UNBEATEN has become a phrase synonymous with Jersey RFC this season.
As the men continued their impressive winning start to the campaign, Jersey Women did exactly the same, with a “very mature” 22-5 victory away to Seaford Ladies, in unsettled conditions.
After a five-week hiatus following their narrow home victory over Sutton & Epsom Ladies II, Simon Le Moignan’s side did not miss a beat on their return to Women’s NC 2 South East (South) action.
A first-half try from captain Lauren Lowe was added to by an impressive second period hat-trick from her vice-captain Katie de la Cloche.
Clip: Lauren Lowe’s try
Seaford’s try in the final few minutes proved a mere consolation for the hosts, as the Islanders made it three consecutive victories.
“Given the conditions on the day, it was an incredible performance,” said Le Moignan.
“The forwards were exceptional again, as they were in our opening two games and that provided a great platform for our backs to express themselves.
“I think we won every single scrum, both ours and theirs.
“When you build that sort of pressure, it really makes it difficult for the opposition to impose themselves.
“Emily [Hart] and Laura [Turpin], at scrum-half and fly-half, were very decisive in their decision-making at the breakdown.
“Even though the weather was not ideal for playing across our backs, they still called the moves early and had confidence to play across the line and impose our style of rugby.
“There were so many reasons to be proud.
“The line-out functioned incredibly well, given how exposed the pitch is and the blustery conditions that made everything a challenge.”
The hosts started the game on the front foot, determined to make the most of a strong tailwind.
Despite pinning Jersey inside their own 22-metre line for the opening phases of the game, the Islanders held firm.
Clip: Katie de la Cloche scored a second-half hat-trick
In fact, Seaford had to wait until the dying embers of the game to add their only points.
Le Moignan’s mantra of ‘defence wins games’ rang true once again and, with only 22 points conceded across their opening three fixtures, his unbeaten Jersey side are the proof of the pudding.
The head coach added: “We have always prided ourselves on defence and we truly believe that it wins games.
“If we can limit the opposition to very few points, then it makes our job that much easier in attack.
“It was a very mature performance.
“This team continues to grow game after game and that has developed a real confidence within the camp.
“We have new players coming into the team who have gelled straight away.
“Ella Vieira made her competitive debut against Seaford, after training with us for the last six weeks.
“She was incredible. I think she made the first hit of the game and after that I said to myself, ‘I don’t need to worry about her then.’ What I see now is a team not afraid to take charge and implement changes on the pitch when they are needed.
“The experience is there and it’s only growing as the games go on.”
Jersey have this weekend off, prior to welcoming a Crawley Ladies outfit to St Peter that have claimed only one win across their opening five fixtures.
The Islanders are in third place, six points and three points behind Beckenham Ladies II and Seaford respectively, who have both played two more fixtures.
