Hove v Jersey U14

Jersey U14s 41 – Hove 5
Mud, mayhem and a very good start to the league

What a way to start the league season.

After an encouraging friendly against Bedford, Jersey travelled to Hove for the first league game of the season on a pitch seemingly designed for claymation rather than rugby. The slope was impressive too. In fact, it may have been put together by the same people responsible for my shelf construction.

Conditions aside, this was another chance for the lads to show what they could do, with several trying completely new positions.

Nowhere was that more obvious than the front row. Liam, Jac, Rhys and Ethan all stepped into unfamiliar territory and acquitted themselves brilliantly, ably assisted by veteran campaigner Louis, who brought some much-needed experience, encouragement and calm to proceedings.

Then the game kicked off.

Hove kicked straight to Sam.

Mistake.

From halfway, Sam simply bullocked his way through the defence and over the line. Flynn had brought his kicking boots and added the conversion.

7–0.

Three minutes later, more intense Jersey pressure created space for Harrison Saunders to dart through for another. Flynn converted again.

14–0.

The first scrum then brought more punishment. The ball moved through the backs before Sam gathered in the loose and powered over for his second.

Meanwhile, Reuben had apparently decided nobody wearing a Hove shirt was getting past him. He tackled everything in sight, a performance that even drew praise from watching Jersey Colts coach and former professional Ben Harvey.

At the breakdown, Jack, Max and Ashton were doing the less glamorous but hugely important dog work. One turnover gave Nicholas Barnes the chance to carry before he unselfishly fed Jenson, who finished off a lovely team move.

19–0.

Then came arguably the move of the half.

From a scrum deep inside Jersey territory, James Hacquoil moved the ball out, Flynn supported, Jenson kept it going and the ball travelled all the way across the backline before Harrison Cope released Sam.

From there, there was only one outcome.

Unstoppable. Hat-trick.

Cameron converted and Jersey went into the break 26–0 up.

Second half: now for the hill...

Changing ends meant Jersey now had the slope to contend with, although apparently nobody had told the backs.

More slick hands created space for Jenson out wide, and he finished for his second of the afternoon.



Credit to Hove, though. They kept coming and were rewarded for sustained pressure near the Jersey line with a deserved try.


Then came one final piece of Jersey chaos.

Liam put in a great tackle. Ethan ripped the ball. Reuben followed it with another enormous hit. Magnus helped complete the turnover.

Seconds later James had moved the ball quickly back to Magnus, who found himself in space around halfway. He backed himself, took his defender on the outside and raced away to score.

Final score: Jersey 41 – Hove 5.

Another excellent performance, but probably more pleasing for the coaches was how Jersey played. New positions, an almost entirely new front row, strong work at the breakdown, some huge defensive efforts and, when the opportunity came, some superb hands across the backline.

After two strong performances to start the season, the coaches now have exactly the sort of problem they want: a genuine selection headache.

Next up is the final game of the year against Midhurst in November.

After Bedford and Hove, there are plenty of lads putting their hands up for a shirt.

A huge thank you to Oakbridge for their incredible support as a sponsor of our junior rugby team! Your generosity in providing travel polo shirts and hoodies means our players can represent the team with pride both on and off the field. We’re proud to have you as part of our rugby family!