JERSEY RFC WOMEN look to extend their winning record as they travel to Crawley tomorrow, a team they lost to at home last season.
The Sussex side sit seventh in the league with just one win from five so far. However, that one win came in their last fixture, a thumping 53-0 home win over Worthing Warriors to kick start their season and coach Simon Le Moignan is aware of the threat posed.
“They’re a good side with a strong offensive threat,†Le Moignan said. “They play a strong kicking game, and with the weather looking windy this could be tricky for us.
“We just need to ensure we adapt to the conditions well and concentrate on what we do best.â€
Although Crawley have conceded the most points in the league so far, they are also the league’s current highest points scorers. A key part of their offensive threat is youngster Carley Beeson, a youth Team GB sprinter who scored four tries in their win over Worthing Warriors and is the league leader in tries and points scored.
Le Moignan added: “Beeson played well against us last year.
“We know she has some serious pace so we will have to be switched on and confident in defence to keep her quiet.â€
The Islanders have been no slouches going forward this season either, already racking up 79 points in just three games. Emily Hart and Laura Turpin, numbers eight and nine respectively, have been particularly impressive in dictating the pace and shape of UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s play.
With two games in hand over those around them, they sit third in the league with the best points difference of any side.
Le Moignan’s side also boast the best defensive league record, having conceded just 17 points so far.
UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ will take massive confidence from their last performance, where they put in a superb performance to win 22-5 away against a strong Seaford side.
The head coach said: “We have been training extremely well and I’m so impressed with the girls’ determination and output.
“They are working very hard and are earning their rewards out on the pitch.
“We have so many players available, this was a difficult squad to pick. We’re even able to have two match day reserves, which shows what a great place our squad is in.â€
UUÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ will be without the ever impressive Taye Boakye-Yiadom after she suffered a wrist injury in their last game that could see her out until after Christmas.
Despite the injury, Le Moignan was still full of praise for his side’s performance.
“The Seaford win was our most mature and structured performance yet.
“We dealt with the poor conditions brilliantly and I know we can do that again.â€
As the only rugby taking place this weekend, Le Moignan is confident there will be a good crowd in.
“We love playing at home, the crowd always gives us a massive boost.
“Hopefully we can see a good turnout and deliver another win.â€
