Haywards Heath V JRFC Saltgate Colts

Jersey RFC Haywards Heath RFC
Cup Final, 26 April

Tries
Quentin Fevrier
Cole Gueno
Arthur Mangematin

Conversions
Lyle Pritchard

Jersey came within a whisker of lifting the cup in a tense, hard fought final, ultimately edged out 19–17 by a resilient Haywards Heath.
First Half
In warm and dry conditions, both teams began cautiously, trading territory through a series of early kicks and forward exchanges around halfway. Jersey gradually found their rhythm, with Jonty O’Sullivan’s intelligent kicking game pushing Haywards Heath back into their own 22.
After a short water break, the first moment of real incision arrived. Following a brief Haywards Heath break that was quickly shut down, Jersey countered clinically. Quentin Fevrier surged the length of the field, supported superbly by Archie Le Maistre, to cross for a stunning opening try. The conversion was missed, but Jersey had the early advantage at 5–0.
Haywards Heath responded with sustained pressure, spending several minutes camped inside Jersey’s 22. A combination of disciplined defence, strong tackling, and composure under pressure eventually paid off as Jersey forced their way back to halfway.
The remainder of the half was tight and nervy, with possession changing hands frequently. Just before the break, Jersey struck again. After building phases in the Haywards Heath half, Cole Gueno found space and finished confidently to extend the lead. At half time, Jersey held a deserved 10–0 advantage.
Second Half
Jersey came out positively after the restart, initially applying pressure. However, a brief lapse allowed Haywards Heath back into the contest. A break down the flank led to their first try, followed shortly by a conversion, reducing the deficit to 10–7.
Momentum swung further when Jersey were shown a yellow card, forcing a prolonged period of defence. Haywards Heath capitalised, crossing twice either side of another water break to move ahead 14–10 and then 19–10, turning the final decisively on its head.
To Jersey’s credit, heads did not drop. With the team back at full strength — and Haywards Heath themselves reduced to 14 after a yellow card — Jersey pressed hard for a way back into the match. That pressure finally told when slick hands moved the ball wide, allowing Arthur Mangematin to score in the corner. Lyle Pritchard kept his nerve with the conversion to narrow the gap to just two points at 17–19.
The final minutes were frenetic. Haywards Heath missed a late penalty in front of the posts, leaving the door ajar, but despite one last Jersey attack from deep, the referee’s final whistle ended an absorbing contest.
Summary
This was a classic cup final: physical, emotional, and finely balanced throughout. Jersey’s first half control and outstanding defence were matched by Haywards Heath’s second half resilience and clinical finishing. Ultimately, it was a narrow defeat, but Jersey can take immense pride in their performance, character, and commitment in challenging conditions.
Final Score:
Jersey RFC 17 – 19 Haywards Heath RFC

With Thanks to Our Sponsors
Jersey RFC would like to extend sincere thanks to Saltgate for their long continued and valued support of the club. Their commitment once again helped make this cup final possible, and Jersey are especially grateful to Saltgate for providing the Man of the Match awards for both teams, recognising excellence and sportsmanship on the day.

Alex Neasham ( Captain)
Alex Edwards
Alexander Powell
Archie Le Maistre
Arthur  Mangematin
Ashton Planner
Austin Clarke
Byron Major
Cole Gueno
George Roberts
Jenson Russell
Jonty O'Sullivan
Joseph Griffiths
Lyle Pritchard
Max Sayers
Oliver Houghton
Oliver Treco
Quentin Fevrier
Sebastian Braunspahn Alcala
Stellan Tonsberg
Thomas Edey
Ze-Luca Piazza

Lead Coach: Ben Harvey

Managers: Don Gardener , Nigel Higginson, Stuart Dixon-Smith