JERSEY RFC host Hayward’s Heath tomorrow knowing that anything short of a win could cause a permanent hiccup to automatic promotion to London Division I.

This, and their away game against the same opposition, will be crucial to their prospects of getting out of London South II.

So, despite their first ever away win to Sevenoaks last Saturday, this is a defining match – even though it is only the club’s second game of the season.

And, as club coach Barry George explains, it is already a game he could do without, so soon.

He has several players out against a team who have recruited wholesale, in a bid to climb back into London I and, eventually, back to National League III.

The fact that Haywards’s Heath only came into existence in 1958, compared to Jersey’s mid 19th century origins, holds no interest to either party.

If Hayward’s Heath win, they will have gained a vital advantage on the promotion trail.

But, if Jersey win, crack open the champagne – for this will be the first time they will have taken four points out of four at the start of a London II campaign.

So, what are the Red’s chances against a former National III side, with as many as seven bought-in players and a possible draft in of over 200 Academy players, including one who has already played for England? As always, George was down to earth and phlegmatic when asked about his team’s chances.

‘Hayward’s Heath are a good, driving side and are really up for it,’ he said.

‘We’ve players away.

Peter O’Connor has done his ankle; Hendo (Ian Henderson) is away; so’s James Cooper; Toby (Clyde-Smith) has broken his thumb and Nobby (Marcus Nobes) is also away.

We might be a little bit short, maybe, but the test of any side is to find out what strength you’ve got in your squad.’ The U19s in the squad are also unavailable due to Sunday’s National Cup tie at Rosslyn Park.

‘We’re a fit team; fitter than the last teams who played against us and, if we beat these guys, we’ll have a real crack at it (winning the league).

At times like this, we have to ask ourselves, how good’s the last man in your squad?’ It’s a test of how good you are.

‘Hayward’s Heath have a driving squad and a decent scrum-half who’s experienced, and been their captain for the last two years.

So I’m not going to get carried away.

But home support can turn a game, No-one likes to be dumped on at home.

We’re ready and up for it.

I select my teams on who turns up and who’s ready, and up for it.

You’re only as good as the team which turns out on the day.

This will be a good test for them.

Let’s see how we get on against a good, driving team who take on every opposition they play against.’