Having won promotion last season, Jersey are taking on the first side they have not played against before at this level and, with one win and one defeat so far, this will be a real test of character for them.
‘From what I’ve heard they are a formidable outfit,’ explained coach Dai Burton yesterday.
‘They won their last game, against Sutton and Epsom, who are favourites to go up.
They are a well organised side and ambitious themselves for promotion.
‘And, although I haven’t seen them play, some of their vets, when they played the Wanderers last year, saw us play, so they’ll know what to expect.
‘I believe they’re strong in the threes, so I imagine they’ll want to play 15-man rugby, which will suit us.
I’m looking forward to the game.’ Injuries and enforced absences mean that, as for most games so far this season, Jersey have made three changes to the team who beat Tottonians in the Powergen Intermediate Cup last week.
However, with Steve O’Brien and Ross Allan in the centre, Jersey look solid in midfield and, even without the injured 20-stone Gareth Thomas in the pack, it is big and mobile.
What Burton will also be looking for is a good turn-out of supporters to provide vocal support for their first home game of the season in a division they’ve aspired to, but never, until this season, been in before.
Team: Marcus Nobes, Josh Chamier, James Brimelow, Mark Peters, Roger Quirk, Ian Henderson, Richie Griffiths, Will Grant, Paul Nayar, Darren Toudic, Dave Carswell, Steve O’Brien, Ross Allan, Mark White, Gareth Jeffreys.
Replacements: Simon Nevitt, Steve Mee, Huw Thomas, Harry Bonn.
