JERSEY RFC’S title-winning parade stops off in Witney tomorrow, for their last game of the Regional 2 South Central campaign.
The champions will aim to complete the season with just one blemish to their name, which came against Guildford in January.
Standing in their way is an Oxfordshire outfit that bookends the Caesareans’ season, after the Islanders won the reverse fixture 42-21 in September.
With the Siam and Fallaize Cups against Guernsey just a month away, head coach Myles Landick has tinkered for tomorrow’s contest, in a bid to give his sizeable squad adequate game time.
Regular scrum-half Max Harrington moves to number ten, making room for youngster Callum Cuthbert at nine.
Meanwhile, among the forwards, seven of the eight are Jersey-born and progressed through the academy system, with just captain Evan Whitson the exception.
Landick said: “There is a fair bit of rotation in the squad.
“With the first and second team matches against Guernsey approaching, it is key that we keep everyone match fit.
“It’s our last game of the season, so we want to finish on a high and carry that momentum forward.
“There are opportunities for lads to step up this week, as well as a fair few youngsters, which is always pleasing to see.
“I think Callum [Cuthbert] did really well off the bench against Tottonians in a really physical game.
“He has the junior Siam ahead, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for him to start the game for us.”
In all, the top seven point-scorers for the Caesareans this campaign are all absent from the matchday squad – a stark reminder of the strength-in-depth Landick has at his disposal.
While for other outfits the tendency might be to ease up the intensity after securing a title, the season-ending showcase against Guernsey should provide the Jersey lads with all the incentive needed to maintain focus and motivation.
“The levels in training in terms of skill have continued to develop through the campaign, but impressively, intensity has never wavered.
“The Siam and Fallaize Cups are always circled in the calendar and there are plenty of opportunities this weekend for players to keep building that confidence.
“But Witney have claimed some impressive results against top teams this season, so this game is not a given and the guys know that.”
Action from Oxfordshire is set to start at 2pm.
Jersey RFC to face Witney [1-15]: Ewan Davies, Evan Whitson (c), Tom Wilson, Nathan Thomas, Cameron Halliwell, Euan Spencer, Tom Tilstone, Tim Corson, Callum Cuthbert, Max Harrington, Tom Bulfin, Dom Mayo, Dylan Stocks, Bevan Biggs, Eryk Swiech. Replacements: Jake Bates, James Guyatt, Jacques de la Bat.
