Jersey RFC Men’s head coach Myles Landick believes there is still “plenty to play for” in the two remaining games of their Regional 1 South Central campaign, despite prospects of the league title now being non-existent.
Landick’s men have had yet another stellar campaign this season, winning 17 of their 20 league games to date, a record that would generally see them top most divisions.
However, their rivalry with league leaders and also former professional club, London Welsh, has meant they will remain in this division for at least one more season.
The Londoners have lost just one game all campaign, ironically to the Caesareans, but after Jersey’s shock last-gasp defeat to Maidenhead last time out, the league title will officially be heading to London.
“The defeat to Maidenhead was a really disappointing one,” said Landick.
“For us to come back from 31-0 down was a monumental effort, but to then lose it in the dying moments was a tough one to swallow.
“We have fought brilliantly this season and have pulled off some excellent results, but, ultimately, a couple of those defeats have cost us the chance of another promotion.
“When you’re coming up against a team like Welsh, you need to be almost flawless.”
One of those defeats mentioned came in the reverse of tomorrow’s fixture, where Old Alleynians beat Jersey on their own patch, 41-36, back in January, a defeat that opened up the first gap of note at the league summit.
“They really brought it to us in that game,” Landick continued.
“It was a really gruelling game and the conditions were brutal, but they certainly enjoyed getting one over on us.
“I think we can expect a similar intensity from them coming to our place tomorrow, as well as some extra confidence knowing they’ve beaten us already and that we lost our last game.
“They probably think this is the best time to play us, but we know where we are as a group and we always know how to turn it on in front of our home supporters.”
Tomorrow’s squad welcomes back some popular names to CoinShares Park, including the likes of Ben Le Chevalier, returning on the right wing after a lengthy injury stint, and Tom Williams at full-back.
The head coach added: “It’s great to have these boys getting back to full fitness.
“We have a big squad and we want to offer everyone as much game time as possible, but it’s also a great headache to have.
“The likes of Ben [Le Chevalier] have had a really tough time with injury and have worked incredibly hard to get back to match fitness.
“These guys deserve their chance to wear the shirt and it’s particularly pleasing to get to offer them those minutes.”
With just two league games remaining, Landick’s eyes are peering just beyond the end of the league, where an even bigger clash looms in early May.
“Just because the league is gone, doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty to play for.
“We have the Siam and Fallaize cups coming up in May. The players know all too well how important that day is.
“The lads did brilliantly to win the Fallaize in Guernsey last year, but we also want to win the Siam Cup too.
“Guernsey Raiders are strong, but we know we can beat them.
“These guys are playing for their spots, this is no time to take your foot off the gas.
“We have two more league games to ensure we tighten up some areas that need improving structurally and to make sure we take as much confidence and momentum forwards into the Siam as possible.”
Action tomorrow from CoinShares Park is scheduled for a 3pm start, after the RFC Women are set to host Dartford Valley Ladies at 11.30am.
JRFC Men’s squad to face Old Alleynians: [1-15] Joe Ridgway, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Max Ayling, Euan Spencer, Tom Tilstone, Evan Whitson (c), Jerry Sexton, Jacques De La Bat, Aaron Penberthy, Mark Boarer, Dan Barnes, Nathan Rogers, Ben Le Chevalier, Tom Williams. Replacements: George Thomas, Bryn Edwards, Eryk Swiech
