FOR their second Hampshire U16 Division I match in succession Jersey produced a storming second half to emerge handsome winners at New Milton on Sunday - and go level on points with leaders Winchester.
Jersey scored 33 second-half points to emerge 43-21 winners and, like last time out against Basingstoke, they ran in seven tries, with the backs claiming six of them.
But although Jersey, led in the absence of regular captain Tom Ellis by man-of-the-match flanker Stephen de Ste Croix, outscrummaged and generally bossed New Milton throughout in the pack, they were 21-10 down at half-time.
Three times New Milton backs got the better of a still inexperienced Jersey threequarter line, but Jersey kept in touch with two first-half tries. The first came from the recalled Gregg Turner, who played well at centre, and the second was claimed by prop Zane Duquemin from a penalty move. But Jersey turned matters around in the second period. Winger Pedro Rodrigues, making his Jersey debut, scored twice, as did stand-off Killian Dorey, with Turner also getting a second. Hampshire county scrum-half Danny McAviney added three conversions.
The Academy side, backed by Sanne Group, can be well pleased that their attacking potential is being realised. One of Rodrigues’s scores, following good work from Tom McCabe, Dorey and de Ste Croix, was superb, with the makeshift winger running in from 22 metres.
Manager Graham Howgate said: ‘The boys certainly like to keep us worried, but it was once again an excellent comeback. In truth we were the better side up front throughout, but we still have some work to do in defence.’
Unbeaten Winchester, with two games in hand of Jersey, remain hot favourites to lift the title, but Jersey’s players - as well as coaches Paul Mash and Les Small - can take a great deal from their recent resurgence in form on the county platform.
The Academy, who must play all their Hampshire matches away from home, are supported by Bedell Group, Dandara and main sponsors Moore Management.
Jersey: Paul Rowe, Zane Duquemin, Bruno Santos Costa, Charlie Pearce, Tom McCabe, Billy Glover, Chris Whitehead, Stephen de Ste Croix, Danny MacAviney, Killian Dorey, Will Poole, Greg Turner, Cory Kennedy, Alex Roberts and Pedro Rodrigues. Coaches: Graham Howgate, Les Small, Paul Mash.
Article posted on 26th February, 2008 - 12.00am
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