsten Slatter, Kim Vallance, Helen Papworth, Amber Hopwood, Katie de la Cloche (c), Kerry Bisson-Mercury, Ashling Magner (vc), Laura Turpin, Tina Davies, Emily Hart, Bethan Hughes, Lisa Saout, Kim Hacquoil. Replacements: Beth Rosser, Lauren Halliwell, Jaz Mauger
Women’s NC 2 South East (South) Division
P W D L Diff Pts Adj
Jersey RFC Women 11 10 0 1 307 51
Seaford Ladies 9 6 0 3 88 34
Worthing Warriors 9 4 0 5 -217 30
Sutton & Epsom Ladies II 9 5 0 4 50 29
Beccehamian Ladies 8 3 0 5 -88 23
Crawley Ladies 11 2 0 9 -158 19 -5
Beckenham Ladies II 10 4 0 6 28 17 -10
East Grinstead Ladies 7 3 0 4 -10 15 -5
