Jersey Reds made to work for win over Old Elthamians
JERSEY Reds’ Championship power helped them to a comfortable win over National One opposition.
Old Elthamians conceded six tries, but competed gamely and were the dominant side for much of the second period, with the Reds adding just five points to their tally in the last 35 minutes.
Jersey director of rugby Harvey Biljon was pleased with his side’s first outing of pre-season, which closely emulated the contest between the sides 12 months previously, which finished 35-7 to the Reds.
“There were some promising signs, both upfront and in the endeavour shown by our back-line,” he said. “It was a typical preseason game, with quite a few errors, but overall a really good hit-out.”
The home side made a strong start, winning a penalty from the kick-off, kicking to the corner and launching a powerful maul from which hooker Jack Macfarlane rumbled over.
The Scotsman repeated the trick to make it 12-0 to his side at the end of the first quarter.
There were some promising moments for both sides, but errors in execution meant the scoreboard didn’t move again until Jersey back rower Conor Joyce went over after a series of attacking phases for his side which left Elthamians running out of defenders.
The visitors had the final word in the first half, attacking from a maul before scrum-half Rhys Morgan seized the ball and hared to the line from close range.
Another fast start saw the Reds claim 14 points in the opening five minutes of the second half. Leroy Van Dam made a fine break and got close to the try-line and it was supporting full-back Conor Joyce who stretched over. Then Macfarlane completed a hat-trick courtesy of another well-worked catch-and-drive.
The higher-ranked side were frustrated for much of the second period, deprived of the ball and conceding several penalties.
OEs withstood a period with 14 men after Mike Kovacic saw yellow for blocking a quickly-taken penalty, but eventually replacement Tom Williams crossed on his Reds’ debut to complete the scoring.
OEs director of rugby Gavin Lach said: “I was genuinely very, very pleased and thought we were outstanding. National One will be an absolute dogfight this season, with up to eight teams in contention, but if we play like we did today then we’ll be in the mix.”
The two clubs’ 2nd XVs played a Zoo Shield encounter earlier in the day, with Elthamians defeating Jersey Reds Athletic 19-21.