Horsham Colts V Jersey RFC Saltgate Colts

This was the first Sussex League match for Jersey Colts this season and Coaches, Tim Grey and Lewis Wynne both ex-Reds players, led fast paced, dynamic pre-season training sessions designed to prepare the squad and define playing tactics.

Previous games against Horsham have been a close affair both teams wining by a small margin. There was no doubt then, that from the start that both teams were going to give their all, in what turned out to be an entertaining but very physical match. Jersey appeared the dominant side at the start, holding Horsham in their own 22 for long periods. The Jersey pack maintained the attack, preventing Horsham making ground and whilst feeding the ball out to the wing to make ground. As the game developed Jersey came close to scoring on two or three occasions but couldn’t just make it across the line. Horsham managed to gain some momentum due to their dominance in the scrum, which led to a try which was converted just before half time.

Jersey flew out of the traps at the restart and were on the scoreboard within two minutes. The ball was fed out to Charlie Fraser who with a blistering run, weaved through the Horsham defence and went over to,’ score under the posts. Morris Coutillard took the kick to level the score. Jersey were right back in it.

There followed a sustained period where the teams literally slugged it out in the centre with both making the occasional break. Whilst Horsham were strong in the scrum, Jersey were dominant in the line out and very effective at the break down. A penalty set up a scrum in the Jersey half, which enable Horsham to gain some momentum and force another try. Whilst Jersey continued to maintain the attack they just couldn’t seem to add the finishing touch and cross the Horsham line.

Coach Tim Grey commended the whole squad, not just those selected for this match in the way that they approach training and prepared for this game. “The lads played some good rugby, we have got a lot to work on in a week, but there was no doubt the lads gave their all in this match and you can’t ask for much more”.

Saltgate continue to sponsor and support the team both on and off the pitch and recently presented the squad with training and playing kit. Jersey Saltgate Colts next league match is away to Pulborough Colts Sunday 20th October 2024.

Shane O’Brien, William Dagilan, Daniel Rodrigues, George Roberts, Charlie White, Casey Dunning, Kyle Harrison, Cristian Lotz, Charlie Fraser,Finn Bennett, Max Harman, Alex Neasham, Austin Clarke, Samuel Wood, Morris Cotillard, Matt Tinley, Jenson Russell, Lance Armstrong and Jonty O’Sullivan. Coaches Tim Grey, Lewis Wynne.