The final stretch of the 2011/12 campaign looks set to be an
exciting one for JRFC, particularly with the 1st XV still in pole
position at the top of National One.
The recent slip-up against Barking has added to the tension,
with every game a 'must-win' affair and bonus points potentially
vital.
After a clear weekend (although the squad were training) the
squad returned to action at home against Cambridge this Saturday,
and registered an impressive 51-14 win. This will be followed by
the long journey to Tynedale on March 31st. Following a bye weekend
over Easter, the season finishes with Macclesfield and Fylde at St
Peter in April, either side of the visit to Coventry.
1st XV home games
You will have noticed that large crowds have become the norm for
home games at St Peter, and our final three matches on home soil
should be no different.
The club has taken further measures to ease congestion by
opening additional entrances and making extra arrangements for
catering and toilets. We'd also ask for help from members:
* please arrive in good time to avoid congestion immediately
before kick-off
* get the bus to the game, or a lift if possible. Car parking is
available, but again please allow extra time to get to the ground
and park
* if possible get your tickets in advance from the club shop, from
Red Properties on the Esplanade in St Helier, or from the Jersey
Evening Post at Five Oaks.
Members' Evening
We'll be having a gathering for members in the Barclays Wealth
Pavilion on Friday April 13th, from 6 to 7pm. The bar will be open,
with food laid on, and a chance to catch up on the latest news from
the club.
Ground improvements at St Peter
While it is far from certain in which league Jersey will be
competing next season, the rise in crowd numbers means we are
looking at making the most of our space at St Peter to accommodate
the growing levels of interest.
Subject to planning consent, we hope to start work soon on a
terrace behind the goal at the eastern end of the ground. This
would be a four-step terrace with the highest step 60cm above pitch
level, and would significantly increase the capacity at this end to
close to 1,000, and also include extra toilets, plus a new pavement
on Rue des Landes outside the ground.
Further plans have been submitted to the States this week
covering the clubhouse, which it is hoped will enable us to extend
backwards and upwards to include a larger bar space, new gym,
members' area, increased office and kitchen space, plus
accommodation for players.
In addition to planning approval, the plans for the clubhouse
will also require suitable funding to be in place, plus the
approval of members at a general meeting - details to be
confirmed.
Finally we have applied for permission to use pitch 3 as a
parking area on match-days, with direct access from the main
(airport) road to make access as safe and convenient as
possible.
Siam Cup, Saturday May 5th
After consultation with Guernsey it has been decided that this
year's Siam will be contested by full-strength 1st XVs. The main
game will be at Footes Lane, Guernsey at 3pm on May 5th, preceded
by the Nash Cup for Veterans and the Fallaize for 2nd XVs.
The club has arranged return travel on the day with Condor
Ferries, with supporters, players and officials travelling back
together on the Saturday evening.
The outward Condor crossing leaves St Helier at 0905, and takes
an hour to St Peter Port, arriving in good time to get to Footes
Lane before the first match starts. The return crossing leaves St
Peter Port at 1835, arriving back at St Helier at 1935.
Members wishing to secure their place on the boat should book
online at www.condorferries.com- the
price is £30 return for everyone aged 16 or over, including
students and OAPs. Those aged 4 to 15 will be charged £20 return,
while the under 4s are free.
There is an allocation of seats for JRFC members, however these
will be sold on a 'first-come-first-served' basis, so members are
encouraged to book as soon as possible - availability cannot be
guaranteed.
Coach transfers in Guernsey from the harbour to Footes Lane have
been booked and tickets can be purchased from the club during
office hours, or on match days, at £5 (return) per person.
Honours' Ball, Friday May 11th
The end of the season will be marked with a gala evening at the
club, with a marquee on the 1st XV pitch with players, members and
sponsors all in attendance. The Black Tie evening will feature
welcome drinks, a three-course meal from Harpers Catering,
presentation of awards for the season, a late bar and disco.
Tickets are £50 per head and members are encouraged to assemble
tables of 10 (guests, up to a maximum of five per table, are
permitted). Smaller groups of up to six people can also be
accommodated on mixed tables, although it isn't possible to
guarantee who you will sit next to.
To book your place at the Honours' Ball, please contact the Club
Manager by email jerseyrugby.club@jerseymail.co.uk.
2nd XV
The 2nd XV had a hard-fought game against the touring side from St
Peter's in Cardiff before losing by the odd try in five
-12-17.
Unfortunately planned fixtures against Richmond and Guernsey 2nds
in recent weeks were called off, firstly due to fog, and secondly
with the opposition receiving a number of late cry-offs. This was a
disappointing outcome.
The club will be working hard to ensure that a good number of
competitive fixtures are obtained for the 2nds in 2012/13.
Away trips
Supporters who are going to Tynedale on March 31st and have not yet
made arrangements regarding lunch, please contact Tom Innes so that
we can liaise with the host club.
On April 21st at Coventry RFC there will be a charity men v
women match in aid of Help for Heroes. This starts at 2pm and there
will also be a raffle, plus live music after the 1st XV game
(kick-off at 3pm). This should be a great day for those who can get
to Butts Park Arena that day.
Academy News
Academy members are getting ready for their own Inter-Insular
weekend which will take place on Saturday April 14th, in Guernsey.
We hope all those involved from JRFC have an enjoyable, and
successful trip.
The Youth team have three home games in April - see fixtures below
- and we hope there will be a good turnout of supporters to cheer
on our young stars.
There have also been a number of representative calls on our
players, including Chris Levesley with London & South East at
the RFU Under 18 Divisional Festival, several Hampshire call-ups
and Dominic Mayo's trip to Leicester Tigers for a trial which he
hopes will lead to another trip early next season.
Rugby Development
Dave McCormack organised the Lord Jersey Cup on March 15th. Seven
Jersey schools were joined by a representative side from Guernsey
in the tournament, which was eventually won by the visitors after a
10-0 win over De La Salle in the final. Prizes were presented by
Ben Kay, a late replacement for Jonathan Davies due to serious
family illness, and Ben also spoke at a sold-out dinner at JRFC
that evening.
A Schools 7s event was organised by the RDO and Rich Picot from
Victoria College. Two Vic College teams competed against two from
De La Salle, Highlands, Hautlieu, and invitational sides the Jersey
Pups (JRFC Under 16s managed by Nicky Griffiths, Nathan Hannay and
Guy Thompson) and the Jersey Barbarians (managed by the RDO).
The final was between DLS A and DLS B with DLS A winning.
Highlands beat the Pups in the Plate Final. Hautlieu beat the
Barbarians in the Bowl final and Vic A beat Vic B in the spoon
final.
Ben Harvey presented the trophy to the winning captain Luke
Huelin and the JRA sponsored Player of the Tournament went to the
Jersey Pups'Matt Michel.
Dave McCormack said: "Some very good rugby played by all the
teams involved and this was an excellent way to give the 16-19 year
olds extra games, and to promote the opportunities available with
the JRA."
JRFC on Facebook
Did you know that JRFC has recently increased its presence on
Facebook, check out our page at
www.facebook.com/pages/Jersey-Rugby-Club/188464141192916and
please click 'like' (if you do!). And of course we are old hands at
Twitter - twitter.com/jerseyrfc- and have almost reeled in Fylde,
who have (for the time being) the most followers of any Nat 1
club!
