JERSEY RFC might have enjoyed a perfect inaugural season in the English league system, but this year will be ‘a different kettle of fish’ according to their head coach.
A humbling pre-season defeat at the hands of a strong Oxford Quins served as a shock to the system, as Myles Landick’s men prepare to kick off their 2023/24 campaign at home to Witney this Saturday.
It was men against boys for the Caesareans last year, as they proved far too strong for every opponent the Counties 1 Hampshire London & SE Division threw their way.
The confidence remains, but the squad are ‘under no illusions’ that the impending Regional 2 South Central season is sure to provide a stiffer test for the fledgling outfit.
Landick said: ‘Ultimately we want to push for promotion again, but we are under no illusions, it will be hard work.
‘We had a meeting earlier this week to assess our goals and how we want to be perceived by the other sides in the league.
‘Everyone is on the same page and ready to get going.
‘We’re excited for the new challenges that this season will present and know that we won’t be able to take anything for granted.
‘It can be easy to let off the gas when you are 70 or 80 points up, but we anticipate some much closer contests this season and Witney will certainly pose a threat.’
Witney are an unknown quantity to the Islanders, as will be the case with many in a fresh league.
However, the south-eastern side did face Quins in last year’s Oxfordshire RFU County Cup 2023, losing by a similar margin to that of Jersey in their lone pre-season contest.
If that is anything to go by, Witney will provide a stern test to Landick and Co.
‘There were a lot of encouraging signs against Oxford Quins,’ said the former Jersey Red.
‘Our set pieces were really solid and within the first 20 minutes or so, it was the fastest I’ve ever seen us move the ball.
‘The pace of the game was rapid, so those were pleasing aspects.
‘It was all about giving the players some game time and we got 24 people involved, which is massively important to be ready for the Witney challenge.
‘Our pack is pretty much as strong as it can be and we have some great playmakers among the backs.
‘Everyone is ready to get started.’
The hosts are buoyed by the news that former Jersey Reds fly-half Aaron Penberthy is fit, after an injury scare against Quins.
Elsewhere, past Colt Fergus Ludlum has returned from university and gets a start on the wing.
Meanwhile, former Exeter University student Ben Le Chevalier has endured a torrid time of late with injury, but slots in alongside Dom Mayo at centre, after impressing Landick upon his return to the Island.
Action from St Peter is set to get under way at 2.30pm.
Jersey RFC to face Witney: Joe Ridgway, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Tim Corson, Euan Spencer, Evan Whitson, Brian Njomba, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Aaron Penberthy, Nathan Rogers, Ben Le Chevalier, Dom Mayo, Fergus Ludlum, Charlie Hubert, Ewan Davies, Cam Haliwell, Tom Bulfin
