Nagle-Taylor stars as Reds take spoils in scrappy affair

JERSEY were eventually comfortable on the scoreboard, although this was a match in which neither side played well enough to establish dominance.

The difference was that Jersey took the opportunities on offer, while Hartpury failed to convert possession into points.

As Jersey’s Harvey Biljon said: “It was a scrappy game and we were pleased to come away with five points, particularly after we spoke about missed opportunities last week. Both squads will improve from here.”

The first half, particularly, was an error-strewn affair and Hartpury will regret not making better use of the wind, overplaying at times when putting the ball behind the visiting defence would have been the better option.

Little of note happened in the first quarter, although Joshua Bragman did nudge the hosts ahead from a penalty in the 15th minute.

Two quick tries then put the Reds in the driving seat. The first came after Hartpury had played through multiple phases without progressing. When the turn-over came, a kick behind fell nicely for Tom Williams, who finished comfortably.

The lead was extended when Auguy Slowick, Reds’ full-back, found a yawning gap close to the breakdown and scored at a jog.

Seb Nagle-Taylor, the outstanding player on the pitch, had earlier gone close but it was not until the end of the half that Hartpury finally crossed the try-line, Will Tanner finishing a lineout drive.

Leroy van Dam was a dangerous runner for Jersey, but he didn’t have too much to do in the 48th minute, when a ball worked to the narrow side in the Hartpury 22 left him a clear run in.

Hartpury needed to score next and looked likely to do so when the forwards drove close to the Jersey posts, forcing a 5m scrum.

However, when the ball was moved left it was intercepted by Williams, who had the legs to go the length and score under the posts.

Hartpury did rally late on and an influx of younger players added energy and zip. Replacement backs Nick David and Joe Margetts both showed up well, but it was a forward, Will Safe, who grabbed the game’s final try.

Hartpury DoR John Barnes said: “It was a step up from last week, particularly defensively. It was unfortunate that a couple of errors cost us tries but I was pleased with some of the performances, including the young players who came into the game later on.”