WITH one exception coach Dai Burton has picked his current first-choice JRFC 1st XV to play against London Irish Amateurs at St Peter today.

That player is winger Justin Thomas, whose pace two weeks ago was noticeable in Jersey’s 36-5 win against Alton.He scored two tries during the game but is out injured and won’t know what the rest of the season has in store for him until he undergoes a scan on his knee on Monday.However, with Richie Griffiths and Dave Carswell in at centre, and Gareth Jeffreys and Jim Milner on either wing, Burton has a solid three-quarter line with a great deal of experience to call upon.The same is true in the pack, with two noticeable exceptions.For teenager Josh Chamier keeps his place in the front row, with fellow teenager – 6 ft 6 in and only 17 years old – Matt Banahan coming in at flanker.It is his first run-out for the first team and Burton said he has no hesitation in including him in the side.Last week, for the second team, he scored two tries and was hugely influential in the line-out against Jersey Wanderers.So this week he will become one of three line-out options for Jersey, the other two being Ian Henderson and Steve O’Brien.As always Burton is upbeat about his team’s chances.

He would also like to think that Banahan continues to enjoy his rugby, even though he is good enough at hockey to play at both county and regional level.

Team: Jon Brennan, Josh Chamier, Marcus Nobes, Paul Woodcock, Danny McAlister, Matt Banahan, Ian Henderson, Steve O’Brien, Dave Miles, Phil Walker, Richie Griffiths, Dave Carswell, Gareth Jeffreys, Jim Milner, Mark White.

Replacements: John Allo, Andy Whelan, Ken Moore.

Kick-off 2.30 pm.