CONTINUITY within the pack has been a key ingredient for Jersey RFC’s success, as they seek victory number ten.
The unbeaten Caesareans travel to Newbury Blues this weekend having taken maximum points from their opening nine games in Regional 2 South Central.
Their Berkshire-based opponents also started the campaign strong, but consecutive defeats at the hands of Winchester and Tottonians has dropped them down to sixth in the pecking order.
Despite a late stumble last game out against Winchester, Myles Landick’s men have extended their gap at the top to 11 points over their nearest rivals.
He said: “We have developed some real consistency among the forwards. When you are not chopping and changing each game, it is easier to build a strong rapport and fully understand what is required of your role.
“Our set-piece functioned well again last game and, looking at the potential pitch conditions at Newbury, it could prove a contest that’s won in the battle up front.
“We have been told that the surface is quite saturated, which will provide a stern challenge, but it’s one we need also.
“The ability to adapt our game depending on conditions is an important factor throughout the season and it is another opportunity to test ourselves under different circumstances.”
There are a few different faces in the matchday squad for tomorrow’s trip, as Aaron Penberthy drops out, with former Red Scott van Breda assuming the fly-half role.
Nathan Rogers shifts from the wing to centre, providing an opportunity for Anushan Elanco out wide.
From the 18 selected, 12 have come through the Jersey RFC Minis and Juniors section, which Landick feels is testament to the strength of the programme on the Island.
“It is incredible to see so many players in the side who have progressed through local age-group rugby,” he added.
“We want to provide that pathway and the number of players able to come into league rugby and make a difference for us, really shows that we are doing the right things at grassroots level.
“There is so much depth in our team now. Even among the forwards, Jerry Sexton, Euan Spencer and Brian Njomba are absent from this weekend.
“Former Reds captain Lewis Wynne has been training with us also, so we are very lucky to have such an abundance of talent to choose from.
“With that being said, we know Newbury will provide a stern test. They defeated London Irish Wild Geese earlier this season and the conditions for them on home soil could be a little bit of a leveller in terms of ability.
“But we have full confidence in our ability to adapt to whatever challenge is thrown our way and that will be the aim tomorrow.”
Action from Newbury is set to get underway at 2.30pm tomorrow, with free livestreaming available via Jersey RFC’s Veo channel.
Jersey RFC to face Newbury Blues [1-15]: Ewan Davies, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Tom Tilstone, Bryn Edwards, Evan Whitson (c), Tim Corson, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Scott van Breda, Anushan Elanco, Nathan Rogers, Dom Mayo, Sam Harvey, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: George Thomas, Cameron Halliwell, Jenson Holmes.
