Apakuki Ma’afu saw red for a dangerous hit on Dean Hammond with over 20 minutes still on the clock to compound Jersey’s woes, who had been in the contest going into the break.
Brendan Owen’s opportunistic score right before the interval, coupled with a superb finish from debutant Matti Williams early after the resumption had Jersey trailing 24-12 with 45 minutes on the clock.
But the Trailfinders found another gear, adding a further six scores – including a hat-trick from captain Rayn Smid – to their four from the opening 40 minutes to go into their contest with Saracens next week in rude health.
Owen scored his second and Jersey’s third moments before Ma’afu’s dismissal, keeping the Reds interested in a four-try bonus point, but it wasn’t to be as a powerful home side flexed their muscles in both defence and attack.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s JEP.
