JERSEY RFC play at Maidstone today knowing that a win could well see them third in London South, Division II, the highest position they will have been this season.

For while Maidstone are seventh, nine points behind Jersey, the third-placed side in the table, Thanet Wanderers, have a difficult away game against Wimbledon, who are currently fifth.

And, as director of rugby Dai Burton is quick to point out, he is sending out one of his strongest teams this season including reserves who, on any other day, would automatically walk into a mainland side’s 1st XV.

‘It’s a strong bench to send out and we’ll be using the players early, rather than late,’ he said before training on Thursday.

‘We haven’t chosen the bench for players to come on in case of injury, but to keep up the momentum.

‘We’re also sending out one of our best back rows of the season.

Kern (Yates) passed a fitness test earlier this week and what we’re looking for, from them, is a constructive way of playing the game, rather than what they’re also good at, which is destructive rugby.

‘Kern’s a continuity player, which we’ve missed at times this season and that’s what we want – continuity.

Jon Allo on the bench would have walked into many other 1st teams and Ross Kenwright, who’s available for all of our games until the rest of the season, earns his place after an impressive 20 minutes against Wimbledon.

If we win this game and we’re in with a shout of finishing second in the league, you can guarantee that we’ll be running the ball from everywhere, including from behind our own posts, come our last game, at home, in London South, Division II.’ Mark White retains his place in the centre alongside former Beeches’ player, Jason Hosty, while there is pace on both wings in the shape of Ryan Morgan and Richard Stevens.

Meanwhile, at full-back, captain Steve O’Brien is looking forward to his 80 minutes against Maidstone.

‘Training’s been going well, and although, realistically, the best we can hope for is third place in the table, next season we’ve got to aim to finish in the first two,’ he said.

‘As for my own game, I’m looking forward to being captain again.

I’ll be starting at full-back on Saturday and as long as my body holds up, it should be a good game of rugby.

If we don’t finish first or second this year we’ve got to look to next year to a top-two finish.’ O’Brien was the catalyst for two of the last three tries Jersey scored against London Irish a fortnight ago.

Collins Stewart Jersey squad: Marcus Nobes, Nathan Kemp, Jim Brimelow, Ian Henderson, Roger Quirk, Kern Yayes, Latu Maka’afi, Graham Bell; Dave Miles, Graham Smith; Ryan Morgan, Mark White, Jason Hosty, Richard Stevens, Steve O’Brien.

Replacements: Josh Chamier, Jon Allo, Ross Kenwright, Mark Le Mottée.