St Jacques welcome Havant Dolphins to the KGV for a top of the table clash in the Solent League. St Jacques have been going very well and will are hoping to continue that good unbeaten form this weekend. However they know they have their stiffest test so far, against the team one point above them in the league table.

Havant Rugby Club is a well established club, and one of the premier teams in the Hampshire area. Their First XV play in London South West One, one division below Guernsey RFC, so St Jacques are expecting a tough game from their ‘Dolphins’. Havant has been known for many years for producing quality players through their excellent youth system, and over 50% of their first XV squad last season were products of their Academy. It is expected a mix of experience and talented youths will line up at the KGV on Saturday, many of whom will have First XV experience.

As expected Jon Bell has named a strong team ahead of the fixture, after resting several players for last weekends 27-36 victory over United Banks in Jersey. Dickon Addis, Tom Chamberlain, Scott le Page, Bjorn Van Der Kammen and captain Brett McFarlane all return to the starting team in the forwards, whilst Bell has named four changes to the backline which has been so clinical this season. Jake Gallienne returns at scrum half, whilst Sam Pearson returns to inside centre for Airy Cleere, who is away, and Tom Chammings resumes his regular position at Full back. Bell is again able to call on winger/fullback Matt Horton. He has now overcome a knee injury which has kept him out for the past four weeks, and he returns on the right wing Saturday. Ryan Jordan returns to the blindside flank from No 8 where he played last weekend, whilst the pack will be led by Jordan Dare and Trevor Marquis in the tight. Conor Murtagh will continue to call the shots from fly half, and Piers Ockleford keeps his spot at outside centre.

The St Jacques replacement bench offers options with explosive Prop Ben le Noury, exciting young lock/backrow Alex Penney and the fast improving Hayden Demosey, who are all able to offer something different when needed. Martin Hepworths’ good showing last weekend against Banks has earned him a place on the bench, whilst Veteran Steve de Jersey will offer cover in the backs, along with Dave Horsecraft. Jake Cornes who has played well this season so far, also offers options and depth in the forwards.

Ahead of the game Bell has said “This weekends game is going to be a test for us. We expect Havant will be a good side, so we have ensured we have trained hard. It was important some guys got a rest last week, so hopefully they will be raring to go come Saturday. I believe if we play to our best then we can win this game, we’ve beaten some good sides so far this year already.”

“A lot of people wrote us off against Portsmouth, and we showed that when needed, we can step up and perform. We have to do that again this Saturday, if we want to remain unbeaten. We have a very strong squad, including plenty of strength on the bench for us to bring on, so if things aren’t quite going as we would like, we have options. A big crowd there to cheer us on would really help though, so I’d urge you to come down and support the lads, they will appreciate it.”

Team 1-15

Dare, Chamberlain, Marquis, Le Page, Van Der Kammen, Jordan, McFarlane ©, Addis, Gallienne, Murtagh, Titterington, Pearson, Ockleford, Horton, Chammings. Replacements: Le Noury, Cornes, Penney, Dempsey, Horsecraft, De Jersey, Hepworth

Kickoff is 1pm at the KGV, hope to see you there!