FOR a side that has already sealed Regional 2 South Central honours, Jersey RFC’s head coach has been amazed to see that “the hunger is still there” ahead of a trip to third-place Tottonians tomorrow.
A comprehensive home victory last weekend against Newbury Blues marked back-to-back title-winning seasons and, in turn, promotions, with two games in hand.
However, with the small matter of a Siam Cup at the conclusion of the campaign, if anything the work within the Caesarean camp has intensified.
Every player in red is desperate for a place in the side against old foes Guernsey and the remaining league fixtures serve as an audition to secure those coveted spots.
While Jersey’s name has already been etched on the trophy, Southampton-based Tottonians find themselves just three points adrift of second-placed Winchester, with plenty to play for.
The reverse fixture at CoinShares Park was touch and go in the opening half, as Jersey took a 28-17 lead into the break.
However, as has been the case so often this season, the champions blew away their opposition in the second half for a comfortable victory – something that head coach Myles Landick believes his opponents will be eager to put right.
“Tottonians are going to be a very tough challenge,” he said.
“When they visited us, they weren’t happy with the final result, so I think they’ll want to come out all guns blazing and take the win off us.
“I have made it clear that I don’t want us to be beaten again this season. Those are the standards and every one of the lads has fully bought in.
“The Siam Cup is now at the forefront of our minds and it’s so important that we don’t let any of the momentum slip between now and then.
“Massive credit to the lads, because they could have turned up to training this week and taken their foot off the gas after winning the title last week. But it’s been anything but. The intensity has continued to ramp up throughout the season and the hunger is still there to give everything in training and on matchday.”
Part of the Jersey RFC fabric this year has been giving players the freedom to express themselves.
The backs have been electric, with quick work at the breakdown and spreading play wide in a matter of seconds, before opposition defences have a chance to reset.
However, equally as impressive is that the forwards are not afraid to play with ball in hand and offload when the opportunity arises.
Strength across the entire 15 has made the Islanders difficult to contain.
If the backs are bottled up, the forwards take over, and vice versa.
Landick added: “I think Mitch [James Mitchell] deserves a huge amount of credit for the way we are attacking.
“He has worked wonders during the year and continued to improve the great foundations left by Brendan Owen.
“The skill level of every player has improved dramatically. The offloads and handling have all contributed to our success this year and we will need that growth heading into a higher league next year.”
Action from Hampshire is set to get under way at 3pm.
Jersey RFC [1-15]: Ewan Davies, Jack Macfarlane,Tom Wilson, Euan Spencer, Nathan Thomas, Evan Whitson, Tom Tilstone, Tim Corson, Jacques de la bat, Aaron Penberthy, Sam Harvey, Dom Mayo, Nathan Rogers, Bevan Biggs, Tom Bulfin. Replacements: Harvey Evans, Cameron Halliwell, Callum Cuthbert.
