JERSEY RFC head coach Myles Landick praised his team’s defensive performance as they beat promotion rivals Tottonians 52-20.
Despite a horrific ankle dislocation and leg fracture to Bryn Edwards just minutes into the game, Jersey rallied to sweep away a physical Tottonians team with a dominant defensive performance matched with clinical finishing.
Landick said: “It was a very pleasing result.
“I thought defensively we were very impressive. We have been working hard in training on defending for long periods of time and we had to do that in this game.
“Tottonians banged on the door all game and put us under massive pressure, but we were solid in defence in tough circumstances.”
In response to Edwards’ injury, Landick said: “Bryn’s injury was a horribly unfortunate moment and we’re all really feeling for him.
“Tottonians are a big, physical side and unfortunately injuries do happen in our game.
“Full credit to the medical staff who were present and able to assist Bryn immediately. Their swift response was fantastic and will have helped Bryn’s situation enormously.
“We know he will be out for a while, but the whole club is right behind him and is wishing him a safe and speedy recovery. He’s a massive member of our team.
Jersey’s head coach was quick to praise his attackers as well, highlighting Scott Van Breda’s excellent hat-trick.
“Scott is a heck of a player. He offers such a threat both in defence and attack, and he deserved his tries today.
“To be able to hold off all defenders and sprint the length of the field for the last try in the last five minutes is testament to his fitness and determination.”
The Islanders scored within 60 seconds, but the early injury to Edwards barely a minute later forced an unexpected change.
Tottonians took advantage of the situation by levelling up the score just after the injury break, before a penalty allowed them to take the lead.
Landick said: “I thought we regrouped really well after the injury and conceding a try.
“That could have been a difficult situation, but we wrestled momentum back extremely well.
“We have guys on the bench who are like for like players. Lewis (Wynne) came on to replace him and settled straight away.
“It’s very pleasing as a coach to see such strength in depth in our squad.”
RFC hooker, Jack Macfarlane, said: “We knew the importance of this game going in.
“If we’re going to win this league, these are the games we need to be winning, so this was a massive result for us.
“Everyone wanted it, everyone was on it and it was great fun.”
As impressive as the defensive effort was, the Jersey side also managed to score seven converted tries, including four in the first half, which earned them a bonus point.
“For us to score 50 points and only concede 20 against such a good side who threatened so much is extremely pleasing.”
Landick and his side now prepare to host bottom of the table Reading at home Saturday December 9th at home.
To put in such a positive performance against one of the best teams in the league, Landick will be pushing his players to maintain those standards against the struggling Reading side.
“We know they’re towards the bottom of the table, but that’s no reason for us to lose focus.” Landick said.
“It’s another challenge for us, another home game so we’re looking forward to being in front of our brilliant fans again and try and deliver another win.”
