Jersey Reds welcome Coventry Rugby Club to the Stade Santander International, for the opening game of the 2019-20 Green King IPA Championship.
12 months ago, Coventry’s first game in the championship after promotion from National One, was to host the Reds, after an eight year absence away from the second tier. The Reds started brightly, as the home side were punished for their early mistakes, but as Jersey faded late on, Cov’ eventually triumphed 20-15. The return leg back on home soil book-ended the league season. Cov’ this time started the stronger in the blustery conditions, taking a healthy lead, but the Reds fought back to get back to only a two point deficit with 25 minutes to play. But once again the home side ran out of steam, finishing 23-36, sealing a more than respectable 8th for the visitors, whilst the Reds held onto a highest ever finish of 4th. Prior to this, the Reds and Coventry also met in Jerseys triumphant 2011-12 National One campaign, the Reds comfortably winning both matches 29-3 and 37-13
Jersey go into the match after one win from three tough cup matches, and despite a strong showing last weekend, a determined and powerful Doncaster Knights side held off Jerseys fight-back. But in claiming two crucial bonus points, the Reds are still in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages. Coventry come into the fixture in good form, having beaten Ampthill and Bedford, and only losing narrowly to Ealing in their Championship cup group.
Director of Rugby Harvey Biljon makes just three changes to the starting XV that faced the Knights. Jake Upfield is promoted from the bench in place of Max Argyle who drops down. Josh Bainbridge takes over the captaincy duties. TJ Harris takes his place at Hooker with Nic Dolly named amongst the replacements. The only other change sees Luc Jones taking over from Will Homer at scrum half.
James Wayland takes his place on the bench with the remaining six involved last weekend at Castle Park joined by James Newey.
The game kicks off at 3pm, with a fanzone marquee for supporters showing the Ireland v Samoa World Cup game beforehand (kick-off at 11.45am)
Jersey Reds 1st XV squad v Coventry – Green King IPA Championship
Saturday October 12th, Stade Santander International, k-o 3pm
Backs (15-9)
15. Auguy Slowik
14. Tom Williams
13. George Spencer
12. Mark Best
11. Leroy Van Dam
10. Greg Dyer
9. Luc Jones
Forwards (1-8)
1. Roy Godfrey
2. TJ Harris
3. Alec Clarey
4. Kyle Hatherell
5. Rory Bartle
6. Conor Joyce
7. Josh Bainbridge (capt)
8. Jake Upfield
Replacements (16-23)
16. Nic Dolly
17. James Wayland
18. Zei Alexis
19. Charlie Beckett
20. Max Argyle
21. Will Homer
22. Brendan Cope
23. James Newey
