Jersey keep the pressure on at the top of the table
JERSEY Reds scored ten tries and conceded none against Richmond to show why they are deservedly second in the table, neck and neck with Ealing. The size, organisation and power of the scrum provided regular front foot possession, and the backs combined well in attack.
Jersey had their first score in the opening minute. The forwards wheeled the scrum to create extra space, and the ball was moved swiftly to the left wing, where Will Brown had the pace to beat the cover. A superb 50/22 kick by Alex O’Meara provided the perfect platform for Richmond to counter, but the drive from the lineout was held up on the line.
After a scoreless quarter, Jersey then had a similar opportunity but were initially stopped at the cost of a sequence of penalties. When Alex Post was then yellow carded, Jersey exacted full reward, Eoghan Clarke scoring from the back of the drive. The lead was extended when Will Brown picked off an easy interception. Jersey had their fourth try just inside the half hour with Ben Burnell taking full advantage of a forward pass, missed by the officials.
Four minutes later, the Reds set up five metres out, and No 8 Alan Lawrence drove over for the score. As half time approached, Jordan Holgate broke powerfully and handed on to Macauley Cooke, who in turn sent Ben Woolett in for an excellent touchdown.
Richmond started the second half faster
and in more assertive style and created a number of opportunities. The forwards were again held up on the line as they mauled forward from a five metre line out. Some gutsy defence, with Lucas Brooke and Dave Massey to the fore, in turn kept Jersey out for 25 minutes, before the visitors finished with tries from Russell Bennett (in support of James Scott), from Richmond old boy James Hadfield at the back of a maul, and finally from Hallam Chapman, as the set scrum wheeled round.
Head coach Rod Webber said: “I’m really happy with today’s performance. To come away from home and keep a Championship opponent to zero is really pleasing. It was a good all round team performance.”