Joyous homecoming for Jersey RFC Women

Gemma Dufty scored twice for Jersey RFC Women Picture: DAVID FERGUSON

It was a joyous homecoming for Jersey RFC, who marked a long wait for a home game – and an appearance on the main pitch at Stade Santander – with a 77-0 triumph.

Watched by a noisy crowd, the Islanders ran in 13 tries and showcased their ability to play fast, attacking rugby, as well as to defend when they had to, keeping a clean sheet for just the second time this season.

If there was any disappointment, it was that the plucky but limited opposition from Hove couldn’t provide the sort of stiff test that many in the crowd would like to see the Jersey side up against. Those challenges will follow in the coming weeks, notably against league leaders Horsham, when they visit in a month’s time, and the small matter of the Siam Cup.

Willow Le Luan, the stand-out Jersey forward, opened the scoring with a powerful run after eight minutes, and then it was the backs who sought to attack, with half-backs Ashling Magner and Lauren Lowe combining well and centres Nancy Portsmouth and Georgie Ruellan looking dangerous. Twice Ruellan sliced through, with Portsmouth also feeding Andi Vaughan for a try.

Lowe darted through a gap for the fifth try, reaching athletically over the line to touch down after being tackled just short, and replacement Gemma Dufty wasted no time in leaving her mark on the game, scoring twice just before the break from passes by Laura Turpin, another who delivered notable impact from the bench.

More replacements came on at half-time, including some Jersey players on loan to bolster the visiting squad, which numbered just 16 players and suffered several injuries. After early scores by Taye Boakye-Yiadom – twice – and Turpin, Hove had their best spell of the match and were able to string some phases together to test the Jersey defence without quite managing to break through.

A great pick-up by Le Luan from Turpin’s pass delivered the 11th try and there was just time for captain Lowe to complete a hat-trick, crossing at close range from Tina Davies’ pass and then making a solo dart through the middle in what turned out to be the last play.

Around 100 people had enjoyed a pre-match lunch in the clubhouse, with the crowd including male players from both Jersey Reds and JRFC, enjoying a weekend off.

JRFC Women will hope for stiffer tests when they travel to Crawley and Oakmeadians in March before taking on Horsham on home turf on Sunday 2 April.

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