Hoff Sports

Friday, 27 September 2013

Jersey RFC vs Bristol Rugby, Preview.

Bristol Rugby Club

Founded: 1888

Home Ground: Memorial Stadium

Director of Rugby: Andy Robinson

Last season: Fifth

Last season:

Bristol were one of the favourites last season having topped the table in 2011/12, and only losing out in the play-offs to London Welsh. Bristol started off the 2012/13 campaign badly, winning only three of their first eight league matches, culminating in a 63-7 reverse at Nottingham. In fact it was make or break for the management when Jersey came to town mid November, having sacked head coach Liam Middleton and Andy Robinson taking full control. Finishing with four straight wins, including the only league defeat champions Newcastle Falcons suffered all season. Ending up only two points from a playoff spot, their early season form had let them down. The best supported club in the division, a 4,891 home average was 1,250 more than any other, expected much more, and this season, along with London Welsh, they appear to be the stand-out side.

This season so far:

Pre-season was a mixed bag for Bris’ beginning with an 11 tries to 1, 69-5 thumping by near neighbours Bath, with Jerseys Matt Banahan amongst the scorers. This was followed by a second heavy defeat at Exeter who put 51 points and eight tries before Clifton gave a confidence boost by succumbing 76-0. The season began at Sandy Park, along with Jerseys match, live on Sky Sports against The Cornish Pirates. The Pirates had failed to read the script and battled gamely to a 23-21 win to put the pressure on Robinson’s men. They responded with a 31-18 win over an impressive London Scottish at home. Anything but convincing, Bristol were down at the break before the forwards overpowered the Exiles for a bonus point win.

Bristol are still the favourites to win back promotion to the top table. Eleven players have departed and Robinson has revamped his coaching staff bringing in the likes of Adam Holley who has coached Ospreys, Scarlets and involved with the Welsh national side. Key signings last season and eight from Premiership clubs over the summer such as Wasps Nicky Robinson, Ulster’s Adam D’Arcy, and Nick Koster on loan from Bath, give much cause for optimism as well as added expectation. Chairman Chris Booy has said that ‘everything we now do will be to that standard: Premiership standard, we have a goal for the season. That’s promotion. No point in disguising it, it is what we all want’

Previous with Jersey:

Jersey met Bristol at the Memorial last season in what was a season defining game for the home side. Bris’ were in terrible form, and Jersey had a sniff at an unlikely scalp. The Islanders were only 11 points down at the break despite conceding three tries. A red card for Ashley Maggs following on from two others sin binned earlier on put paid to Jersey’s chances and three tries in the last ten minutes gave the Bristolian’s a 39-16 bonus point win, despite Richard Barrington’s late consolation. Back on the rock it was a different story however, where a confident and resurgent Jersey was up 16-9 at the interval thanks to a great team try, finished off by new captain Nicky Griffiths. Even with moments remaining and Jersey trailing by six, the win was in sight and when James Gethings crashed over, a famous win seemed to have been in the bag, only for the referee to controversially rule he had been held up and left Jersey with only a solitary losing bonus point, much to the dismay of the 3,000 plus crowd. Jerseys Director of Rugby Ben Harvey said of his team that day: ‘I think they’ve been defeated because of a poor refereeing decision.’

After last weekend’s stunning win, there is a new found respect for the men in red, echoed by the Bristol Director of Rugby Andy Robinson. ‘Jersey had a good win against Bedford Blues last weekend so we're under no illusions about how tough it will be. They are a good side, especially at home. We did well to win there last season, having to come from behind and pip them to the post late on.’ Jersey has always had a good match day atmosphere, and this is now fast becoming a place revered by visiting sides: ‘There's always a great atmosphere at St Peter’, Robinson said. ‘It's like a cup game: a packed house and plenty of travelling supporters. We're looking forward to going there. Jersey are very well coached and the Club has a great structure. I've enjoyed many times in the Jersey Clubhouse – it's a great Club and good people. I like the island and, as a Club, we're excited about visiting.’

The home faithful should be equally excited to welcome a side as big as Bristol and be able to compete on a level playing field. Buoyed by last weekend’s win against Bedford, a repeat of that commitment and desire, matched by any underestimation from Bristol will give the Reds a sniff of another landmark victory.

ONES TO WATCH

(If Fit)
Name: Nicky Robinson
Born: 3rd January 1982
Position: Fly-Half
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 93kg

Nicky Robinson is one of Bristol major signings this season. The Wales international fly half arrived from London Wasps this summer having starred for the Cardiff Blues and Gloucester having notched over 700 Premiership points in three seasons, only injury disrupting his run last term. With 42 international points for Wales and famed for his long range goal kicking, he is their marquee signing. Despite missing the opening two games of the campaign through injury, he may well be available to make his first team debut against Jersey.

Name: Adrian Jarvis
Born: 12^th December 1983
Position: Fly-Half
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 88kg

Adrian Jarvis returned to Bristol Rugby from London Irish in the summer of 2012. The England Saxon racked up 547 points in seventy-two appearances during his first spell at the Memorial Stadium, before joining Leeds Carnegie on a short-term deal. Jarvis was a lynchpin of the Bristol backline during the 2012/13 season, scoring 180 points, 24 at St Peter including the match-winning try –showing exactly what makes him one of the most revered number tens in the league. An accurate kicker and excellent distributor, the composed fly half is a key member of Andy Robinson’s first team squad.

Name: Redford Pennycook

Born: 27^th November 1985
Position: Flanker
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 105kg

Brother of Moseley’s Chevvy, Redford returned to Bristol Rugby in January 2012, after spending two seasons with Newcastle Falcons. The versatile flanker spent four seasons at the Memorial Stadium after graduating through the Academy, making a total of 58 appearances since his debut against Bath in October 2005. Pennycook, a former England U18’s representative, made his return to the blue and white hoops versus London Welsh. The home-grown star – a key member of Andy Robinson’s side – made a total of twenty-three appearances during the 2012/13 campaign, scoring two tries. Man of the Match last time Bris’ were in Jersey, as well as a try in the game at Bristol, he will be a marked man this time out.

Name: Jason Hobson
Born: 10^th February 1983
Position: Prop
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 114.4kg

Jason Hobson returned to Bristol from London Wasps in 2011. The prop joined the Club in 2003, making sixty-two appearances before his departure. Since his return, Hobson has proved a crucial member of the first team, making twenty-six appearances in 2011/12 and earning the prestigious Player's Player of the Year award. One of the most talented front rowers in the league, the prop is revered by team-mates and supporters for his committed displays and abrasive, if occasionally over-zealous, style of rugby.

Saturday, 21 September 2013

Jersey RFC v Bedford Blues RFC, Preview

Bedford Blues Rugby Club

Founded: 1876

Home Ground: Goldington Road

Director of Rugby: Mike Rayer

Club Captain: James Prichard

Last Season: Third, play-off Runners Up,

Semi Finals British and Irish Cup

2012/13:

Last season Bedford was one of the shining lights in the division, finishing third in the regular season, as well as making the semi finals of the British and Irish Cup. With three of the top six in the try scorers chart, their final tally of 78 was only two tries fewer and 13 points less than the run-away winners Newcastle Falcons. Bedford made the play-off final despite not having any aspirations of promotion due to the financial implications that go with progression to the Aviva Premiership. Having despatched Nottingham home and away in the semi final, they fell to a 9-18 home defeat to the Falcons which put paid to any realistic challenge. A 31-24 loss at Kingston Park meant that Newcastle was promoted at the first time of asking. Bedford are the only side in the Championship still maintaining their amateur status, and do not wish to progress any further. Chairman Geoff Irvine stating that the financial gap is too vast for a club like theirs to bridge; ‘If Bedford were promoted to the Premiership, I would have to sack half the squad because the gap between the divisions is so big’.

2013/14:

Pre-season Bedford succumbed to a strong Saracens side, a ten try 71-12 thumping, this following on from a 45-21 home defeat to Northampton, notable for a bone-crunching tackle by Courtney Lawes on former Jersey favourite Michael Le Bougeois. Bedfords opening match this season began with a defeat in a bad tempered match against relegated London Welsh. A player sin binned in the second minute, then followed a red for both sides in a feisty first half that saw the Blues trail 0-13 at the break. The Blues with sub Le Bougeois on rallied but eventually fell to a 23-14 defeat. Expect to see a smattering of duel-registered Saracens players turning out for the Blues today. Hooker Charlie Clare and Fly-half Michael Le Bougeois both turned out for Jersey last season, and both will be looking to put one over on their old club.

Any previous:

The first competitive match between the two was in Jersey last season. It was the first game that the home faithful began to believe that Jersey could compete after two disappointing home defeats. After going down 19-29, the Bedford boss Mike Rayer slammed his team for a capitulation in the second half and said that Jersey deserved to win, and would have done had the game lasted five more minutes. With tries from Glenn Bryce, Nathan Hannay and Ed Dawson in the bag, Jersey turned down a kick for a bonus point, instead they pushed for a fourth try that would have yielded two, but came away with nothing except belief. In the second game up at Goldington Road, Jersey went down 38-21. Behind 14-9 at half time, mistakes cost Jersey dear and despite tries by Nicky Griffiths and a late score by Guy Thompson, Jersey were punished by the kicking of James Prichard and left still searching for an elusive away win.

After the opening day defeat to Plymouth Albion, Jersey will be looking to get a home win sooner than the four attempts it took last season. If Jersey can bring their first half performance from that match, and leave the second half capitulation behind, there is belief that Bedford can be attacked on the set piece and weaknesses highlighted by Welsh still give cause for optimism. Not finishing lower than third in the regular season in the last three seasons, Bedford provide a huge test in what will be a very difficult match.

Ones to watch:

Name: James Pritchard

DoB: 21/07/1979

Position: Fullback

Height: 1.76m

Weight: 83kg

Australian-born James Pritchard is Bedford Blues club captain and has been one of their most consistent stars in recent seasons regularly topping the clubs points table. In his second spell at the club, he has amassed over 2000 points for the Blues. His kicking ability and eye for the try line has also recently seen him become Canada’s all-time top point scorer. The 34 year old full back has previously turned out for Plymouth, Perpignan and Northampton. With three player of the year awards in his time, given the chance he will punish any Jersey indiscipline.

Name: Neville Edwards

DoB: 22/11/1987

Position: Wing

Height: 1.69m

Weight: 84kg

Edwards signed for the Blues in the summer following three extremely impressive seasons with Rosslyn Park where he was described as an ‘explosive force’. Having turned out for the English Counties side, his try-scoring ability was highlighted with 17 last season in National One last term. Edwards scored a brace in the pre-season fixture against Saracens and then crossed the whitewash against London Welsh in their defeat last weekend.

Name: Charlie Clare

DoB: 16/12/1991

Position: Hooker

Height: 1.82m

Weight: 112kg

After coming through the Leicester Academy, Clare swapped Welford Road for Goldington Road in the summer and has already shown what a talented youngster he is, especially with his lineout throws. Having turned out for England under 16’s he is one with a very bright future. No stranger to the home faithful having spent several months and eight appearances with Jersey last season, Clare was already well adapted to the Championship ahead of his move to the Blues.

Name: Ben Gulliver

DoB: 13/06/1981

Position: Second Row

Height: 1.96m

Weight: 109kg

Gulliver picked up the coveted Player’s Player of the Season Award following an impressive first year with the Blues last season. The second rower was a sensation during his time with the Cornish Pirates which led him to the Premiership with Worcester. Six feet five and 17 stone, he has a huge impact at the lineout. Vastly experienced and influential, he has continued to have a huge impact on all parts of the field for the Blues.

Jersey RFC vs Bedford Blues. Bedford Preview

Bedford Blues Rugby Club

Founded: 1876

Home Ground: Goldington Road

Director of Rugby: Mike Rayer

Club Captain: James Prichard

Last Season: Third, play-off Runners Up,

Semi Finals British and Irish Cup

2012/13:

2013/14:

Any previous:

Ones to watch:

Name: James Pritchard

DoB: 21/07/1979

Position: Fullback

Height: 1.76m

Weight: 83kg

Name: Neville Edwards

DoB: 22/11/1987

Position: Wing

Height: 1.69m

Weight: 84kg

Name: Charlie Clare

DoB: 16/12/1991

Position: Hooker

Height: 1.82m

Weight: 112kg

Name: Ben Gulliver

DoB: 13/06/1981

Position: Second Row

Height: 1.96m

Weight: 109kg

Saturday, 24 August 2013

Jersey RFC mauled by Tigers and Lions

Ashburton Pre-Season Challenge

Jersey 7 Leicester Tigers 69
By: James Hewlett

The second Ashburton challenge gave the new look, fully professional Jersey side a chance to face off against one of the best sides in European rugby. The 3,212 strong crowd were keen to see how the dozen or so new signings led by new captain Alex Rae fared against a Leicester side coming off the back of a record tenth English title and their third in five years. The twice Heineken cup winners, contained four of their six British and Irish Lions representatives, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling and Tom Youngs all started, with Tom Croft on the bench.

Jersey started well and was determined not to be pushed about by their illustrious opponents. As early as the eighth minute Parling thought he had bulldozed over, only to be denied by a collective of Jersey bodies, notably Fred Silcock. Leicester Tigers were sharp early on however, and an incisive move by former All Black Scott Hamilton led to Parling this time scoring the opening try in the corner, Flood missing the conversion. Jersey responded well and went toe to toe with the Tigers but on the quarter hour, a line break caused an overlap and the impressive Vereniki Goneva scored the first of his two tries. A horrible scuff by Flood meant he was now nought from two kicks.

With Prop Jon Brennan taken off with injury the Jersey pack looked unsettled, but once Elvis Taione flattened Cole on 24 minutes, the crowd came alive, and moments later came the move of the half from Jersey. Nicky Griffiths continued recycling of the play, finally releasing O'Connor who in turn fed Drew Locke left to right, and the debutant scored to the delight of the home faithful. O'Conno○r converted to bring the score to 7-10.

On the half hour a messy scrum put Leicester on the attack. With Parling becoming increasingly influential, breaking tackles and leading the line, and despite last ditch Jersey heroics, Leicester's man of the match Steve Mafi scored from under a pile of bodies. This time Flood converted, 7-17.

With both teams having issues with the new scrum rules, Jersey were unable to create a platform and the Premiership Champions' ability to switch the play tested the resolve, until the stroke of half time when from a rolling maul Julian Salvi crashed over. Flood again missed to leave the score 7-22 at half time. Jersey can count themselves slightly unfortunate however not to have scored a second try, as following on from a hacked clearance Ed Dawson would have been clear and under the posts but for a bad bounce just as he was about to strike the ball.

Plenty of changes from both sides for the second half, most notably the introduction of back row Tom Croft. Jersey began the second half as they began the first, but as the game wore on the class of Leicester began to tell, with sharp hands amongst the forwards leaving a gap for scrum half David Mélé to scamper over in the corner, with Flood's last involvement again missing the conversion.
On 55 minutes, hesitancy in the Jersey midfield and some slick passing gave Goneva the easiest of run-ins to extend the lead. Owen Williams looking more assured than Flood, slotted the kick to give the Tigers a 34-7 lead.

Jersey stepped up the pace and was beginning to cause Leicester problems, but a missed penalty kick to touch was hacked into acres of space, and Adam Thompstone had the simplest job to chase, pick up and dot down a score that momentarily knocked both crowd and the Jersey players. Worse was to follow when another premiership standard move was followed by a decidedly forward pass, missed by the officials, and Jamie Gibson scored. Another Williams conversion gave a score of 7-48.
Ryan Lamb then scored two quick-fire tries as Jersey tired against the third Tigers front row of the match, both converted as Leicester began to turn the screw. Henry Purdy scored the seventh try of the half late on, and Williams with his sixth successful kick somewhat skewed the score line to a final score of Jersey 7-69 Leicester Tigers.

Jersey was more than a match for Leicester in the first half in particular, the tight five can be justifiably proud of their efforts, and the handling was a class apart from last season. Leicester's extra match practice, fitness and sharpness was a key factor and gave a side packed with internationals the edge, and created the overlaps that eventually a dogged Jersey side were unable to withstand. Good performances by a number of debutants including Niall O'Conner, the man of the match for Jersey, will give great optimism for the season ahead and the players can be proud of their efforts against such illustrious opposition.

Jersey:Pointer, Foster, Locke, Bishop, Dawson, O'Connor, Griffths, McCarthy, Taione, Brennan, Campbell, Rae ©, Silcock, Buckle, Brown.
Replacements:Fidler, Felton, Young, Markham, Anderson, Voss, Stratford, Williams, Penberthy, Cooper, Burroughs, Copsey.

Leicester Tigers:Morris, Hamilton, Goneva, Bowden, Thompstone, Flood ©, Mele, Mulipola, Youngs T, Cole, Deacon, Parling, Mafi, Salvi, Crane.
Replacements:Humphreys, Purdy, Catchpole, Dunn, Allen, Williams, Lamb, Steele, Tressider, Stankovich, Hawkins, Briggs, Balmain, de Chavas, Price, Croft, Noone, Gibson, Waldrom.

Referee:Ian Tempest
Assistant referees:Andrew Pearce and Roy Maybank

Attendance:3,212

Star Man (Jersey):O'Connor
Star Man (Tigers):Mafi

Half time:7-22

Scorers

Jersey
Try:Locke 25
Conversion:O'Connor 25

Leicester Tigers
Tries:Parling 5, Goneva 14, 55, Mafi 31, Salvi 39, Mele 50, Thompstone 59, Gibson 62, Lamb 71,77, Purdy 79
Conversions:Flood 31, Williams 55, 59, 62, 71, 77, 79

Thursday, 2 May 2013

Siam Cup Preview

The Siam cup, the second oldest trophy in the world, is an annual event between the islands of Jersey and Guernsey. It may not even register on the boards in 99% of rugby clubs across the British Isles, but I can assure you, on these two little rocks off the coast of France, it is a big deal, an annual event that involves blood sweat and tears aplenty. Local rivalry at its most intense, in its darker moments it has spilled off the pitch, but these incidents are few, and any ill feeling is usually left on the pitch, (if not certainly after a couple of jars of the clubhouse's finest ale)

Jersey have achieved national aclaim during their meterioric rise to the second tier of English rugby, leaving their smaller amateur neighbours behind somewhat, and are fully expected to win their fifth straight Siam. But as in any David versus Goliath match, sometimes David gets lucky.

Guernsey Rugby, a brief history.

Officially the club was only founded in 1928, despite strong evidence indicating the sport was played in the mid nineteenth century, although recent claims that they have just celebrated their centenary only add to the confusion. GRFC joined the league structure at level ten in 1987/88 playing in Hampshire division two, winning promotion in their first season. This was to be the highlight for some time as GRFC struggled to compete before relegation ensued in 1992/93. During this time they played league matches against their bigger island brothers from 1989/90 until 1991/92 when Jersey were promoted, (three seasons later in 1994/95 was the last time the two islands were to compete in the same division). GRFC bounced back to level nine in the 1993/94 season and they remained in that division for ten years, before successive promotions (2003/04 and 2004/05) taking them up to national level seven. Slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in this division, they gradually improved and achieved back to back promotions once again in 2010/11 and in 2011/12.

2012/13

GRFC went into their first ever season in the National League aiming for a top-four finish in National Three London and South-East, perhaps even pushing for promotion. This was not to be the case as injury troubles throughout the campaign left them unable to get their best side out consistently, and subsequently they had to be satisfied with eighth place with 12 wins from their 26 games. Still an achievement for the only amateur side in the division, their coach Jordan Reynolds is of the belief that with his best 18-man match-day squad out, his side would have been a match for anybody. They have admitted the squad just does not have the strength in depth of others in the division and struggled to cope, especially when ‘star names’ were missing. Guernsey’s luck was summed up when one of their big pre-season signings, New Zealander Villi Tosi, was injured in a pre-season warm up match in Jersey and never got to play a league game for them. Manager Jordan Reynolds to his credit has refused to complain and got on with the job, although he did admit in a recent interview that he was happy the season was coming to an end after the penultimate match of the league season where he was missing virtually a whole side. With only two wins in their last six league matches (albeit one was a 78-9 drubbing of bottom side Staines), GRFC do not come into this fixture in the same winning form as twelve months ago. The playing ambition, certainly that of coach Jordan Reynolds, is to be aiming for promotion. He just wants to keep progressing. Of course, resources play a large part in that and GRFC are limited both in player numbers and little funding, but with a squad as small as GRFC have, and with injuries blighting the side, the ability to get a settled side and rhythm will always be a massive challenge.

The Siam Cup.

The second oldest cup in history, behind only the Calcutta Cup, (England v. Scotland), the Siam has a story all of its own. Between 1910-1913, five former pupils of Elizabeth and Victoria colleges met up while serving in the Siam Constabulary. They decided to commission a trophy to stimulate interest in rugby football in the islands which had been in demise due to the upsurge in association football.

Each man contributed a sum of money before they obtained permission of the HM King Rama VI to convert the coinage into a trophy. Not only did the King of Siam give his permission, he also instructed his Royal Crown Silversmith to create a unique trophy.

The Siam Cup was brought to Guernsey by Lt. Col. C H Forty in 1920, and was presented to the Guernsey Sporting Club to be put up for competition. Unfortunately at this time no rugby clubs were actually playing the sport in Guernsey or Jersey.

However in 1928, rugby re-commenced as a sport and Forty requested the trophy be released to the GRUFC for inter-club competition. Despite this, it was not until 14 March 1935 that the cup was presented in its first inter-insular as originally intended by its five donors.

The annual competition has continued since then, with the exception between 1941-1947 because of the occupation of the Channel Islands by the Germans when it was hidden from the occupying forces who wanted it to be melted down for funds to go to the Third Reich. Quite where it was hidden is a mystery to this day. The original trophy was beginning to show signs of age, so to save it from irreparable damage the clubs now play for a near perfect replica trophy produced from a mould by renowned local silversmith Bruce Russell. The original trophy can still be viewed at the RFU museum at Twickenham.

The deep rooted rivalry between the two islands has never been in doubt. As you’d expect, Jersey have the most wins from this fixture, although 55-15 (with one draw) does portray a Caesarean dominance not always apparent when the two teams have clashed. More recent history has seen Jersey utterly dominant, since GRFC shocked the home faithful in 2008 with a 22-13 win to retain the trophy, despite the difference of two divisions between the sides. Jersey, again at home, took the honours with a 36-6 in 2009, 36-0 in Guernsey in 2010 on their way to a historic date at Twickenham, and a record 75-5 annihilation at St Peter in 2011. Despite a 29-0 reverse in the mud at home last season, GRFC kept their more illustrious opponents scoreless in the second half in a game that restored the pride and meaning to a contest sadly lacking the season before. With only eleven points scored in four contests the job facing GRFC is getting larger by the season and one wonders that unless the rules regarding eligibility are changed that the status quo will remain for some time. Whisper is quietly but the GRFC faithful, whilst always wanting to win, would be happy to keep the score respectable against a largely full time professional side ranked 23^rd in the country. GRFC still are at amateur status, and whilst some have jobs found by the club, unlike JRFC no one actually gets paid to play. In fact without any benefactors, the club is funded solely by sponsorship and this season by a small admission charge.

With little scope for part-time players in the harsh Championship environment, many of the Jersey match-day squad may not be involved in 2013/14, whilst it is also a chance to say goodbye to former skipper Nathan Hannay (Leeds), Michael Le Bourgeois (Bedford) and retiring Dave McCormack and Graham Bell amongst others. Another win by Jersey is expected by all, bar the fanatically proud Guernsey-men, especially after Jersey’s season steeled in the harshness of the Championship. A difference of three levels along with a virtual team of full time professionals to choose from is surely an insurmountable task. But the Siam is a one off, and for some playing in their first Siam it may be a shock to appreciate the ferocity of today’s visitors. GRFC may now look up to JRFC in terms of where the club currently is, but there will be no quarter given on the pitch regardless. With the cold wet winter behind us, the comfort of another season in the second tier secured, it should be a day for the reds to relax, spin the ball and play some attractive running rugby. It should, but I have a feeling that it will be a far different test to what JRFC have faced this season, whatever the outcome, we all hope for a better game than when GRFC last graced these shores (but obviously with the same result)

A decade of the Siam

2002: Jersey 23 Guernsey 8
2003: Guernsey 0 Jersey 27
2004: Jersey 32 Guernsey 22 (The ninth straight Jersey win on their 125^th anniversary)
2005: Guernsey 28 Jersey 24 (The smallest winning margin in the Siam Cup since 1988)
2006: Jersey 38 Guernsey 13 (A red card for Matt Banahan in his final Siam appearance)

2007: Guernsey 17 Jersey 8 (The lowest-scoring Siam since Jersey won 18-3 in 1991)
2008: Jersey 13 Guernsey 22 (Three from four and the last Sarnian win)
2009: Jersey 34 Guernsey 6 (Three tries in injury time flatter Jersey)
2010: Guernsey 0 Jersey 36 (Jersey’s 27^th straight win of the season)
2011: Jersey 73 Guernsey 5 (An 11-try rout, the biggest winning margin in Siam history)
2012: Guernsey 0 Jersey 29 (GRFC scoreless for the third time in five home matches)

Who to look out for (Guernsey)

Nick Barton

Number Eight

All time leading points scorer with over 1000 GRFC points. Talismanic number eight Nick Barton, has had another successful season high up the try scoring charts once again. Described by manager Reynolds as a ‘Colossus in both defence and attack’ in the heavy defeat two seasons ago. The most consistent player in their ranks, he rarely has a bad game, even whilst carrying a potentially serious injury for much of this season.

Tom Pool

Flanker

Influential open-side flanker Tom Pool, formerly of Bristol, has been outstanding in whichever role he has played this season – hooker, flanker or inside centre. Playing his last match for the Green and Whites, he along with Barton has also featured heavily in the try scorer’s chart this season. Pool will be leaving at end of the season to play a higher level once more.

Jason Harvey

Centre

Centre Jason Harvey, has topped the Guernsey try scorers charts this season with fourteen. Australian Harvey signed in the summer from Queensland Premier rugby heavyweights, ‘Brothers’, having also spent time on the wing, Harvey has been a key player for GRFC this season.

Eight of the side – Cameron Craine (prop), Tom Pool, Lewis Hillier (second row), Jim Regnard (flanker), Nick Barton, Blair Campbell (fly-half), Chris Wood (centre), and Jason Harvey – played for Hampshire last week in a 41-19 win over Middlesex. Scrum half Malcolm Barnes would have been selected too if fit, and with several more including the Batiste’s interesting the Hampshire selectors, it shows that Guernsey rugby is in good health.

As for the GRFC fans’ favourites, that is without doubt man-mountain prop Layton Batiste, whose barnstorming ‘runs’ always get a cheer. Many will remember his ample frame trotting manfully around the park in the heavy defeat two seasons ago after coming on as a sub. He will be keen to impress his game on the powerful Jersey front row.

Thursday, 11 April 2013

Jersey RFC Vs Doncaster Knights, The big one!

This game really has taken on astronomical significance in the life of Jersey Rugby Club. Its first visit to level two of the English league structure was always going to be decided with this the final home game, but has taken on even more significance with the fact that the team in most trouble are the visitors to St Peter. It's not quite win or bust, but the to the victor goes the spoils so the saying goes and the team who loses today will surely be facing National One rugby next season.

The Jersey team (yet to be announced at time of publishing) will be dependant on perhaps the two most influential players returning (hopefully) from injury. Former captain Nathan Hannay and fan favourite Guy Thompson have both been sidelined recently due to injury. A return will boost the whole club and will give a huge crowd an added lift even before a ball is kicked.

What of the opponents Doncaster? Eight years at this level, after a meterioric rise from level ten in the league structure has seen them compete consistently without setting the world on fire, but to be in this position when some had hoped they may even challenge for a play-off spot, has been hard to take for this proud Yorkshire side.

Despite some evidence to suggest that the club is possibly older, Doncaster Rugby Football Club was founded in 1875. It led a fairly nomadic life for its first half century playing at numerous sites around the area, even having a spell at the turn of the century when they joined the Northern Union.

Playing-wise for many years Doncaster Rugby Football Club were a solid if unspectacular Yorkshire side enjoying good and bad seasons alike. Its first taste of real success didn’t come until 1979 when it won the Yorkshire Shield, a knock out cup competition for junior clubs. At roughly the same time ‘Donny’ introduced mini-rugby and this has developed to such an extent that they now have over 400 junior members, making it the largest in Yorkshire and the most successful, in terms of county cups they have won.

Doncaster Rugby Football Club started the league rugby era in Yorkshire Two (national level ten) in its inaugural season in 1987/88, gaining promotion to Yorkshire One two seasons later. At this time Donny's Colts sides embarked on a remarkable run of four consecutive County Cup finals, two of which they won. This prompted the club to adopt a 'home grown' policy which still exists to this day. This policy was very successful and the club gained three consecutive promotions.

At the start of the 1996/7 season, their coach for the previous five seasons, Paul Morris, stood down to become Director of Rugby and they entered the professional era by employing former West Hartlepool and North of England lock Kevin Westgarth as their Rugby Development Officer/Player-Coach. The club hardly looked back as they won all 22 of their league fixtures that season to finish well clear at the top of North Two. They reached the final of the Intermediate Cup before losing to a disputed try in the final at Twickenham. For the first time in their history they also reached the final of the Yorkshire Cup losing to Sandal, four days after their Twickenham match.

In 1997/98 they finished second in North One on equal points to the winners New Brighton who had a superior match points difference. They again reached the Yorkshire Cup final, this time narrowly losing to Leeds at Morley. The Second XV won the finals of both the South Yorkshire Trophy and Northern Second XV Merit Table. The Junior Section won their Yorkshire Cup at Under 16’s and Under 13’s and drew at Under 12’s. Eight of their players represented the county including Richard Senior who captained the side.

The following season after a mid-season falter, Donny won their last seven matches and comprehensively beat the then league leaders Northern by thirty points in their last game in front of a crowd of over 2,000 to win North Division One, gaining promotion into the National Leagues, as well as winning the Yorkshire Cup by beating Sandal. Following this, in February of that year Donny were formally told that they were to receive a £1.8m lottery grant towards the cost of providing three additional pitches and a brand new clubhouse complete with 12 dressing rooms, a weight training gymnasium, a multi-activity suite, dedicated medical/physiotherapy facilities and social areas.

National Two became the level at which progression based on home grown talent was to prove a step too far and after finishing seventh a rethink brought Kingsley Jones, the former Welsh captain, to Doncaster as a playing Director of Rugby, who stiffened the squad significantly. Heartened by a fourth place finish, it was to be the launching pad for the coming seasons. Sadly though, Jones was to leave Doncaster to become forwards coach at Sale. The search for his replacement brought 33-cap former Springbok Pieter Muller to the club, and under his leadership the championship and promotion was won. This was the Club's eighth promotion in the 15 years of leagues in England and had never been achieved previously. The strength in depth within the Club was also reinforced as the Second XV retained the N2C league title they had secured the year before, and the Colts won the Yorkshire Cup for a second successive season.

The step up into National One took some time to adjust to. Home support was excellent, though, and the growing awareness of the club and its values around the area was noticeable. After 17 games, with just five wins and languishing in the bottom two, Peter Muller left the club. A panel of senior players under the guidance of Paul Morris took responsibility for all team affairs and there was a significant improvement in the later stages of the season, culminating in six wins in the last eight matches. The club finished with more wins (ten) and more league points (52) than any of the previously promoted clubs into the second tier. The final game saw club captain Rob Liley reach the 1000 point mark for the club from his four seasons, and the 2000 point mark in an illustrious career before retiring. Clive Griffiths, the Wales defence coach, joined Doncaster as the new Director of Rugby in June 2006, and immediately signed up Jason Forster to join him as forwards coach in a set-up that took its first steps towards professional rugby with over half the squad on full-time contracts.

The newly branded Doncaster Knights exceeded all expectations the following season. After leading the Division going into the New Year the Knights eventually finished in third place with 22 wins and one draw in 30 league matches. Silverware did appear when the Yorkshire Cup was won again, but that season high was tempered by the news that Clive Griffiths was to leave the club to taste Premiership rugby. Jason Forster retired as a player and returned to Wales. Their legacy, however, remains to this day.

A solid if unspectacular side, Donny have finished fifth, seventh, sixth and eighth over the last four seasons, well clear of relegation. They lay claim to be the most promoted club in England, (rising from level ten, Jersey from level eight). Quite how they have found themselves in this position after eight seasons in the second tier is a mystery to supporters as they firmly believe, like Jersey, that they are a better side than the table suggests. Even in the British and Irish Cup, four defeats have come with an aggregate losing margin of only eight points. Since possibly Jersey’s most frustrating defeat away to Donny, the Knights have lost seven from eight, but again can feel aggrieved at only picking up three losing bonus points, where four matches could realistically have been won.

The phrase ‘must win’ is a much overworked phrase, but in a game that neither can afford to lose, it really is a game that to preserve their status in the second tier of English rugby, Jersey have to come out on top. Relying on an away trip to the Cornish Pirates is not something the club would welcome so today’s match really is the crunch. If Jersey’s players and supporters are coming to see a big win over a side beaten, dejected and in poor form, then they need to seriously think again. This is a side who still believe that they can beat the drop, still with a game in hand, and much like our own side feel that the last two home matches should have yielded far more than they received. Only a big victory for Jersey would relegate Doncaster so mathematically it may not be over whatever the result, but realistically Jersey would be safe with a win, as Donny would need big wins away at Bedford and home to Plymouth in the coming week. Due to the weather the final three games in the space of seven days would surely be too much to ask.

Former Welsh supremo, Clive Griffiths returned mid-season, just before the Jersey game, and whilst results have not followed, the defence was shored up and performances improved. The difference in the two sides is marginal at best. Jersey would appear to be the side on the up and in better form but today is a day that the supporters also need to bring their A-game and in big numbers. We turned up in force for the Bristol game, and all saw how close Jersey were in upsetting one of the biggest sides in the country, not just this division. The players and coaching staff have reiterated how important the ‘Fortress St Peter’ factor is, none more so in what is arguably the biggest game ever to be staged in Jersey. On the pitch what we will have in abundance will be heart, but also both sides do possess a great deal of skill that has been hampered by the heavy pitches in what seemed like an endless cold wet winter. Jersey has what it takes to edge this clash but it will not be for the fainthearted.

Who to look out for.

Matt Challinor (captain).

Second Row.

At six feet five and over 18 stone, Doncaster captain Matt Challinor has been an ever present this season for the Knights having started all 19 league games to date. Signed back from Rotherham two seasons ago where he was a player’s player of the year in 2010, the former England under 18 and 20 player has also represented Yorkshire. Once on the books at Leeds, Challinor has been in fine form all season with a number of impressive performances and has recently committed his future to the club after signing a new contract for the next two seasons. The previous coaching regime had no hesitation in asking him to step up from vice-captain to skipper the side for this campaign, having played for Donny in the lower leagues.

Dante Mama.

Centre.

Utility back Mama, spent time dual registered between Leicester Tigers and Nottingham. Whilst completing his studies at Loughborough University he also turned out for a very successful ‘Students’ side. Mama was a try scoring part of the Championship Select XV who faced the New Zealand Maori All Blacks at Castle Park last November which included our own Nathan Hannay, having also scored a try for Donny in the home win over Jersey that same month. Priding himself on the mental and physical fitness sides of the game, he is comfortable at both full-back and on the wing. The Nigerian born flyer is also a former Zimbabwean under 18’s and 20’s star, having represented the Great Britain student sevens team, in the World Student games last summer.

Tyson Lewis.

Wing.

Donny’s top scorer this season with six tries in the league, matching our own talismanic figures of Guy Thompson and Nicky Griffiths, as well as a couple in the B and I cup. Law graduate Lewis 26, notched an impressive 34 tries for Blackheath during his two seasons with the National One outfit, winning coach’s player of the year awards during his time there, finishing third in the try charts in his second year before stepping up a level to join Plymouth for last season. A talented sevens player, the speedster was one of only two non-Premiership players nominated for the J-P Morgan series player of the year. Lewis joined the Knights at the start of this season scoring the opening try against Jersey at Castle Park when the two met in November.

Michael Keating.

Full back.
A product of the Leinster academy, 24 year old Irishman Keating signed last year for the Knights and was pitched straight into the fray when he made his debut in the starting XV against Bristol in the first game of the season. Keating's chances at Leinster were limited due to their first-choice wingers being established Irish internationals Shane Horgan and Luke Fitzgerald, but the former under-20 Irish international made a big impression on the Championship, scoring ten tries in his debut campaign last year. A shoulder Injury earlier this season has hampered his progress, but he won the man of the match award in his first match back this January to underline his importance to the side.

James Tincknell.

Centre/Wing.

Once on the books with Leeds when they were in the Premiership, Tincknell is a former Wharfdale player, one of three in the Donny squad who turned out for them at St Peter last season. Rated as one of the most promising young players in the country, making 13 Premiership appearances before he was involved in a car crash in early 2011. He was in a coma for over a month, before winning the 2011 Blyth Spirit Award, from the Rugby Players’ association. After a long hard recovery that saw him loaned back to hometown club Wharfdale, the six feet four powerhouse scored four tries in ten appearances last term. Only been in the game for five years after giving up professional cricket with Durham, he clearly still has a very bright future.

Jamie Lennard.

Fly-half.

Much travelled Fly-half Lennard is back at Doncaster for his second stint at the club after three years away having secured a two year contract with London Irish following his last spell. Lennard is a point scoring machine for the Knights, he has amassed 130 points in 18 league appearances for Knights this season and is one of the divisions best place kickers having notched a record total of 298 points in his last season at Castle Park, earning him the move to Irish. Comfortable at full back, he was also on the books at London Welsh, Worcester, Moseley, Rotherham and last season Bedford, he also represented England under 21’s and at student level.

Adam Kettle.

Back Row.

Fans favourite Kettle has been a stand out performer this season for Knights with a series of strong performances. The recruitment consultant has lots of Championship experience having turned out for Bedford, Plymouth and Rotherham in his career. Now in his second spell with the club, Kettle has formed a strong back row partnership with Will Hafu and Chris Planchant that has flourished in recent weeks, known for his powerful ball carrying and big tackles, he is sure to cause Jersey problems.