THE visit of Brighton to CoinShares Park presented an unexpected challenge, but after a string of injuries in the warm-up, Myles Landick was “delighted” with how his team adapted, closing out a 43-17 victory and a third bonus-point victory in succession to begin the Regional 1 South Central season. Gene Syminton and Tom Wilson both pulled up lame ahead of kick-off, forcing late changes, while experienced forward Jerry Sexton played, but was clearly not 100% happy with his fitness.
Despite additional casualties and the absence of key players, the Caesareans were cool, calm and collected and rarely looked in any danger of slipping up to the Blues. Seven tries in total were secured by the men in red, six of which came from the forwards, which embodied the dominance in the home pack.
Especially when it came to energy-sapping mauls – Brighton had precious little reply for the high-flying hosts.
Two tries apiece from Euan Spencer and Jack Macfarlane, were supplemented by one from Jerry Sexton and George Willmott, while Mark Boarer secured the lone try of the day from the backs, finishing off a beautifully executed move stemming from the cross-field kick from the boot of Dan Barnes.
Head coach Landick said: “We have placed so much importance on ourselves.
“Making sure that we are not inviting pressure on and doing everything we can to not be our own worst enemies.
“I think when you look at what we had to deal with, concerning injuries in the warm-up, and a delayed kick-off, it can be easy to become flustered and lose focus.
“But I have to give massive credit to the guys. The line-up was shuffled around and players slotted in seamlessly.
“To put up 43 points at home against a really good, tough and physical side, is really pleasing.
“Injuries are part of the game unfortunately, but they present other players with the opportunity to step up and we have seen that over the opening three games.
“Competition is high within this squad and we need to keep it that way.
“The league is attritional and physical, so when players go down, we need to have bodies ready to go to slot in.”
In the absence of both club captain Evan Whitson and also Scott Van Breda, Nathan Rogers has picked up the mantle.
The centre has become part of the fabric of Jersey RFC since the outfit ventured into the English rugby union system, and he feels that the “buzz is back” around the St Peter-based club.
“There is no getting away how tough the last year has been for those involved with Jersey RFC,” he said.
“But feels like the core of those supporters who cheered the Reds on week to week have now really good behind us and the club as a collective.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes, especially from Mylo [Landick] and Claire [Lowe] and they are making it a hell of an environment to play home rugby in front off.
“710 fans here for our opening home game is incredible and we are happy that they want to come out and watch our style of rugby.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the first three games.
“15 points from a possible 15. You cannot ask for more.
“We feel that the rugby we are playing is fast and exciting and hopefully it’s entertaining for people to watch.”
It goes without saying that the hard yards have been put in by this team.
The seeds were sown as soon as they secured title success last season and everything from that moment, has led to this.
However, despite all the work and grind, there is an overwhelming harmony across the camp – something which Rogers was keen to touch on.
“Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we are in the trenches out there.
“But when you look to your left and right and you see not just players, but close mates off the field too, it’s a special group to be a part of.
“This is a really tight-knit squad and the bonding outside of rugby has gone a long way into achieving that.
“People want to come and train and they want to work, because it’s an environment that people enjoy being in and a set of lads that make you willing to fight for them.”
Rogers is expected to lead his side out again this weekend, when they welcome Bracknell, before a well-earned rest, which should see the return of both Whitson and Van Breda for the challenging trip to CS Stags.
