JERSEY United Banks pulled off a memorable 27-12 victory over Jersey RFC 2nds, the runaway leaders of the Jersey Rugby Association’s JPromail League, on Sunday afternoon.

It was the first time in four years that Banks, usually Jersey 2nds’ biggest Island rivals, have recorded a league victory over the boys from St Peter. It was a convincing score at Les Quennevais, with only a last-minute try by Jersey preventing a 20-point winning margin. Jersey, however, are still nine points ahead of second-placed Beeches, having won their first games by some distance.

Neither side was at full strength, with Jersey fielding several youngsters, though it was an Academy youth in Banks colours – scrum-half Danny McAviney – who caught the eye with 17 points in the heavy but bright conditions.

Following a powerful opening by the 2nds, a Banks incursion into their opponents’ half was rewarded with difficult penalty chance which the 17-year-old converted. Poor discipline led to two more penalties for Banks, with McAviney making it 6-0 with the second of them. Jersey roared back but good tackling by Alex Begg, Andy Barcis and Graeme Potts in particular kept Banks’ line intact.

Pictured: Harry Trower playing against St Jacques