Wooden-spoonists plan a few shocks

DESPITE finishing rock bottom of the JRA Emeraude League last year, St Jacques are brimming with confidence as the new season kicks off this weekend. The KGV-based club are eyeing a top-three finish. Their campaign starts with a trip to Jersey Wanderers tomorrow.

'It's going to be hard as most of them are ex-Siam,' said coach Chris Griffiths.

'But we're fairly confident as when we played them last year, we were leading up to the last 10 minutes. And quite frankly the team hasn't looked in better shape for some time and I am hoping that the players play to their full potential and bring back with them a much-needed win, which is what they deserve for all the hard work put in during training.'

Captain John Bell echoes his coach's sentiments about their opener.

'The Wanderers are Jersey Rugby Club Vets' side and nor-mally line up with very experienced forwards and bring in their colts in the back line.

'With the wealth of rugby knowledge in their team it means that we have to be playing at our very best,' he said.

'Yet I am confident that we will come away with a win as our forwards have played together for a number of seasons and we have one of the best back lines I think that this club has seen in a long time. '

Bell believes the Guernsey all-blacks could surprise a few this winter.

'Although you have to give all the sides we play against respect, I think with the side we have and the spirit running through it, other teams in the CI League are going to be very surprised by us this year.'

Among a number of new signings are backs Jono Roach and Alex Ford, and Anthony Hansen in the second row.

They will be without South African Divan Crouse, who was a revelation when he joined them from the Guernsey Rugby Club during last year's campaign until Christmas.

The scrum half has cruciate ligament problems and it is also uncertain as to whether he will rejoin St Jacques or head back to Guernsey when he is fit.

'Our realistic aim this season is to try and land a top three spot in the league, which we feel is possible after a much improved second half of last season,' said Griffiths.

'I have watched the squad develop into a very motivated force since Christmas. The players have improved their individual skills and bonded well as a team, and as always with St Jacques the club spirit is hard to fault.'

* St Jacques train every Wednesday night from 6pm to 8pm at the KGV. For more information, call Chris Griffiths on 07781 112413 or John Bell on 07781 129922.