JERSEY RFC Women travel to face Sutton & Epsom Ladies II tomorrow for their swansong of a wonderfully successful Women’s NC 2 South East (South) League campaign.
Having already secured the league title and lifted the trophy last Saturday in front of their home fans at CoinShares Park following a thumping 43-5 win over Beckenham Ladies II, vice-captain Ashling Magner wants to ensure her side are still keeping their standards high with the ever-important Siam Cup just weeks away.
“We definitely want to keep our winning streak going,” said Magner.
“We have only lost the one game this season and we don’t want to end our amazing campaign on a downer.
“We still have so much to play for this weekend and we’re all fully aware of what is coming up in a few weeks’ time.”
The Caesareans secured a victory in the reverse fixture against Sutton & Epsom. However, it was a tight match which ended in a close 20-17 win.
“We know Sutton & Epsom are a decent team and we don’t want to underestimate them,” the number 9 continued.
“They are the second highest scorers in the league for a reason and they have some good players.
“They tested us earlier in the season and we know they’re not going to give us anything this weekend, especially on their home ground.
“While our win over Beckenham last week was comprehensive in the end, we know there are still areas we want to improve on and this is a perfect opportunity to do that.”
Magner has been instrumental to the team’s success this season and, speaking on their successful league title win, said: “It’s a great feeling to have won the league.
“This is a very special group of girls and coaches. We set that as our target for this season and the work that has gone into it, not just this season but for several has been immense.
“The team’s success this season is a true reflection of a few years’ hard work and we’re all so proud of that achievement.
“To share that moment with over 700 people and lift the trophy was something I will never forget.”
Although concluding their league campaign this weekend, there is still one final hurdle for Magner and Co to navigate this season.
Saturday 5 May will see the ladies travel to Channel Islands rivals Guernsey to compete in the inter-insular Siam Cup.
Magner continued: “Although we’ve achieved one massive milestone this season, we know all too well what challenge awaits us at Footes Lane in Guernsey.
“It’s never an easy place to travel to and win, so we’re putting in all to hopefully make sure we make some more history and get our first Siam Cup win on away turf.
“The Guernsey team will bring their physicality and, after last year, they will be looking to make a statement in front of their home fans.
“We won’t underestimate them, but we are confident in our plans and if we execute them on the day, it’ll take a lot to snatch that title from us.”
Jersey RFC Women’s squad [1-15]: Lucy Hart, Hannah Le Moignan, Nicole Rodrigues-Ferreira, Willow Le Luan, Emilie Langlands, Andi Vaughan, Katie de la Cloche (c), Kerry Bisson-Mercury, Ashling Magner (vc), Nancy Portsmouth, Bethan Hughes, Emily Hart, Taye Boake-Yiadom, Claudia McGuigan. Replacements: Franky Vautier, Becka Hunter, Helen Papworth, Seren Coombs
