Jersey Reds aim for semi-final success

Friday 20 April 2018

Jersey Reds are aiming to attract their largest crowd of the rugby season so far for tomorrow's British & Irish Cup semi-final.

The Reds take on Leinster 'A' at Stade Santander International, looking to reach the final of the B&I for the second season running. Exactly 12 months after going down 29-28 to Munster 'A' in Cork, the island side will be looking to get the better of their Irish opponents on home turf.

Although Leinster's 1st team will also be in action this weekend, with a European Cup semi-final against Welsh opponents the Scarlets in Dublin, the 'A' team will provide formidable opponents, reflecting the Irish province's strength in depth. The Reds have yet to defeat Leinster in four previous B&I meetings, and several of the young Irish players involved in these games have gone on to represent their country.

Pictured: Scrum-half Kieran Hardy dives over for a crucial try in the B&I quarter-final win over Doncaster. (Sue Armes)

But the home side will be confident after an excellent run of form that has seen them lose just three of the 16 games played since the start of December. This run included a comfortable 22-10 quarter-final win over Doncaster Knights on Good Friday, and success in their most recent encounter, a 50-29 Championship win over Nottingham last weekend.

The biggest home crowd of the season so far saw 2,174 spectators watch the clash with eventual league champions Bristol in October, but the Reds hope this figure could be broken, especially with fine weather forecast.

Pictured: The Jersey forwards drive forward against Doncaster. (Oliver Pinel)

"It's a massive game and I hope our supporters will respond and turn up in good numbers and loud voice," said assistant coach Neil Tunnah. "Knock-out rugby is invariably exciting, and we have unfinished business in the B&I after last season."

The semi-final clash kicks off at 15:00, with spectators invited to a marquee featuring a bar and live music after the game, as well as a separate prosecco bar and bouncy castle.

Pictured: Reds players celebrate a crucial score in theB&I quarter-final. (Jacqueline Ranieri)

The winner of the game will take on Ealing Trailfinders or Bedford Blues in the final on the weekend of May 12th, with the venue for the final yet to be confirmed.

There are hopes the game could be staged in Jersey, but first of all the Reds will need to take care of business against their Irish opponents this Saturday.

Lead photo: Reds winger Tom Pincus attacks in last weekend's win over Nottingham. (Oliver Pinel)