The Blues, bouyed by victory away to Nottingham Rugby on the opening weekend and a string of high-quality loan/permanent signings – including England international Ben Foden – will be just as tough a task for Harvey Biljon’s men as their narrow defeat away to hugely-ambitious Coventry was last weekend.
Jersey’s head coach is likely to make few changes to his overall squad, but the starting XV could have Leeroy Atalifo starting at tighthead after Alec Clarey’s injury and Namibia international Janco Venter, who impressed off the bench last Saturday, replacing Kyle Hatherell in the back row.
Winger Jason Worral faces beings replaced by New Zealander Leroy Van Dam, with Biljon explaining that decision: ‘Jason did well last week, but he missed a couple of opportunities – and the competition is so tough, it’s only right that someone else gets an opportunity.’
The head coach knows the Blues represent a ‘quality, serious test’ for his team, adding: ‘We held a honest review of last weekend’s game on the Monday and expect to have learned a lot from it – not least taking our opportunities when they come around.
‘We have to take our chances and turn pressure into points . . . scoring can change the whole game and we missed out on that aspect last weekend.’
But Biljon has a good record against Bedford and is obviously looking forward to another cracker. ‘We’re getting pretty excited about it . . . Jersey and Bedford have quite a history. We staved off relegation there a few seasons ago and have had some great contests since – how can you not get excited about visiting the Goldstone Ground . . . there will be up to 3,000 home fans creating a great atmosphere.’
He is, of course, keen to see how his side, and the new signings in particular, react to the pressure. ‘We are probably a littler bit further ahead than we would have expected for this stage of the season, but although we were frustrated with some aspects against Coventry, we still managed to get to a stage where we could have taken the points. And we remained composed enough to get a losing bonus point out of what was a difficult match.’
New loan signing from Harlequins, scrum-half Callum Waters, could make his Reds debut off the bench, while competitive match bows await props Sam Rodman and Harry Morley and winger Leroy Van Dam.
Jersey Reds’ provisional squad to play Bedford at the Goldington ground tomorrow afternoon: Roy Godfrey (c), Nick Selway, Leeroy Atalifo, Jerry Sexton, Dave Mckern, Janko Venter, Conor Joyce, Max Argyle; Will Homer, Brett Herron; Leroy Van Dam, Mark Best, Apakuki Ma’afu, Kockh Marx, Auguy Slowik. Replacements: Charlie Maddison, Harry Morley, Sam Rodman, Charlie Beckett, Graham Geldenhuys, Calum Waters, James Newey.
