Although Jersey's 1st XV won't be in action until the trip to
Bedford on Saturday February 9th, there's some interesting action
in prospect this weekend. So here's a short preview of this
weekend's rugby including local, national and international
matches.
RFU Championship
Current standings (bottom half)
7th: Rotherham P14 Pts28
8th: Plymouth P13 Pts25
9th: London Scots P13 Pts22
10th: Moseley P14 Pts 21
11th: Jersey P14 Pts 19
12th: Doncaster P13 Pts 13
Friday: Doncaster v London Scottish, KO 7.45pm. The
home side, currently sitting in the Championship's lone relegation
place, will be desperate to win to claw back ground on the teams
above. But Scottish know that an away win at Castle Park could open
up a significant gap on the Yorkshiremen, and would almost
certainly lead the Exiles to eventual safety.
Sunday: Leeds v Plymouth, KO 2.30pm. The replay of the
game on January 6th, controversially completed with uncontested
scrums for the final 65 minutes after the referee ruled the surface
at Headingley was not safe for scrummaging. Leeds have been obliged
to meet their visitors' travel costs for the eplay, which will take
place at the West Park Leeds ground at Bramhope, with Headingley
deemed unfit for rugby union until at least the end of March. Leeds
(34 points) need a home win to get back into contention for fourth
place above Bristol (37) and Pirates (35). Back in Devon,
Plymouth's home ground at Brickfields will host Friday night's
Under 20 international between England and Scotland.
British & Irish Cup
Friday: Bedford v Bedwas, KO 7.30pm. The re-arranged
'twin room' derby was meant to take place on Saturday but fell foul
of the Welsh RFU rule that Welsh clubs may not play on the same day
as the national side, so was switched at late notice to a Friday
evening affair. Bedford are the only team in the B&I with the
maximum 25 points, and a win would guarantee the number one
quarter-final seeding and a home QF with eighth seeds Llanelli.
Friday: Cross Keys v Newcastle, KO 7pm. The Falcons
have dropped just one bonus point and had another two deducted for
fielding an ineligible player. But a win in Wales will guarantee
either second or third seeding (depending on Bristol's last game
later this month) and a home QF, perhaps against Nottingham, who
still have their pool decider against Llandovery to play later this
month. Newcastle's home ground will also be in use tonight as
England Saxons take on Scotland 'A'.
JRA League
Saturday: Wanderers v Beeches, St Peter, 11am; Jersey
Athletic v Banks, 11.30am. These game are subject to a 9.30am
pitch inspection on Saturday morning.
RFU Women's South-East One (South)
Saturday: Jersey United Banks Ladies v Teddington Ladies,
1pm. Jersey's only female side look continue their impressive
recent form in a game switched to Les Quennevais playing field from
Grainville.
RBS 6Nations
Saturday: Wales v Ireland, 1.30pm; England v Scotland,
4pm. Both games are repeats of the opening encounters from
2012, albeit at the opposite venue. The games will be shown live on
the big screen at Jersey RFC, with the bar open and food
available.
Sunday: Italy v France, 3pm.
Enjoy your weekend's rugby
