CAPTAIN Evan Whitson returns to lead the Jersey RFC Men’s side once again as they look to close out a successful 2025 in style away at Worthing.
The number 13 is considered unlucky for many, but victory tomorrow away at The Rugby Park in Littlehampton would see Jersey well and truly in command of the sole promotion spot at the summit of the Regional 1 South Central division, with 13 wins in a row.
Opponents Worthing sit eighth in the league with a 50/50 record of six wins and six defeats, including a 66-7 humbling at the hands of Jersey at CoinShares Park in the reverse of this fixture back in September.
Worthing host the league leaders tomorrow on the back of back to back excellent victories however. December 6 saw them edge a close home win 22-19 over Hammersmith & Fulham, but their efforts on the road last weekend saw them demolish Camberley 53-22.
The consecutive wins stopped the rot of three defeats on the bounce, so this might be their best opportunity to host the top side in the division and attempt to be the first to stop them this season.
A three week break awaits skipper Whitson and co after tomorrow, before they return on January 10 in a home clash with Farnham.
Tomorrow’s squad selection from coach Myles Landick proves the group are far from resting on their laurels.
After limping off with a dead leg last week against London Scottish Lions, vice captain Scott van Breda return to the starting line up at number 12 in place for the absent Dan Barnes.
The captain himself Whitson, who has been absent from the squad for several weeks, returns to boost the forwards in his familiar flanker role.
The front row of the scrum is looking all too familiar these days and last week’s player of the match Huw Owen joins Jack Higgins and top try scorer Jack Macfarlane to continue their dominance in set plays which has proved to pivotal to their success this season.
Lance Armstrong returns to the starting XV after a good performance for the 2nd team last weekend, while Dylan Stocks keeps his spot after another solid return against London Scottish Lions.
Liam Rhodes returns in the scrum half position with heaps of experience in place for the talented teenager Jonty O’Sullivan, but fans can expect to see a lot more of the young star in years to come.
Action from Worthing RFC is scheduled for a 2pm start.
