JERSEY RFC face a long journey and a tough challenge tomorrow as they travel to London to take on Old Alleynians for the first time in Regional 1 South Central action.
With the season nearing its halfway point, every game is crucial for the Islanders as they continue their pursuit of unbeaten league leaders London Welsh.
Jersey enter the match sitting second in the table, five points behind London Welsh, the only team to have bested them so far this campaign.
Their only setback came in a high-stakes clash between the previously unbeaten sides early last month, but the men in red have since regained momentum with commanding back-to-back victories over Maidenhead (40-7) and Camberley (38-22).
Head coach Myles Landick is pleased with his team’s recent performances, but insists there’s no room for complacency as “anyone can beat anyone in this league”.
Reflecting on their last few outings, Landick highlighted the importance of starting games strongly: “Against London Welsh, we started poorly and it cost us.
“We were 28-7 down shortly after half-time, and while we showed great character and fight to claw our way back, it was too little, too late. That’s a lesson for us.
“Against Camberley, we came out firing and deserved to be 21-0 up in 15 minutes.
“That set the tone for a dominant win over a side with ex-Championship and National One players.
“If we can replicate that intensity and focus, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of success tomorrow and beyond.”
Landick’s men have been prolific in attack this season, racking up 49 tries, with 34 successfully converted, for a total of 364 points – second only to the league’s top side.
By comparison, Old Alleynians have crossed the whitewash 34 times, with 17 conversions, for a total of 226 points.
This attacking edge has been key to Jersey’s impressive campaign and will be something they’ll aim to exploit against their hosts tomorrow.
Old Alleynians, who currently sit seventh in the league, will be no pushovers however.
They’ve hit a rich vein of form, securing consecutive wins against Brighton (48-34) and Hammersmith & Fulham (35-7).
Landick admitted he is wary of the threat they pose, regardless of their mid-table position.
“We can’t afford to take anything for granted. The table doesn’t tell the full story – they’re a good side with momentum and players capable of turning a game and we can’t simply take who they’ve beaten and who they haven’t as gospel.
“Add in the long travel day, with five hours on a coach, and it’s a test of both physical and mental resilience,” he said.
Despite the challenges of the away trip, Landick is confident his side’s preparation will hold them in good stead.
“The travel is part of the challenge, but we can’t use it as an excuse.
“We had a great training session on Tuesday, and I’m expecting another one before the game.
“It’s about focusing on ourselves, sticking to our processes, and being the best we can be.
“If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a good chance to come away with a result.”
Jersey RFC squad: [1-15] Huw Owen, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Max Ayling, Cameron Keys, Tom Tilstone, Evan Whitson (c), Euan Spencer, Liam Rhodes, Scott Van Breda, Eryk Swiech, Dan Barnes, Nathan Rogers, Tom Bulfin, Mark Boarer
Replacements: Morgan Brady, Nathan Thomas, Anushan Elanco
