AFTER a truly outstanding sporting occasion at the weekend, Jersey Rugby Club are on their way to Twickenham.

The Island XV beat regional champions Taunton to win their place in the National III Champions Cup final at the home of English rugby in the finest style possible. Saturday’s clash, however, which saw our home side beat their rivals by 65 points to 14, can be regarded as only the tip of a very considerable iceberg of effort, dedication and application. The winning ways demonstrated so clearly this season are the result of a great deal of work undertaken by a wide range of people.

The team members themselves quite clearly deserve every congratulation for their decisive victory and the discipline and adherence to a strict training regime which underpinned it. That said, a great many largely unsung heroes have contributed to the XV’s success.

Head coach Ben Harvey and all those who assist him are perhaps top of the list of backroom stars, but they would no doubt acknowledge the importance of a much larger group – Jersey’s fans. They turned out in force to see the big match at St Peter and, through their enthusiasm, made their own magnificent contribution to the final result.

Although die-hard fans were in the majority, the game also attracted spectators who had never before been to watch rugby. As Jersey Evening Post sports editor Ron Felton pointed out in his appreciation of the occasion, newcomers to the sport were impressed and have pledged to make return visits to see more at Jersey Rugby Club HQ.

Meanwhile, the vital role of the club’s backers and sponsors cannot be ignored. The game is about far more than money – as any player or supporter will attest – but sufficient funds have without doubt contributed to our side’s superb performances. Jersey players, for instance, are now able to travel to away games in sufficient time to enjoy a proper night’s rest before taking to the pitch.

Present success is also a tribute to the effectiveness of the Jersey Rugby Academy. This is a powerful force when it comes to bringing on new talent and allowed a significant number of the current Island side to learn the basics of the game and to hone their natural abilities.

The best wishes of the Island will be with our players at Twickenham on 8 May. But, win or lose, everyone can be sure that, to the last man, the team will give their all in a championship final to be relished and remembered.