JERSEY RFC resumed their Regional 2 South Central league campaign in emphatic fashion by beating a tough Farnham side at home last weekend and they are looking to extend their winning streak to 15 as they travel to West Sussex to take on Chichester RFC tomorrow.
Currently tenth in the league, Chichester have had a difficult season, especially after losing their opening five games on the bounce. Putting points on the board has also been a struggle – they are currently the third lowest point scorers in the league with not one player from their squad scoring more than one league try this season.
Compare this to Myles Landick’s RFC side, who have won all 14 of their league games and boast all four of the league’s top try scorers, Jack Macfarlane (17), George Willmott (15), Nathan Rogers (9) and Charlie Hubert (8), this is a fixture the Caesareans will be looking to capitalise on.
In the reverse fixture back in late September, the Islanders ran out comfortable 31-8 winners, with Charlie Hubert starring in the kicking role that day after stepping in for Aaron Penberthy. Hubert returns to the starting 15 for this fixture, which coach Myles Landick was pleased about.
“Charlie [Hubert] returns to the starting squad this weekend, which is a real boost for us.
“He’s had an awesome season so far and is a massive player for us, so it’s great to have him back.”
Hubert has contributed eight tries so far this season and 50 points overall, including his replacement skills with the boot.
Landick continued: “Away games are always tough, we never take them for granted.
“It’ll be a long day as we’re travelling over early, which is never easy for players.
“The boys will have to be on top form, but we prepare that way for every game, home or away, so we’re ready for the challenge.”
Once again, Landick and his coaching team have selected a match-day squad with 12 of the 18 players being RFC academy graduates.
The head coach has consistently highlighted the importance in his eyes of using his whole squad and exposing them to a good level of rugby in preparation for potentially higher challenges they are aiming for in the future.
This weekend’s starting 15 sees a start for young Sam Harvey on the wing, as well as second row Nathan Thomas, who impressed off the bench last match against Farnham with a well-deserved try.
The Islanders’ opponents, although nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom of the table, have managed to start 2024 positively. They recorded an impressive 26-22 away win against ninth-placed Newbury Blues last weekend and will carry plenty of confidence into tomorrow’s fixture and may back themselves to topple the league leaders.
