AS Jersey Reds’ late-show victory over Richmond on Saturday was warmly received by the faithful home crowd, the experience was bittersweet for one player on the pitch at the final whistle.
There was only one homegrown player on display at St Peter, out of the 41 who took to the field – and he was not wearing red.
Will Kaye, Richmond’s number 15, had returned to play rugby on the Island for the first time since he left it, but it ended up a day of mixed emotions for the fullback; pleased to be back but not on the losing side.
‘It was bizarre and windy,’ summed up Kaye of the experience.
‘It was nice to be back but a bit weird and surreal to playing against Jersey.
‘It was disappointing from our own end. We came in at half time really happy after defending the first half against the win really well and we felt if we started the second half strongly in the first 15 minutes we would have a good chance. However, we stuttered and made a few mistakes. We thought we were in a good place but it was frustrating in the end.’
The Loughborough University graduate, who started for Jersey in the 2017 Siam Cup, was replaced in the 61st minute to a few jeers from the home crowd but it was nothing less than expected.
‘The reception I got was fine,’ he added. ‘When I was taken off, a few on the balcony were cheering. Jersey can be quite hostile for any away player but after the game I was able to go to the clubhouse and catch up with a few old faces and have a beer and quick chat. It’s a friendly place to be once the final whistle goes.’
Meanwhile, Kaye is enjoying life at the west-London club since joining last year.
‘It’s fantastic. I am now getting a regular run of games and it is nice to string some performances together. We’re a semi-pro side and we have a great culture.’
So would Kaye ever be tempted to don the Jersey jersey one day?
‘Never say never. It depends if the opportunity comes, of course. It is always a potential thought at the back of my mind but for now I am very happy at Richmond.’
