JERSEY RFC won their first game in London Division I 35-15 on Saturday – and now sit higher in national rugby than ever before.

Despite a late try by the home side, Jersey could have won even more comfortably following four deserved tries and two rarities for Jersey – a brace of drop goals by centre Mitch Burton.

Despite going 3-0 down to a Tring penalty when back rower Kern Yates was sin-binned for an offence in the ruck after 12 minutes, Jersey immediately struck back.

Winger and former captain Steve O’Brien had already enjoyed space enough for three runs to the line before he took out the last defender and scored the first try for Jersey in this division in the 15th minute. New centre Mitch Burton converted the try as he also did a penalty, awarded to Jersey from 35 yards out only minutes later.
 
• Picture: Jersey full-back Mark Livesey, later forced off injured, on his way to scoring a try away to Tring on Saturday Picture: ALISTAIR COWE