JERSEY RFC have had to win games the hard way of late, and head coach Myles Landick expects yet another tough test at Old Alleynians tomorrow.
With the fixture re-arranged from the opening half of the campaign, Jersey must contend with both unavailabilities and recent injuries to key players.
All season long, Landick has sternly warned of the threat all opponents possess, regardless of their league position.
The need to focus and be switched on for every game has been drilled into his charges, and they have needed to dig deep to take maximum points over the past three fixtures.
A narrow two-point victory away to Bracknell was followed by a battling home victory against CS Stags in trying circumstances, before 11th-placed Horsham kept Jersey scoreless for most of the opening 40 minutes.
Despite chopping and changing the 15 players mid-game, with injuries to both Aaron Penberthy and replacement PJ Dodge, Jersey prevailed and displayed the traits of a side that will win by any means, not just the “pretty way”.
“Horsham were brilliant against us. Certainly the best they’ve played all season,” said Landick.
“We have to be prepared for that. The teams we face are desperate to beat us and it’s so important we weather any early pressure they try to build.
“We know Old Alleynians will be the same and we have to be switched on from the first.
“It’s not always easy after long travel days. We’re flying to Southampton and then have two hours on a coach, but there are no excuses there.
“The guys are used to travelling for away games and we will be ready to go.”
One aspect of Jersey’s play that has clearly improved over recent weeks is their gritty defence.
The side have conceded just three scores across the last two games, which has been crucial to take maximum points and keep the heat on Regional 1 South Central table-toppers London Welsh.
“We have our defence nailed down and that has really shown in the lack of points we’ve given up.
“But there is some room for improvement in attack.
“It’s not far off, but there are some details and connection around our attacking that we need to get right.
“We are so lucky to have someone of Scotty’s [Van Breda] experience, analysing the game footage and working to get things right in training.
“Our scrum was really dominant against Horsham, as it has been all season. But we were a bit careless, losing line-outs in key areas of the field.
“It’s frustrating because our maul is so strong that if we secure a line-out within the opposition’s 10-metre line, then we are more than likely going to score.
“But we are always taking learnings from each game and with our defence being so strong, it really provides a great platform for us.”
Jersey travel to Dulwich tomorrow missing a handful of familiar faces.
Both captain Evan Whitson and Jack Macfarlane are unavailable for the re-arranged affair, while the game comes a week early for Dan Barnes, recovering from a broken thumb.
Tom Bulfin fell victim to the artificial turf last weekend, as Penberthy and Dodge also miss out after being forced off against Horsham.
Scrum-half Liam Rhodes is also sidelined.
However, where there are gaps, there are opportunities.
Winger Rory Drummond impressed on debut and retains his spot, while youngster Billy Mullins acquitted himself well off the bench.
No. 8 George Willmott shifts to centre to patch up a thin back line.
Action from Dulwich is set to get under way at 1.30pm.
Jersey RFC to face Old Alleynians [1-15]: George Thomas, Jake Bates, Huw Owen, Max Ayling, Cameron Keys, Tom Tilstone, Euan Spencer, Jerry Sexton, Max Harrington, Scott Van Breda, Rory Drummond, George Willmott, Dylan Stocks, Jacques de la Bat, Mark Boarer. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Bryn Edwards, Billy Mullins
