Worthing RFC Colts V Jersey Colts

It wasn’t over until it was over and could have gone either way.

Without doubt the match had an abundance of passion. The game resulted in a try a piece and it was only a penalty kick that  ceded Worthing the win.  A score line of 7-10 was testament to what a truly hard fought game it was. Both teams accredited themselves well in what was a very high impact, good natured battle.

The hosts were quick out of the blocks and to open the scoring. The try having been converted put Worthing 7-0 ahead. This seemed to be a wake up call for Jersey and what followed was 20 minutes of solid graft as they looked to make dents in the Worthing defence.

The game was was essentially a display of no frills rugby, you simply had to stick to the basics and maintain pressure on the opposition. Both teams slogged it out in the centre of the pitch with each having an occasional foray into the opposition 22. The defence from both sides was good, but Jersey’s defence of their own line was outstanding. There were two or three occasions when Worthing almost broke the line to go over, but try as they may, Jersey’s sheer determination, strength and guile put play to this. Unfortunately Jersey conceded a penalty in their own 22 which enabled Worthing to snatch another 3. Worthing led 10-0.

Jersey responded positively from the restart and were soon pressing deep inside Worthing’s half. This paid dividends for Jersey with OB Racjan weaving through the Haywards defence  to cross the line and score a try. Full-back Morris Cotillard slotted the ball over for the additional 2 points, leaving the score at 10-7 to Haywards.

On the whole the second half remained a reflection of the first and a game where very little ground was given or made and literally slugged out in the middle of the pitch. The Jersey team were strong in attack and remained resolute in defence, but so were Worthing.The tackle rate was massive and consequently no further points went on the board for either team.

Maybe Jersey missed a few opportunities to score but there were also some very positive points. The pack were solid and for the most they dominated the set piece and were deft in the break down. It remained a wonderful game to watch and highlighted the very best in Colts rugby.

Coach Tim Grey said, “we have emphasised the importance of having the confidence to identify the opportunities and go for it. The boys certainly didn’t let us down and overall put in a solid shift.The lads brought passion to the game and our physicality was there, which was pleasing”.

Coach Lewis Wynne said, “after our earlier game against Worthing we knew we were up against a good outfit, but our guys produced one of their best displays of the season. We were a lot more dominant than the scoreboard showed”.

Jersey Saltgate Colts are now preparing for the teams biggest game, the Colts Siam Cup against Guernsey, which this year is on home soil.

The team remain grateful to their sponsors SALTGATE for their ongoing support, both on and off the pitch.

Shane O’Brien (Captain), Ze-Luca Piazza, Daniel Rodrigues, Jules Isherwood, Charlie White, Casey Dunning, Oliver Walker, Christian Lotz, Charlie Fraser, Finn Bennett, Maxwell Harman, Alex Neasham, Archie Le Maistre, Quentin Fevrier, Morris Cotillard, Max Sayers, Oliver Brodie Racjan, Byron Major and Austin Clarke

Coaches Tim Grey and Lewis Wynne. Management Team Alan Williamson