The first 'Friday Night Lights' rugby of the new season takes place this week, with Nottingham visiting St Peter.
The match will be the first chance to watch a game under the newly-upgraded lights at the Reds' home ground, and to mark the occasion there's a special offer for pre-match meals in the supporters’ marquee.
/*STOP PRESS - As of close-of-play Thursday this offer is SOLD OUT, however food will be available in Shirley's and the pavilion*/
A hot main course, followed by a selection of cheese/biscuits, is available for £10 for this match, and will be the perfect way to bridge the gap between the working/school week and some exciting rugby action to kick off the weekend.
There was little to choose between the Reds and Nottingham last season, with one win apiece in the games between the sides, and the Reds finishing one point ahead of the ‘Green-and-Whites’ in the final Championship table. Former Jersey player Oli Evans moved north this summer and is likely to be among the visiting ranks.
Places have been going fast for the special pre-match offer, with more than 80 people confirmed as attending by close-of-play on Wednesday. To book your space email Sean Dunne stating how many places you'd like to reserve in the marquee, or book directly online by clicking HERE - places are subject to availability, and the deadline to book is 1pm Friday.
/*STOP PRESS - As of close-of-play Thursday this offer is SOLD OUT, however food will be available in Shirley's and the pavilion*/
Match-day Info
Keep an eye out for some of the new features for a match-day - or match-night this week - at St Peter.
New rigid plastic cups (pictured below) will be used for all draught beer sales. A £1 deposit for each cup will be levied - you can then use the cup for as long as you need it, or cash it in to get your deposit back.
Two blocks of bleacher seating are reserved for members only - these are the blocks to the east/scoreboard side of the main stand, and will be held for members only prior to kick-off time (7.45pm). Unreserved seating is available on the other side of the main stand.
Anyone who hasn't yet signed up as a member for 2016/17 is missing out on a host of benefits, as well as the £8 reduction on the standard £20 admission price. To sign up, click on THIS LINK
The former players bar at the west/Jersey Bowl end of the ground was busy during the Bedford game, especially at half-time, and there'll be additional beer on order this week to slake those end-of-week thirsts, and some old photographs on display to stimulate a spot of reminiscing. This facility is for the use of former players for JRFC or any other club on the Island.
Also at the west/Bowl end you’ll find Shirley’s, a new walk-in café where you can get a pork roll, a posh dog, a beer, glass of wine, soft drink or hot beverage.
Tickets
You can buy non-member match tickets in advance online via Eventbrite, or from outlets including The Lamplighter pub and Red Properties in St Helier, and the JEP at Five Oaks. Members tickets are available on match-day for £12 - a saving of £8 on the normal non-member price. Students can gain admittance for £6 on production of suitable i/d, while under 18 admission is free (again, proof-of-age may be required).
All hail to the ale!
Ale drinkers will have an extra option at the game, with Betty Stogg's Cornish Ale available in 500ml bottles. The beer is brewed by Truro-based Jerseyman Steve Skinner, who also brews Jersey Pride ale, and if the draught runs out at any point, the bottled ale will remain available.
Getting to St Peter
There are regular buses on the #9 and #15 Liberty bus routes [ click HERE for timetables ], or if you wish to drive please follow the signs for car parking off the main Airport Road and allow plenty of time to cope with any build-up of traffic. There's no charge for car parking.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open to all after the game.
Club Shop
The shop will be open between 1pm and 5pm, stocking the new range of Jersey Reds' merchandise.
Jersey squad announcement
See HERE
Saturday's rugby
Don't forget there's a double-dose of rugby at St Peter this weekend, with Jersey Reds Athletic taking on Blackheath Heathens on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off for the Zoo Shield Division 1 clash is at 3pm, and pre-match lunch is available in the clubhouse at a cost of £15. Book your place by emailing Sean Dunne
