JERSEY RFC Women travel to Merton Lane tomorrow aiming to extend their excellent run of form as they face Canterbury Women in what promises to be a crucial Women’s National Challenge 1 South East (South) clash.
The ladies in red currently sit third in the table, just six points adrift of the leaders Dorking Women, and are riding the wave of three successive wins that have put them back in contention for the league title and promotion.
Their last meeting with Canterbury, back on November 22 at CoinShares Park, was a tight encounter, with Jersey edging a 14-7 victory in a game defined by defence and discipline. That narrow win demonstrated that while the Islanders have been in fine form, Canterbury are never to be underestimated, and Sunday’s rematch is expected to be equally competitive.
Jersey’s squad has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, with a range of attacking options that can turn a match in moments. Georgina Ruellan continues to pose a constant threat with her pace and finishing ability, making her a key player for the Caesareans.
Adding to Jersey’s strength, two players will make their first appearances for the club: Cara Williams earns a starting place after an injury sustained to Kellie Le Brocq, while Myra Bonello is set to feature also from the replacements bench, bringing fresh energy to the squad and injecting extra options in attack and defence.
Canterbury arrive at Merton Lane sitting fifth in the table. The visitors have lost their last two matches, but only narrowly, falling to the division’s top sides Dorking Women and Hove Women. Those close defeats underline that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the league, and they will be looking to upset Jersey’s rhythm with a strong performance.
For skipper Katie de la Cloche and her teammates, tomorrow’s match represents more than just another game. With only four fixtures remaining this season, each match is a vital opportunity to close the gap on the leaders and strengthen their bid for promotion.
Fans can expect a hard-fought, physical contest, with key battles likely to emerge in the backs where Jersey’s speed and creativity could clash with Canterbury’s resilient defence. Discipline, defensive organisation, and clinical finishing may ultimately decide the outcome.
With the title still within reach, Jersey RFC Women will be keen to maintain their momentum and make a statement in this crucial run-in. A win tomorrow would keep their promotion hopes alive and continue the momentum that has made them one of the most in-form sides in the league.
Kick-off at Merton Lane is scheduled for 12:30pm tomorrow afternoon.
To access the league website for fixtures, results and the league table, click the link; https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?competition=1782&season=2025-2026&team=11100&division=66846#tables
JRFC Women’s squad to face Canterbury: [15-9] Lucy Kendrick, Fern Moolasiwa, Georgina Ruellan, Bethan Hughes, Cara Williams, Emily Duncan, Laura Turpin; [1-8] Nicole Rodrigues Maghalhaes, Hannah Le Moignan, Ella Vieira, Ava Byrne, Emilie Langlands, Abbie Syvret, Katie de la Cloche (c), Andi Vaughan; Replacements: Emma Cornick, Morgan Carter, Kerry Bisson-Mercury, Myra Bonello
Women’s NC 1 South East (South)
