Hastings & Bexhill RFC V JRFC U14s

A titanic battle was the order of the day in the top of the table clash against hosts Hastings and Bexhill. The weather ensured a tight, close contest, as driving rain and heavy gusts helped establish the early tempo.

Like two heavyweight champions both teams probed, looking for a weakness in their opponents. As Jersey started to edge the battle they gained territory. The Jersey forwards using their physicality to break the gain line with each drive. The half’s like two  composers, orchestrating a symphony of power and prowess.

Camped in the Hastings and Bexhill 22, the Jersey pressure was piling on. Dominant carries broke the line and caused the well structured defence to scramble. Quick thinking and quicker ball sent Jersey towards the line, with grit, determination and an outstretched hand opened the scoring. Extras were added by the boot in exceptional style from the 15m as the ball sailed through the posts, despite the horrendous conditions.

Jersey had found a rhythm, fast break down play stifled their opponents. The work rate in defence by the whole squad making sure the game was played in the opponents half.

Jersey was able capitalise on loose ball and used this opportunity to mount another sustained attack. Once again the line was broken as Jersey increased their lead.

The backs, finally had their time to shine on the front foot as quick ball work wide to the near touch line. A foot race looked to have been won by Jersey until a spectacular covering tap tackle rescued the hosts and kept the score to a 12 point Jersey advantage at halftime.

Hastings and Bexhill gathered themselves at the break and made a statement of their intention as their fresh legs made Jersey’s defence work. With every player putting their body on the line Jersey looked to be holding firm.

The game finely poised, a try for Jersey would surely win it, a try to the opposition would set up a grandstand finish. It was to be the latter, clever play from the half unleashed explosive runners stretching the Jersey defence and opening their scoring.

A frantic and to the game was to come, both teams carrying well and matched with solid defence. A sustained period of pressure creeped Jersey over the line, but the celebrations were not to last as the referee signalled that the ball was held up.

Pushed on by this scare Hastings and Bexhill countered with ferocity, a series of small infringements from Jersey giving away ball and position. With the clock ticking down a ball out wide would split the Jersey defence. Clever play from the wide player stepping inside to give the kicker a better chance at the conversion. He duly obliged, the kick into the wind creeping over the posts to tie the scores. A fair reflection of the colossal battle that we had witnessed.

K Cloete, J Vaughan, R Foster, J De Prey, A Crocker, T Stockley, W Felton, J Lee [c], H Journeaux [vc], W Spry, E Bosio, J Smith, A Abdelmoati, F Murray, O Militis, R Philips, H Edwards, S Sharman