Kolo’ofa’i leads the way for improving Islanders

Jersey .............. 32 Y Carnegie ........ 3

JERSEY Reds put their Championship struggles behind them with a dominant win over a youthful Yorkshire Carnegie.

Reds were ahead early on through Brendan Cope’s penalty before Matt Rogerson burst from the base of a scrum and had enough momentum to go over despite a last-ditch tackle.

Harry Davey’s boot reduced the deficit but it was to turn out to be his side’s only score.

In-form wing Tom Pincus carved his way through for a 20-3 lead at the break, as the hosts dominated territory and possession.

Tongan international Uili Kolo’ofa’i, who impressed throughout on his first game back since injury, powered over from close range early in the second half and Kieran Hardy’s well-worked try secured the bonus-point.

Carnegie thought they had a late consolation try but debutant Harry Newborn’s effort was ruled out for a forward pass.

“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but we’re pretty happy with the result and we started to look like the team we want to be,” said Jersey forwards coach Neil Tunnah.

“Our skills were probably more on the money than they have been in the last few weeks and credit to the boys for working hard to get things going.”

Jersey, who went all the way to the final last season, head to Wales next to take on the Dragons.