TWO sparkling tries, eight points from the boot of Michael Le Bourgeois and a whole lot of blood and sweat put Jersey U19s into the last 32 of the National Colts Plat at Sidcup yesterday.

Despite showing nine changes from the squad that beat Twickenham at home in December, Jersey’s depleted ranks rose to the challenge in style, even though they lost a further two players to injury, while others literally limped to the finishing line during the 18-12 victory over their Kent hosts.

Jersey thoroughly deserved the victory that earns them a home tie against Rochford Hundred RFC, probably on 8 February, having controlled proceedings in the first half, during which they steadily built up a 15-0 lead.

A superb opening score on the left in the fourth minute, finished with aplomb by winger Ed Dawson after being fed by Ollie Harwood, was just reward for some excellent handling and movement in midfield. A cracking conversion way out wide gave Jersey another boost – and a 7-0 lead.

• Picture: First team winger Ed Dawson: Brilliant early try, but finished the match limping from a muscle injury. Picture by David Ferguson (00610800)