JERSEY RFC’s Development squad were cruelly knocked out of the National U19 Cup by Rosslyn Park yesterday – by just one point.

The 9-8 defeat in London was all the more agonising as the squad, winners of the Hampshire U18s cup earlier this year, played well below their potential, with the backs in particular having a torrid time.

Despite this they were pushing hard for victory at the close, and had they converted a try from Stephen Phelan four minutes from time, probably would have achieved it.

Though the forwards performed well, with Joe Ellyatt and Myles Landick particularly impressive but, according to coach Mick Curzons, the backs never functioned as they can, although the whole team defended superbly.

Jersey missed a penalty in front of the posts and trailed 3-0 at the break to the first of three kicks from the home side.

Luke Le Sueur took over the kicking duties at half time to pull Jersey level, but it was 9-3 to the famous London Club until the closing stages, when Phelan went over in the corner.

The difficult conversion attempt from Le Sueur went wide – and Jersey had lost a match they could so easily have won.

‘It was just one of those days,’ said head coach Bob Shambrook, ‘passes were dropped, kicks failed to make touch.

Disappointing as I think we are a stronger side than that.

Jersey RFC: Myles Landick, Chris Pople, Ollie Montgomery, Will Hunter, Alex Whitehead, Joe Ellyatt, David Felton, Ollie Harwood, Michael Le Bourgeois, Tom Faulkner, Dan Lezala, Mark Livesey, Luke Le Sueur, Stephen Phelan, Sam Marks, Luke Carney, Stephan Metcalfe, Luke Fisher and Spencer Adams.

Coaches: B Shambrook, Mick Mayo and M Curzons.