IF Jersey RFC were craving a straight-forward day against Wimbledon to get back to winning ways, their wish was not granted.
A 31-8 victory only tells a fraction of the story, whereby centre Dan Barnes was harshly dismissed for an upright tackle in the first-half, leaving Jersey a man light for the best part of 50 minutes.
Despite the odds stacked against them, “resilience” proved a popular word from the Jersey camp in the aftermath, and they were up to the challenge.
Tries from Liam Rhodes, the returning Tom Williams, Tom Tilstone, Jack Macfarlane and a penalty try steered the hosts to a comprehensive win.
They are a side that have been up for the fight in this Regional 1 South Central campaign, whatever hurdles they have had to overcome.
“It was all about perspective and mindset for us,” said head coach Myles Landick.
“Having to play most of the game with 14 men. We said at half-time ‘what a great challenge for us’.
“No one saw it as a negative, it’s just a different challenge that has been thrown our way and we had to deal with it.
“We said we needed to tighten up and play a bit more ten-man rugby and we did exactly that. We were resilient and put them to the sword.
“Our scrum, especially second-half was excellent and again the maul was powerful.
“I’m really proud of the guys. After losing to Old Alleynians, to come back here in these circumstances and put in a really good performance, it’s all I can ask for.”
One aspect that struck me throughout the game, was the calmness surrounding the hosts.
The red card seemed contentious and could have easily frustrated the Islanders. But their temperament was exemplary at a time where keeping their cool was crucial.
That is where the experienced players are so important, and one of those was Scott Van Breda.
“I think a red card is about the only thing we haven’t had this season. So we can check that one off the list,” joked the fly-half.
“I think the boys are used to it now and just needing to get on with the job in front of us, whatever happens.
“Whether it was the forwards grinding up front, or getting round the corners to make big shots, and the backs sprinting to cover in the backfield, trying to fill in and do two or three different roles.
“We were just really pleased at the response.
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“We never let our heads drop and just got on with it.
“You have a choice when things go against you. To either wimp out, or to suck it up and carry on.
“We seem to find a way and after last week, this was so important.
“It sets us up really well for London Welsh in two weeks time, which will be a huge occasion in their back yard.”
Those efforts certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the home faithful, watching on in dry, but frigid conditions as the sun set over CoinShares Park.
Captain Evan Whitson is a player that embodies that work ethic every time he takes to the pitch, and once again the flanker marshalled his forwards superbly.
“After the disappointment from last week, I’m so impressed with the boys. They put a massive shift in,” said the Welshman.
“It was a disrupted week, without being able to train Tuesday and then a delay at half-time with the referee getting injured.
“There was a lot to contend with, but the lads dug really deep and that’s all you can ask.
“Wimbledon came at us for 80 minutes and you have to credit that, but we were able to put in a great defensive effort, but then also string some nice attacking phases together to put points on the board.
“There were plenty of learnings that came out of the Old Alleynians loss. Not just for this game and the rest of the season, but for seasons to come.
“This side is resilient and bouncing back to take maximum points ahead of London Welsh is massive.
Speaking of Welsh, the runaway leaders were tested to the full away at Brighton, coming away narrow 26-29 winners to maintain their unblemished record, ahead of Jersey’s visit on 15 February
