Lewes RFC V Jersey U16 Boys

Match Report

JRFC U16s travelled to Lewes RFC as last season's 2nd Division Champions for their opening Division 1 fixture last Sunday. The home side did not afford much respect to the top divisions newcomers quickly reminding the Jersey boys they were up a level with no easy options. Quick, accurate passing & a very physical approach to the breakdown saw the hosts 7-0 up after 11 mins. 14-0 after 16. Jersey, working hard to get back in the match, found themselves forcing an extra pass or carrying a little further than necessary as they chased the game. This led to errors surrendering possession & 2 further tries before the half closed with Jersey 28-0 down.
Half time chat was about pride, effort, teamwork, forgetting the first half & winning the second.
Jersey could not have responded any better. A try coming from a series of pick & go's by the forwards before the ball was passed out wide for Callum Coombs to go over in the left corner. 28-5. Soon after another forward drive led first by Harrison Fitzpatrick then Aphonso Correia before Kobi Millington went over under the posts - converted b y Ryan Allen-Le Bas. 28-12.
Really pushing hard from anywhere on the pitch was exciting to watch, however, a knock on just outside the Jersey 22 gave scrum feed to Lewes. No 8 pick up down the blind side was fed out to the winger who went over out wide. 33-12.
Jersey straight back at it as the hosts looked like they were running out of puff, creating pressure as penalties were coming thick and fast as Jersey made their way up the pitch. Another penalty, quick thinking by Jacob Watson as he tapped to himself and went over from 15 metres out. Allen-Le Bas converts 33-19. Jersey continued to dominate but ran out of time before the comeback could be completed. Final Score 33-19. Mission accomplished, second half won, lessons learned. Hopefully, switched on from the start next time. Lewes nominated Jacob Watson as Jersey's Player of the Match.