JERSEY RFC are set to be at ‘full strength’ for the 2023 Siam and Fallaize Cups.
Myles Landick’s side beat Cinderford United 33-24 in a friendly over the weekend – it was their 25th straight win this season.
Fresh off back-to-back friendly successes, including over Oxford Harlequins, the head coach said that the Siam Cup warm-up fixtures have been ‘key to stay conditioned’.
‘We didn’t really know what to expect of Cinderford, to be honest,’ he said.
‘They played at the same level as us this season and also won their league, so we knew it would be a test.
‘The pack size was big and it became obvious that was their strength, so we focused on moving them around a bit to try and tire them out.
‘Tactically that worked well, but we snoozed at times during the game and that made the score look closer than it probably was.
‘They [Cinderford] are realistically more of a level five or six side, so again it’s great preparation ahead of a tough Guernsey test in the Siam.
‘We have a couple of knocks and bumps to nurse, but nothing that should stop us from being full strength ahead of playing Guernsey.’
Landick’s squad have been further boosted by news that the Fallaize Cup will be making its return this year for the first time since 2019.
Traditionally competed for by the second teams of both Islands, Jersey RFC’s second XV will have the opportunity to battle with Guernsey St Jacques Vikings for the crown.
Landick said: ‘It’s brilliant news to have the Fallaize back.
‘When the Reds used to play the Siam, it was the cup competed for by the second teams, which was us.
‘So for me personally, it’s nice to be able to play against Guernsey with two crowns on the line.
‘With its return, the whole squad from top to bottom have something to fight for and a reason to keep sharp.’
Jersey RFC have one remaining friendly match lined up against Caldy II’s prior to the Siam Cup on 6 May.
The Merseyside outfit played at Cinderford United’s level last season prior to moving into the Halbro Premier League and, much like Jersey, went the entirety of the season unbeaten.
