Jersey Athletic resume their 2015/16 this season when Old Elthamians are the visitors to St Peter.
The Zoo Shield match will be the first action for the Athletic boys dating back to the 38-17 win against Worthing in early December (Brendan O'Brien claimed one of the tries, pictured below by Jacquie Ranieri); since then there has been the cancellation of the match against Cinderford, the Christmas break and the enforced cancellation of a New Year practice match last Saturday due to adverse weather.
After a slow start, the Jersey team have moved steadily up the Zoo Division 1 table, and now lie sixth with 29 points in the congested mid-table area; just seven points cover the teams placed fourth to eighth, and Jersey Athletic also have a game in hand on the top three sides - Richmond, Esher and Blackheath.
Elthamians are just one place behind Athletic on 26 points and the Island side will be looking to gain revenge for a 34-22 defeat in south-east London in September.
Saturday's match kicks off at 12noon at St Peter, and will be followed by a lunch for players and supporters. Places are available at a cost of £15 per person - to book your lunch, just email Club Manager Sean Dunne.
The Jersey squad has been announced - see picture below. Coach Myles Landick has selected a mix of youth and experience. The starting XV includes former 1st XV players Dave Felton, Tim Corson, Brian Rennison, Tommy Turner and Richie Stevens, and there's pedigree on the six-man bench - wing Ryan Morgan and prop Marcus Nobes both have considerable 1st XV experience.
Landick said: "The lads haven't had a game for five weeks, so they are really looking forward to getting stuck in this weekend in what should be a tough game. We have a point to prove this weekend after losing to Elthamians on their home ground. We have come a long way since then and hopefully we can prove that come Saturday afternoon."
