IT was only a matter of time until Jersey RFC were crowned Regional 2 South Central champions, but a comprehensive 54-7 win against Newbury Blues at home underpinned the fact that this group of players already have one eye on pastures new.
Despite how easy the Caesareans are making their seamless transition into the English rugby union league system look, boss Myles Landick was quick to remind his side that “every promotion should be savoured”. A hat-trick of tries from Jack Macfarlane, the beneficiary of a typically strong maul from the hosts up front, were
supplemented by five from backs Nathan Rogers, Max Harrington, Tom Bulfin, Sam Harvey and Charlie Hubert
respectively at the death.
Six different try-scorers on the day emphasises how
difficult this team are to
contain. They have playmakers all over the park and if you
focus on one, the ball with be fed to another willing
participant to take it home.
However, it was a scoreline they had to work for.
The mainland side had the best of possession and territory in the middle third of the contest, but a dogged defensive display saw them come away empty handed.
The superior conditioning of the hosts took over, with a flurry of late tries, much to the delight of the home support in red.
Landick knows all about the journey through the ranks of English rugby, having been on his own as a player with Jersey Reds.
Now the coach, there is a real sense within the rugby community that Jersey RFC are well on their way to being a side that can compete in the National Leagues.
Reflecting on a second dominant campaign in succession, Landick said: “The boys put a huge amount of effort in behind the scenes.
“It’s easy to see what we are like on game day, but these lads bring that energy every training session.
“It is a huge commitment with travelling away also and the work they put in for free – moments like this make it all worthwhile.
“I told the lads before the game that promotions are not easy to come by. You have to savour every single one of them.
“I don’t care what level you are at, to get back to back promotions and title wins is a huge achievement and they should be really proud.
“This is part one of our goal for this year complete and we now have a few fixtures left to get ready for the Siam Cup in Guernsey, which we know will be very tough.
Fly-half Aaron Penberthy, as he has been all season long, was imperious.
Seven conversions from eight, a number of which were hugging the touchline, only told a fraction of the tale.
Numerous assists to his fellow backs, including a ludicrous behind the back reverse pass to Tom Bulfin capped off a typically assured performance from the former Red.
Despite his individual endeavours, Penberthy placed the success of his team on the togetherness displayed all campaign.
“Being able to do this in front of our home fans was a bit of a silver lining,” he said.
“We were all gutted the Winchester game was called off, but our fans have come out in numbers this year and to share the occasion with them was really special.
“There has been a real togetherness this season. We are constantly learning more about each other and using everyone’s skillsets effectively.
“Mylo [Landick] encourages us to express ourselves with the ball and not to worry if it doesn’t always go to plan.
“It think that gives everyone the freedom to play, without the fear that they will be judged for making an error here or there trying something new.”
While praising Jersey in attack this season has been easy, the work of their defensive unit laid the building blocks down the other end.
Despite what ended up being a rout, Newbury had plenty of territory themselves, and at 19-7, the hosts had to dig deep during long periods of energy sapping goal line stands.
Central to that unit this year has been captain Evan Whitson.
Jersey’s own Duracell bunny, the Welshman only appears to have one gear, in and around every breakdown and doing whatever is needed of him.
“It has been such a huge effort from everyone involved,” said the captain.
“From Mylo and the whole coaching staff to the players, everyone has bought in to this goal and it’s required 100% effort every week.
“As a captain, that’s all I can ask and credit to them, they brought that energy all the way through.
“We have a really balanced squad and it shows.
“The the experience of Jerry [Sexton] to Scotty [Van Breda] to young Sam Harvey, playing his first season of senior rugby.
“The amount of options there, just shows the strength of rugby in Jersey and I’m just really proud to call myself a part of it.”
Jersey RFC [1-15]: Joe Ridgway, Jack Macfarlane, Tom Wilson, Euan Spencer, Jerry Sexton, Evan Whitson, Tom Tilstone, Tim Corson, Max Harrington, Aaron Penberthy, Nathan Rogers, Dom Mayo, Scott Van Breda, Thomas Bulfin, Charlie Hubert. Replacements: Ewan Davies, George Willmott, Sam Harvey.
Newbury Blues [1-15]: Benjamin Hicks, Harry Waye-Branch, George Robinson-Slater, Alex Du Sautoy, Ashley Doel, Jonathan Lees, Dylan Stewart, Josh Winfield, Euan Lindsay, Daniel Thorne, Jamie Futcher, Alasdair MaGee, Oliver Rhoads, Jacob Checksfield, Toby Thorne. Replacements: Robert Drysdale, Duncan Craigen, Michael Klichowicz.
