A STORMING performance from Jersey RFC Academy U14s has put them right back in the Hampshire Division I title race.

With powerful winds blasting down the pitch the Island side returned with three points from a hard-earned 12-7 victory over Overton – and the knowledge that victory in their next match, against leaders Winchester, would make them one of the title favourites.

The points were won by a combination of good kicking, strong forward play and some superb tackling.

Jersey won the toss and played with the wind tearing down the sloping pitch, but despite some good tactical kicking from Aaron Young and Will Falle in midfield, they were unable to build up the big first half lead they had hoped for.

That was despite an excellent try for the impressive Tim Corson after just five minutes, the flanker taking a pass from prop Jordan to race over.

Scott Van der Vliet converted.

Things looked better still ten minutes later when No 8 Richard Sinel capped a storming performance with a try that ended several phases of play.

But although the pack, with the front row particularly prominent, enjoyed a good day no more points were added and Jersey turned around to face the elements a far from comfortable 12 points ahead.

Forced to defend, Jersey displayed other excellent qualities; highlighted by the tackling of centre Jamie Kenyon and Aaron Young – the latter making a spectacular try-saving effort after the Overton full-back intercepted.

Although under the cosh after the home side’s massive centre eventually found space to run through for a converted try following an interception, the final eight minutes of heavy pressure were withstood by a battling Jersey squad.

Jersey, once again supported by Ashburton, Bedell Group and main sponsors Moore Management, now have four fixtures left, with three of them against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Jersey U14s: Jordan Deffains, Andrew Pitcher, Adam Hayes, Guy Richardson, Michael Medway, Tim Corson, Tim Kearns, Richard Sinel, Scott Van der Vliet, William Falle, Jamie Kenyon, Aaron Young, Dale Le Main, Paul Phelan, Aiden McGuire, Eliot Muddyman, Paul Maguire, James Allbutt.

Coaches: Rory Steel, Tony Pitcher, Trevor Falle.

Manager: Denis Van de Vliet.