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Guernsey Raiders have the energy and now it is a case of trying to complete what has been described as the almost impossible task.
They face a Jersey side bolstered by former professionals in the contest for the Siam, the second oldest rugby trophy in the world to be contested after the Calcutta Cup. It was first played in 1920.
Pictured: Guernsey Raiders director of rugby Jordan Reynolds.
While the Championship winning side Jersey Reds collapsed this season, the amateur arm of the club has secured consecutive promotions, only losing twice this season, and will play at level five next campaign, one below that of Guernsey Raiders.
Raiders director of rugby Jordan Reynolds has faced some tough selection calls as he looks to counter the Jersey threat.
"There's definitely a fair few guys that are on the bench this week, which definitely could have started. And guys that regularly started for us for most of the season.
"We put a little bit of strategic thinking into our selections this week and we hope that fits into our game plan, because we're up against it on Saturday against a really good Jersey side. So we thought we had to think slightly out of the box this week to try and get it right."
Pictured: A knowing glance exchanged at last night's shirt presentation.
Raiders come into the match having tailed off in the back end of their National 2 East campaign, losing the last three matches. They finished 10th in the 14 team league.
"I think we still have one of our more successful seasons in this league," said Reynolds.
"Heading into Siam, the energy is back in the group, which is great. It's something that we haven't seen for probably three, four weeks now. Hopefully we can get that excitement on Saturday and get back to playing some of the good rugby that we played most of this season. And we've got confidence to do that."
He said that Jersey had come out early openly admitting they were favourites and not too worried about Guernsey.
"There's no pressure being the underdogs, we just get to go out and play. And if we can force a little bit of pressure on their side, they might start feeling it around halftime."
A big home crowd will be a factor too as it becomes less about club versus club, and more about island versus island.
"According to most punters it's probably the impossible task that we have to do to do and it would probably cap off a good season. We're very confident in our ability as a squad to perform. If this is the impossible task, we've probably got the right team to challenge for it."
A healthy balance of homegrown youth and experience characterise the Jersey sqaud for tomorrow.
Pictured: George Willmott is one of the former Jersey Reds players now turning out for the amateur side.
Former Red Max Ayling comes back into the fold following a frustrating lay-off with injury. Fellow past-Red Scott Van Breda is handed his Siam Cup debut, after dominating for Jersey RFC at centre in their title-winning Regional 2 South Central campaign.
On the bench comes yet more star quality in the shape of James Mitchell.
The scrum-half was a key cog in Jersey Reds' Championship success and has since led Jersey RFC as the backs and attack coach.
Jersey RFC's player of the year and top try-scorer Jack Macfarlane co-captains with Van Breda and brings bundles of knowledge and talent to a potent pack.
"It's brilliant having those experienced players around the squad and to mix in with the younger guys," said Jersey head coach Myles Landick.
"Whether you're home or away, the atmosphere and the environment can get on top of you and those older heads can help to calm things down and give a sense of reassurance."
Pictured: Jersey won the Siam last year after a 42-25 victory.
"Having Max in there is a great addition. He has played in a tight Siam win before so knows how to win and knows the importance of the fixture.
"Mitch being involved is massive too.
"He's been so important from a coaching standpoint this year and it's no secret that he's a brilliant player too.
"No one needs reminding how much the Siam Cup means to these lads.
"We are always desperate to win and to do this Island proud ultimately."
K/O 16:15pm.
Guernsey [1-15]: Sam Steventon, Tom Ceillam, Charlie Currie, Lewis Hillier (cc), Brad Webb, Matt Creber, Dom Rice (cc), Hugo Culverhouse; Dale Rutledge, Charlie Simmonds, Ethan Smith, Tom Teasdale, Ciaran McGann, Niall McGann, Callum Roberts. Replacements: Jamie Dunn, James Burger, Carter Hackett, Liam Welch, Anthony Armstrong, Sam Boyland.
Jersey [1-15]: George Thomas, Jack Macfarlane (cc), Thomas Wilson, Max Ayling, Euan Spencer, Jerry Sexton, Tim Corson, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Aaron Penberthy, Nathan Rogers, Scott Van Breda (cc), Dom Mayo, Sam Harvey, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: Joe Ridgway, Gene Syminton, Ewan Davies, Tom Tilstone, James Mitchell, Tom Bulfin.
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