It was a day of mixed emotions for the Ladies. Kicking off at 2.30pm on the front pitch at St Peter on Sunday, Jersey knew that a win in their final league fixture would put to rest any doubt of their status in Women's NC South East South 1.
From the kick off, Jersey looked to run the ball and take the game to the visiting top side Tonbridge Juddian Ladies, and in the opening moments got themselves into places from where they could have scored. Tonbridge defended well, and then after ten minutes notched the first of their tries of the afternoon.
Jersey Ladies battled throughout, but by half time and trailing 0-26, it was clear that a win was unlikely. Nothing should be taken away from their resilience and efforts, but it is not for nothing that Tonbridge have gone through their entire league campaign unbeaten.
Away from St Peter, there was another crucial clash going on with Beccehamian Ladies entertaining Lewes Ladies. Going down by 10-22 they picked up a losing bonus point (in Ladies rugby you get 1 point for finishing within 15 points of the winners) to level their points' tally with Jersey Ladies. The muted (or massive) joy of the afternoon for Jersey was that their points difference over the season was better than their closest rivals Beccehamian Ladies, and so league status is retained.
Our ladies have had a tough campaign with injuries and dwindling numbers, so careful planning will be needed over the summer months.
Ahead of that though there still remains one final fixture, against old foes Guernsey Ladies on the Siam cup weekend.
