UNDER trying circumstances with the impending liquidation of Jersey Reds looming, the amateur side grabbed an impressive 31-8 home win over Chichester, marking their fifth consecutive victory to begin the Regional 2 South Central season.
Jersey RFC head coach Myles Landick served as the groundsman for Jersey Reds and was therefore one of many left without payment for September in the wake of last week’s bombshell.
Despite the shocking news, the former Red had to put emotions to one side and place full focus on the Chichester game over the weekend.
“It’s been a really difficult time for all associated with the club,” said Landick.
“Me personally, as well as many others involved with RFC, are directly impacted by the news.
“As tough as it’s been, we haven’t had time to dwell on the situation. Our full focus has been on Jersey RFC to ensure that the club can survive and doesn’t suffer the same fate as the Reds.
“The club pulled together incredibly to ensure the Chichester game wasn’t called off.
“The squad cleaned the dressing rooms and cleared the pitch after the match, as well as helped to run the bar.
“It is times like these that really highlight the togetherness of this unit and this club, and how important it is that we find a way forward.”
The victory was a fifth bonus-point win in succession for his side, with the club yet to suffer a single league loss since entering the English rugby leagues at the beginning of last campaign.
Former Colt Callum Cuthbert made his senior rugby debut at scrum-half, with the vastly experienced Red Brendan Owen alongside at fly-half.
Clip: Fergus Ludlam touches down
Owen was one of many Reds set to journey to Cornwall to face the Pirates before the devastating news.
He has been a key component in aiding the amateur side through their fledgling stages as part of Landick’s coaching staff, and his appearance in the side just a day after he was due to play in the Premiership Cup shows the level of commitment the South African native has to the club.
Tries from another former Red Roy Godfrey, Fergus Ludlam, Evan Whitson, Charlie Hubert and Euan Spencer lifted the hosts to victory, as full-back Hubert converted three of the scores in the absence of usual place-kicker Aaron Penberthy.
Clip: Evan Whitson try
“Ultimately, conceding only eight points and scoring 31 was a successful day,” added Landick.
“I think the lads would agree that the game didn’t quite flow as well as we wanted it to.
“There were still various skill areas there, which was pleasing to see, but we certainly know that we can improve going forward.
Clip: Rhys Thompson touched down for Chichester
“We want to tighten up defensively and aim to concede less points in general but, as a whole, we have to be happy with five bonus-point wins to begin the new season.
“Last season, games were more straightforward, but this is a step up and naturally we will have some tougher battles ahead that we need to be ready for.”
Jersey travel to Guildford and host Salisbury in the next two fixtures, before a testing block of games against London Irish Wild Geese, Winchester and Tottonians in the space of four games, with all opponents currently inside the top four.
Jersey RFC [1-15]: Joe Ridgway, Jake Bates, Ewan Davies, Euan Spencer, Evan Whitson, Tim Corson, Roy Godfrey, Callum Cuthbert, Brendan Owen, Nathan Rogers, Ben Le Chevalier, Tom Bulfin, Fergus Ludlam, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: Tom Wilson, Nathan Thomas, Eryk Swiech.
