Jersey 0
Caldy 2nds 10
Tries: Robinson; Mitchell
IF ever there was a counter-argument to low scoring games being a snooze this was it. Anyone watching the enthralling tussle between Jersey RFC and Caldy 2nds could have been forgiven for thinking the match had title-deciding repercussions on the line. Friendly fixtures are typically a more relaxed affair, with a hint of exhibition, but this was hard-fought and breathless from start to finish, as visiting Caldy 2nds left CoinShares Park with a narrow win and bragging rights over the high-flying Caesareans.
But context is crucial, and there was plenty to unwrap here. The side from the Wirral have forgotten what it’s like to lose, with a winning run spanning an estimated 90 games – the last recorded blemish was back in April 2019 against Sedgley Park.
With that being said, clearly Caldy felt that might be under some threat, as 11 first-team players who were involved in the Championship squad against Cornish Pirates the previous weekend made the journey south to the home of last season’s Championship winners. As a matter of fact, there were 181 Championship caps this season between the players on Caldy’s start sheet. Despite the class of the opposition, Myles Landick’s side pushed them the whole way. A spent Evan Whitson cut a somewhat exasperated figure at the final whistle, and his signs of frustration evinced just how close-fought he believed this ‘friendly’ fixture was.
“It was fantastic. They showed us a lot of respect, which we appreciate,” said the captain. “We saw how many of their first-team players were in the squad and it was great.
“We needed a test and they provided that. There is no part of our group that wants to shy away from difficult fixtures, and we all loved the challenge that Caldy brought.”
Whitson’s side have stormed through Regional 2 South Central, with their title coronation expected to come this weekend at Newbury. The Islanders have been abundantly clear they are planning for matches further up the English pyramid.
Whitson added: “Matches like this really help us see where we are as a team. Obviously we have one eye on next year and a step up in class again. Caldy provided a good indicator of how far we have come as a collective.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the lads. Every single one of them stuck at it for 80 minutes, that’s all I can ask from them.
“We knew before we started it would be a gritty game and that we would need to ‘find our dog’ and, to be fair, the boys did that.
“There were a few skill errors in there and some weak game management at times that stopped us from adding some points, but credit to Caldy, they were strong and well-drilled.”
While the book on Jersey Reds has closed, Caldy’s vast Championship contingent were perhaps pushed slightly more than they bargained for by a plucky amateur side that continue to grow in stature.
For two teams that have spent all campaign scoring at will, the pair entered into unfamiliar waters.
Defences ran the show, with Caldy having the lion’s share of territory and possession, Jersey would not relent and the teams trudged into the break scoreless.
The loyal crowd, who braved the poor weather were treated to a so-called “exhibition” where both sides gave it everything. It took 52 minutes for the red barricade to relent, as quick movement across the Caldy backs gave winger Will Robinson space to score.
Jersey had their chances, but it was the Merseysiders who added the next and final score of the game through some patient play up the left side. Callum Ridgeway found scrum-half Jacob Mitchell to cross over.
The hosts battled for points of their own in the last ten minutes, nearly crossing the whitewash on a number of occasions, but the experienced Caldy side held onto their clean sheet, with exhaustion on the faces of all involved come full-time.
Back and attack coach James Mitchell is no stranger to Championship opposition, during his extensive time as No. 9 for the Reds. He too echoed Whitson’s sentiments regarding the respect Caldy showed through their team selection.
But he also thought that his side could have got something from the game and 10-0 didn’t do the men in red justice.
He said: “There were a few aspects of the game we weren’t happy with and didn’t manage that well and when you are playing a good team, you will get punished and that’s exactly what Caldy did.
“I felt like our kicking game could have been better today, as well as the work at the breakdown.
“When we get our breakdown right, we get quick ball and look dangerous and unfortunately those moments didn’t happen as often as we would have liked today.
“I think what we are frustrated about is the fact their two tries came from our errors.
“We felt like the game was so even. I know it was 10-0 to them, but I don’t think that fairly reflects how tight the two teams were. It was such a great lesson for the boys. Sometimes we are playing matches where we cut through the opposition at will, within two or three phases. But Caldy were great defensively and that makes you work really hard for space.
“These guys need games like this to learn and progress.
“It’s an exciting time for the club. We know we can continue to work up and the standard of the opposition today and how far we pushed them, just proves we are well on our way.
“The lads loved it. It was a real battle and they all walked off the pitch knowing that. But they didn’t shy away from confrontation and, as a coach, you can’t ask for more than that.”
Jersey’s next match comes against Newbury Blues this Saturday, with a chance to lift the Regional 2 South Central crown in front of their home contingent.
Jersey RFC [1-15]: Joe Ridgway, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Euan Spencer, Jerry Sexton, Evan Whitson (c), Tim Corson, George Willmott, Max Harrington, Aaron Penberthy, Tom Bulfin, Dom Mayo, Scott Van Breda, Sam Harvey, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: George Thomas, Tom Tilstone, Nathan Thomas, Cameron Halliwell, Jacques de la Bat, Bevan Biggs
Caldy 2nds [1-15]: Ryan Higginson, Jack Ellam, Matthew Rabbette, Samuel Olyott, Callum Atkinson, Robin Lowndes, Callum Ridgeway, JJ Dickinson (c), Jacob Mitchell, Samuel Rogers, Robert Cooke, Toby Elkerton, Michael Cartmill, Louis Beer, Matty Kilcourse. Replacements: Matt Gallagher, Joe Sprotson, Jack Riley, John Ralph, Stu Cross, Ewan Dale, Alex Gaughan, Connor Wilkinson, Will Robinson, Ben Jones, Freddie Arista.
