THE champagne was uncorked at a wet and muddy Grainville on Saturday afternoon after Jersey RFC 2nds rubber-stamped their retention of the J Promail JRA League with a hard-won 31-14 victory over nearest rivals United Banks.

But the champions, who have a 100 per cent record, had to come from behind as Banks put on a brave show in terrible conditions, with Jersey only comfortable in the final quarter.

Banks led 14-12 at half time, the home side scoring through Christian Weald and James Marwick, with Jersey replying through Russell Holland and Luke Le Sueur and a conversion from Paul Banahan. Bank’s two conversion were slotted over by Chris de Figueiredo.

But a superb team try seconds after half-time from substitute Mark Livesey turned the match in the champions’ favour and further good scores from Mark Le Mottee and Banahan, the latter a great solo effort, sealed the victory for captain Gareth Davies’ boys.

The dreadful conditions ensured a deal of errors, but overall the hardy crowd were given good entertainment value from what is traditionally the toughest junior club fixture of the season.

Other results: JRA League: Wanderers 26, Guernsey 2nds 7. Sanne Group U15 Challenge final: Jersey U15s 34, Hornets 7. Friendly (Saturday): Wanderers 24, GHA Gazelles 10.