Jersey Reds welcome Doncaster Knights back to St Peter this Saturday in what is our 100th Championship match.
The two sides have had many an interesting encounter since the Reds gained promotion, and it has been remarkably even with both sides winning 3, 2 draws, and inevitably 3 losses each. More remarkable still is the fact that the points tally sits at 163-163, so something, or rather one team, is likely to have give this weekend!
Jersey Reds Head coach Harvey Biljon took a lot from last week's 4 try performance against league leaders London Irish, and whilst noting that it is unlikely many sides will notch a try scoring bonus point against the Exiles, did consider that at one stage there could have been 2 points in the game for the Reds.
Not dwelling on that, the mood in the camp is increasingly upbeat with a return to the fray of a few faces who have been on the sidelines with injury. In addition to this, Biljon is delighted to welcome to the squad Apakuki Ma'afu (pictured below).
Kuki who is a Tongan international has been playing in Australia, and joined up with the team last weekend to watch the Irish game.
"Kuki is a player that we have been monitoring over the past 18 months. He has played internationally with both Sami (Fisilau) and Uili (Kolo'ofa'i) and came highly recommended both on and off the field", said Harvey Biljon. "He is a versatile player who is comfortable at both 12 and 13 and can also slot in on the wing."
Commenting about his involvement today Biljon adds, "I know that he has been thrown in at the deep end today after only being with us a few days, but what an occasion to be given your debut - in front of the home supporters at St Peter".
Jersey Reds squad vs Doncaster Knights (H) - Greene King IPA Championship, Saturday 3rd December, St Peter, ko 2.30pm
Backs (15-9)
Sam Katz
George Watkins
Jordan Davies
Apakuki Ma'afu
Jack Cuthbert
James McKinney
Sami Fisilau
Forwards (1-8)
Marc Thomas
Joe Buckle
Simon Kerrod
Nick Campbell
Uili Kolo'ofa'i
James Freeman (capt)
Gary Graham
Nick Haining
Replacements
Jack Macfarlane, Sean McCarthy, Mark Tampin, Dave McKern, Max Argyle, Kieran Hardy, Joel Dudley.
