Hampshire the next step

ST JACQUES are looking to use this season to springboard them onto greater things.

This weekend sees the blacks start their 2008-09 JRA League, but they already have their eye on the Hampshire Leagues for the following year.

'The ultimate aim is to get into Hampshire Three,' said St Jacques coach Chris Griffiths. 'We've certainly got the squad to be able to do it and we've got the financial backing, but it's up to Hampshire to let us in. It's only really now that we're in a position to be able to do it.'

As St Jacques enter their 30th year, there certainly is a buzz about the KGV club. With a big, healthy squad of players they have also been buoyed by a new sponsorship agreement with local builders Charles Le Quesne.

The two-year deal is understood to be the largest in the club's history.

'That was a very positive start to the season and to have that sort of support is very helpful,' said Griffiths. 'It will help push the team forward. It helps us to afford more games away in the UK and give us more variety than just playing in the JRA.'