Guernsey 0 Jersey 29
A three-division gulf in league status proved too great a
barrier for Guernsey to overcome as the Channel Island neighbours
renewed their ancient rugby rivalry.
On a day of incessant wind and rain, which left the pitch at
Footes Lane sodden and muddy, Jersey played disciplined 10-man
rugby to build an insurmountable lead in the first half.
Three games played during the day, placing a heavy burden on the
pitch, and throughout points proved very tough to achieve at the
north end of the ground for teams battling against the
conditions.
Jersey had the wind at their backs and after a slow start
gradually began to impose themselves on the game. Ross Broadfoot
missed his first shot at goal but then put his side 3-0 up.
There were no further points in the first quarter but Jersey's
territorial advantage was increasing and it was no surprise when
the next kickable penalty was declined in favour of a scrum. Jersey
have had the better of many packs at National 1 level in the scrum
this season, so it was no surprise that the host pack could not
cope and a penalty try was conceded (0-10).
There was a blow for Jersey when Toby Clyde-Smith was forced
from the field, 17-year-old James Voss taking his place. But this
had no detrimental effect on Jersey's scrum power, and Guy Thompson
picked up and scored from number 8 for the second try around the
half hour mark. Broadfoot's conversion made it 0-17, clipping the
post on its way through.
As well as his place-kicking, Broadfoot was orchestrating his
side's geographical dominance with some superb kicking out of hand.
Once again he set up a position for his side near the try-line, and
when the ball was fed wide Glenn Bryce beat his man and crossed in
the corner.
There was time for one more score before the break, Thompson
adding his second from a rolling maul, following a close-range
lineout, and the 29-point margin as the half-time whistle looked a
massive challenge for the Sarnians - Jersey's National 1 campaign
had seen an average points concession of just 12 per match.
The second half saw Guernsey take advantage of the conditions to
assert themselves. The London 1 South champions gained good field
position in the Jersey 22 on several occasions, but just fell
tantalisingly short of the try they craved.
Jersey's Director of Rugby Ben Harvey began to ring the changes,
with tight-head prop Ben Evans replaced by James Gethings, who
himself was forced from the field soon afterwards after a hand
injury, with Ross Kenwright coming on. Ed Dawson, Brendan O'Brien
and Tim Corson were also brought on for brief cameos.
Jersey never looked likely to increase their lead, although
Chris Levesley's fly-hack almost gave the winger something to run
onto in the Guernsey half. Broadfoot continued to be an influential
presence, clearing the danger from his own 22 on several
occasions.
Neither side gave up, but the stalemate became increasingly
entrenched, and the final whistle blew with the scoreboard
unchanged throughout the second period.
Jersey: Dai Maddocks, David Felton, Ben Evans
(James Gethings + Ross Kenwright), Toby Clyde-Smith (James Voss),
Nathan Hannay, Charlie Clyde-Smith, Eoghan Nihill, Guy Thompson
(Tim Corson), David McCormack (capt) (Brendan O'Brien), Ross
Broadfoot (Ed Dawson), Chris Levesley, Michael Le Bourgeois,
Donovan Sanders, James Copsey, Glenn Bryce. Unused sub: Jim
Brownrigg
Other scores:
Nash Cup (Veterans) - Guernsey 10 Jersey 7
Fallaize Cup (2nd teams) - Guernsey 20 Jersey 6
Guernsey Ladies 10 Jersey United Banks Ladies 5
