THE burden of competing on the mainland for our local sporting sides has once again been thrust into the spotlight, following the postponement of Jersey RFC’s contest with Winchester last Saturday.
The fixture’s delay cost the Caesareans upwards of £7,000, while travelling fans who had paid to watch their team possibly secure the Regional 2 South Central title, were also left hung out to dry.
In an age where sponsorship is at a premium it appeared that sympathy from the mainland club was also in short supply.
The sodden pitch was rightly deemed unplayable, however there was a distinct lack of understanding and cooperation from Winchester RFC to consider an alternative.
The trip looked like it could be a day of celebration for Myles Landick’s side, who, with victory over their old foes, would have secured consecutive promotions in their first two seasons in the English rugby union system.
The head coach said: “There is no doubt whatsoever that Winchester’s pitch was unplayable.
“But ultimately it was really disappointing that they wouldn’t agree to play at an alternative venue.
“We provided them with three options at Havant, Farnham and Alton. None of which were accepted.
“I can’t comment on what was being communicated from their side to the players, but the game was canned at 6pm the night before the contest.
“Once the pitch was declared unplayable, the decision to call the game off was made immediately, before discussing alternatives.
“Our last piece of communication with Winchester was 6.30pm on Friday. We haven’t heard anything back from them since.
“I’m gutted for the players, but also the fans.
“People had already travelled, or were set to travel, and those costs are not recoverable, along with in excess of £7,000 for the squad to make the journey.”
The financial impact on the hosts was nominal in comparison to the Islanders.
Within a year of the professional arm of the St Peter-based club falling into administration, money within Jersey RFC is scarce.
The recent sponsorship agreement penned with CoinShares lifted some of the burden, but sunken costs such as these are hugely detrimental to a club still in a state of recovery.
Landick added: “We have such a proud following in Jersey and in what could have been a day to celebrate, many had made, or were set to make the journey to support.
“Away days are not cheap and we are aware that postponements like the weekend gone by could potentially put those fans off from arranging future trips away with us.
“It’s far from an ideal situation, but there is very little we can do now.
“We will do what we can in order to set a new date for the contest and, in the meantime, our focus is on what will be a really challenging friendly against Caldy RFC 2nd XV on Saturday.”
Landick’s men are next in league action when they host Newbury Blues on 16 March, knowing a bonus-point win will seal the Regional 2 South Central title.
