THEY might now be six wins from six, having amassed 255 points in the process, but the Jersey RFC boss insists that ‘if anything, we are slightly disappointed.’
Myles Landick’s men top Counties 1 Hampshire by a single point from Eastleigh, following a 40-7 away success to Andover.
‘We obviously have to be happy with another five point day away from home,’ said Landick.
‘But ultimately, it was a frustrating day inside the opposition 22.
‘I was delighted at the work we did to get in scoring position, but we were not clinical enough to turn the build-up play into points often enough.
The coach was clear ahead of the season that the ultimate goal of the club was to climb up the divisions.
After defeating a pair of opponents from steps above in pre-season, there was early indication that the Caesarean side belong at greater heights.
Landick said: ‘I think we have to continue to improve and show ourselves and our league opponents our strength.
‘If we want to climb up through the divisions, we have to be better at converting our chances more efficiently and become ruthless.’
‘However, there are so many positives for us also.
‘We are executing to give ourselves the chances and we are very solid in most facets of the match.’
The league leaders have been boosted by fresh blood from the Jersey Colts.
Winger Eryk Swiech is the latest to break through, and he did so in style securing two of the six tries away to Andover.
The 17-year-old offers Landick some much needed depth, in a long, attritional debut season.
It also shows the pathway for other young Colts to follow in Swiech’s footsteps, as Jersey RFC now provides a clear platform for academy players, with a desire to play league rugby.
Landick said: ‘Eric did really well and he will only grow stronger with more exposure to this level of rugby.
‘We also had Anushan [Elanco] who played the majority of the game after Richie [Stevens] was forced off with a knock.
‘Over the course of a long season, it will be the teams with better depth who will pull through, so to have two youngsters come in and give such a great account of themselves is fantastic.’
After three fixtures on the mainland, it will be a welcome return for Jersey, in a meeting of top against bottom when Alton travel to the Island.
If Landick is looking for some additional flair in the opposition 22, this Saturday’s fixture should provide his side with plenty opportunity to do just that.
Jersey RFC George Thomas, Evan Whitson, Ewan Davies, James Guyatt, Euan Spencer, Jack Macfarlane, Tim Corson (c), George Willmott, Max Harrington, Michael Harman, Nathan Rogers, Dom Mayo, Tom Bulfin, Eryk Swiech, Richard Stevens Replacements: Jake Bates, Darin Edwards, Anushan Elanco.
