The return leg of this season's clash with Moseley sees the two
side lock horns for the 4th time, and despite
close-fought battles each time, the Islanders are yet to register a
win over this proud club from the Midlands.
Jersey will be keen to make amends for the disappointment of
last week's loss, and with a large home crowd expected,
particularly as the day doubles as a charity fund-raiser for
Macmillan Jersey, the Reds are sure to turn it on whilst wearing a
unique strip designed for the occasion.
The home side currently have 5 wins in the league this season
compared to Moseley's 7, and victory today for either side could
see one or t'other move up a place in the standings; Jersey from
11th and Moseley from 8th. The visitors who
narrowly lost last time out at home to Scottish are pretty much
safe (although it is not mathematically impossible that they could
be drawn into the relegation battle if a series of results were to
conspire against them), and will be keen for the win and to cement
their place in the table at the top of the bottom half.
Both sides have solid packs on which to build platforms, and
both sides have been seen to score from all areas of the field so,
with good ground and decent weather, we are sure for an
entertaining afternoon.
The preview would not be complete without mention of the return
of the ever-popular Ben Evans to St Peter, so whatever the result,
there are bound to be lots of smiles, laughter and hugs after the
game over a few beers…!
News from the Jersey camp
Following last week's unexpected and highly frustrating loss away
to Ealing, Harvey is set to make a series of changes to the
starting line-up, some through choice and others enforced.
Those likely to miss out this week through injury include
Markham, Young and Voss who are all carrying niggles, and this in
turn presents great opportunities for other squad members who get
the chance to step up.
Any previous?
Jersey travelled to Billesley common for the last game before
Christmas eagerly seeking some festive cheer, a win and a chance to
leap-frog their hosts. It was not to be though, with the Greater
Birmingham side holding out for a 10-3 victory, despite Jersey
having been camped on the opposition line for a series of 9 reset
scrums in the second half, but no PT! - full report here.
Out of the two encounters last term, Mose secured a good win in
Jersey (12-31), including a Charlie Hayter hat-trick,
before frustrating the Reds and taking the spoils on the return leg
23-19.
History of Moseley
Traditionally the leading rugby club in Greater Birmingham,
Moseley's rich history includes representing Gt. Britain in the
1900 Paris Olympics, providing nine players to defeat the All
Blacks in 1972, being a finalist in the first ever RFU knockout cup
and winning the EDF trophy at Twickenham in 2009.
Ninety-Six Moseley players have represented their countries,
including four as England captain and a number of British
Lions.
Moseley fields sixteen Rugby Union sides, Men's, Ladies' and
Juniors, through all ages and both sexes in their home at Billesley
Common, near the centre of Birmingham, and are currently half-way
through a project to build a new 700-seater stand, so will ultimately be
able to provide covered seating for 1,300+ people.
Following the game
Don't forget that you can keep up-to-speed with news from Jersey v
Moseley through the following channels:
The Greene King IPA Championship this 'weekend'
Saturday March 29th
Jersey v Moseley, KO 15:00
Plymouth Albion v Cornish Pirates, KO 15:00
Bedford Blues v Rotherham Titans, 17:00
Sunday March 30th
London Scottish v London Welsh, KO 14:00
Bristol Rugby v Ealing Trailfinders, KO 15:00
Nottingham Rugby v Leeds Carnegie, KO 15:00
Other local rugby this weekend
Saturday 29th March
Jersey II v St Jacques (J) LQ 11.30
Richmond Vikings v Jersey Athletic (S) Away
11.15
Beeches v Banks (J) Gr 11.00
(Postponed)
Sunday 30th March
LQ Lydian Lions v Panthers (J) LQ 10.30
(Double Header)
Aylesbury Ladies v Jersey Ladies (L) Away
Enjoy your weekend's rugby!
William Church
