Jersey preview

Here it is - Round 8 and the top of the table clash that all anticipated once the season's fixtures were announced! 

So it has unfolded, the two former Championship winners are pitted against each other, and it falls in Round 8!

Both sides enter Round 8 with a 100% unbeaten record; the only difference being a Round 4 missing bonus point for Jersey at home to Bracknell.  

Welsh have rotated the squad in recent rounds but for Round 8 sees 7 players return to the fold who were missing for Round 7. Top try scorer Adam Dunne is back, along with Gain Lloyd, Sam Johnson, Australian enforcer Byron Leach, Adam Nixon, Elis Staines and Harri Lang. Experienced player coach Tommy Bell also making a reappearance as a travelling reserve following his injury in Round 2 away at Camberley. 

The selected squad looking to be the strongest of the season thus far with Tommy Bell (only making TR) and Steven Shingler being the notable absentees. George West is also still out with an injury sustained in Round 3. Will Mckenna sustained a concussion in Round 7 that rules him out.  

Despite the long history of both clubs, there are only 5 competitive meetings between the two in league rugby; all coming between 2012 and 2016. Welsh have taken the honours in all 5. The last meeting came at ODP on 1 October 2016, Welsh winning narrowly 23-18. The biggest win came during our sabbatical to Oxford in 12 April 2014 at the Kassam stadium, Welsh winning 45-7. 

Jersey though have won the English Championship title more recently than London Welsh ! Welsh took that mantle to attain promotion to the Premiership in 2012 and 2014. Jersey were surprise (but very deserving) winners in 2023 (promotion being denied). 

There is also a very recent history that neither side is shy in confronting. London Welsh went into administration in 2016/2017 season and were ejected from the English Championship, thrown backwards 8 leagues to 9! Jersey suffered a similar fate in 2023 but fell less far to level 7. 

It is safe to say that both are huge clubs in the English pyramid and have found new strength in adversity. 

This weekends clash will be fascinating: Jersey boast a number of their former professional squad in the ranks Jerry Sexton, Jack Macfarlane and Huw Owen, as well as Dan Barnes, are stand outs.  

Jersey have scored a total of 133 points in home fixtures so far this season, conceding only 49. They have certainly hit the ground running as they look for a double promotion, having won Regional 2 last season. 

Welsh are 12 games unbeaten in the league, running back to the beginning of February 2024 and the end of last season. 

Welsh have rotated the squad over recent weeks but now bring back their strongest available squad. Adam Dunne returning to the back 3 has been a stand out performer since he joined Welsh from neighbours Richmond last season. Dunne now has 15 tries in 14 Welsh appearances!  

The result is of course part of a season, but this game and the return leg will no doubt be critical to both sides promotion aspirations. Both Jersey and Welsh are in the middle of a key block of games: Jersey facing Wimdledon last time out, Welsh this weekend and topped off by a tough trip to Camberley next weekend. Welsh have Jersey and CS Stags in this block and closely followed by Wimbledon at the start of December. 

League points aside, the game will be welcomed by both clubs and provides an opportunity for old friends to reminisce, and to reflect on the strength and resilience of our two great clubs.  

Kick Off 1.30pm Jersey RFC 

#COYW