On a bright, sunny afternoon at St Peter, Jersey started well
and scored early on with a text book move from the front of the
line out saw captain Alex Rae go over for an unconverted try in the
bottom, roadside corner.
Jersey then extended their lead following some flowing rugby
that was finished off by Campbell under the posts. O'Connor added
the extras and it was a very happy St Peters, with everything going
to plan.
Ealing continually looked to move the ball quickly and play
expansive rugby, and got just reward for their efforts with a try
of their own midway through the first half as they attacked down
the left before switching across field to score in the corner in
front of the pavillion which was well converted to make it
12-7.
That was how it stayed for much of the remainder of the half
until a late penalty kick by O'Connor extended Jersey's lead to
15-7, and that was how it was at the turnaround.
Ealing, playing down the hill in the second half started very
brightly, and continued to play expansive rugby, but Jersey's
defence held firm. Jersey had a few bright moments of their own and
with successive penalties deep in the Ealing half that were kicked
to the corner, the home side were pressing hard for their third
try. After the third infringement though, O'Connor opted for the
posts to make it 18-7.
Ealing responded almost immediately and released Chesters down
the left wing to score a converted try in the corner: 18-14.
Suddenly the tide had turned and whilst Jersey continued to
press for another score, the final phase was missing, and Ealing
then turned defence into attack as Chesters galloped 3/4 the length
of the field to score his second try of the afternoon.
Now playing catch up rugby at 18-21 down, Jersey attacked again
and got deep into the Ealing half, but again the ball was turned
over and with the final move of the game, Henderson scored Ealing's
BP 4th under the posts, which was duly converted to make it
18-28.
For full match report, stats and pictures see HERE
