DIFFERENT league, same results, even stronger performances.
You could tell in an instant that Wimborne were a much stronger outfit than anyone Jersey had faced in their invincible campaign last season – even if they do straddle the foot of the table – but they were no match for their hosts. Not even close.
Jersey have stepped up another level and stepped in standards. Even physically, the same players that walked through opponents last term looked bigger and fitter than ever.
After their 64-7 trouncing of their opponents from Dorset, head coach Myles Landick spoke about frustrations from their opening two league matches, which they won with a combined score of 76-36. Expectations are always high, perfection is strived for.
‘We had spoken about the last couple of games we played where we were really frustrated with our performances,’ said Landick.
‘Obviously you can’t take away from the positives of five points from those games, but today we just wanted to make sure there was no frustration come the end of the game.’
There certainly wasn’t. The moment George Willmott burst through to lay down the first try after a terrific change of hands in the centre of the field it was game over.
Clip: George Willmott scored a hat-trick
Before then, Aaron Penberthy had already decided to put some quick points on the board with a simple drop goal just five metres away from the posts.
But by half-time another three tries were scored: Fergus Ludlum flying down the right wing, a maul that ended with Jack Macfarlane getting the final touch and a second for Willmott finishing another fine move.
Clip: Fergus Ludlum touched down before half-time
‘On the whole we played some great running rugby and some really good set-pieces,’ added Landick. ‘It was a much more of a complete performance today, which is obviously the guys are chuffed with. We’ve got to be ruthless in our performances. And today we were.’
They were indeed. The second half was just more of the same.
Another maul that gave Macfarlane another try kept the momentum going and even a reply from Wimborne never did much to stop Jersey in their tracks.
Clip: Eryk Swiech’s try
Willmott got his hat-trick and teenager Eryk Swiech got in on the act, as did Nathan Rogers and Tom Wilson. On a momentous day for rugby on the Island, the amateurs showed once again that there are two class acts worthy of attention. They were a joy to watch again and the juggernaut keeps rolling on.
Clip: Nathan Rogers applies the finishing touches
‘One of the main messages we put out is discipline. Last week, we conceded 22 penalties. Obviously a few of those come from the new tackle height law, but today I think it was under ten which was really pleasing,’ continued Landick.
‘That’s the trend we’ve set now and we’ve got to keep that going for next week and the next week because we have some tough games ahead.’
