After clinching their first Championship win in Yorkshire in six
attempts in their last away game, Jersey are looking for more of
the same this weekend.
The Islanders won 19-26 at Castle Park, Doncaster three weeks
ago, and this Saturday they will run out at Clifton Lane in
Rotherham hoping to continue recent good form. As well as the
victory over the Knights, Jersey edged a tight encounter against
Nottingham by 12-10 last Saturday, and also gave Bristol a tough
battle at St Peter before losing out at the death.
The starting line-up shows three changes from the XV who started
the win against Nottingham. Grant Pointer's absence with a shoulder
injury means Aaron Penberthy is selected at full-back, while the
other changes are among the forwards. Nick Haining and Pierce
Phillips are unavailable after being forced to leave the field last
weekend and are replaced by Michael Noone and Paula Kaho, who come
into the back row while skipper Alex Rae reverts to second row.
The Jersey bench features a recall for David Bishop and a first
selection for new arrival Gary Graham, the 'back five' forward
signed this week from Gala in Scotland. Jersey's other new signing,
former Bristol threequarter Fautua Otto, has to wait to make his
debut while registration formalities are completed.
Jersey have emerged victorious from just one of their five games
against the Titans, the 16-13 win at St Peter in January
2013. Earlier that season Rotherham scored six of a total of 10
tries at Clifton Lane, beating Jersey 54-31, while in 2013/14 the
Titans' march to the play-offs featured a double over the
Islanders, winning 25-16 at home and 22-35 away (click on
scorelines for the relevant match report).
The most recent match-up between the sides was at St Peter in
September, when Jersey's 10-5 half-time lead was obliterated by the
visitors, who moved 22 points clear at one stage before Jersey
fought back to make the final score 29-32.
To access a video clip of the squad announcement, see HERE
Jersey squad v Rotherham 'A' - Greene King IPA
Championship, Saturday February 7th, Clifton Lane - k-o
2pm
Backs (15-9)
Aaron Penberthy
Mark Foster
Drew Locke
Lewis Robling
Mark McCrea
Jonny Bentley
Samisoni Fisilau
Forwards (1-8)
Sam Lockwood
Joe Buckle
Harry Williams
Nick Campbell
Alex Rae (capt)
Michael Noone
Ryan Hodson
Paula Kaho
Replacements
Martin Garcia-Veiga
Ignacio Lancuba
Nick Selway
Dave Markham
Gary Graham
Ryan Glynn
David Bishop
The Greene King IPA Championship this weekend
See HERE for full
preview of the weekend's action
Away from the Championship, Jersey Athletic travel to Ampthill
for a Zoo Sports Shield match. And of course it's the RBS 6
Nations, starting tonight (Friday) with Wales v England - the
opening game will be shown in the JRFC Pavilion from 7.30pm (k-o
8.05pm)
