Beech boys hold title key

Jersey 2nds 22, Guernsey 2nds 26

GUERNSEY SECONDS have kept alive their hopes of winning the JRA/Emeraude Lines League. The Sarnians secured a vital 26-22 away victory over their Jersey Rugby Club counterparts at St Peter.

With two rounds of fixtures remaining, Guernsey Seconds and Jersey Seconds have both lost two games, although the latter have a far superior points difference.

Thanks to the latest result, Guernsey captain Carl Gardner continues to harbour hopes of finishing top of the league.

'It is still possible. The Beeches games are likely to decide it because they have to play both of us.

'If they could get a result against Jersey, we are in with a chance,' he said.

Gardner described Sunday's as 'an excellent team performance' in which his side had to overcome early adversity.

'Everything seemed to be going wrong beforehand. We had a couple of people drop out late on and we ended up having only two subs, which were both used by half-time.'

Although the hosts scored the first try of the game through James Milner, Gardner's boot had Guernsey ahead 9-5 thanks to three penalties before Dave Hatcher crossed the line for the Sarnians.

The try came from a penalty on the edge of the Jersey 22 which Divan Crouse took quickly and the ball was recycled through Ken Dickson to Hatcher who forced his way over.

Gardner added the extra two points.

Rory Steele got a try back for Jersey, converted by Darren Toudic, but Guernsey pulled away again thanks to Mark Stone's try after some good handling through the backline.

Gardner also added that conversion as well as another penalty.

Two late tries for Jersey, from Gareth Davies and Phil Lane, made it a nervous last few minutes for the visitors but they held on.

'Ken Dickson was struggling with injury late on, but he was awesome in his tackling and Ian Stephenson at open-side flanker was outstanding as well,' said Gardner.

'In the backs, TJ Smid at inside centre was very good, although in truth, everyone had a good game.

'The Jersey side was very strong. One of their vets said to me afterwards that that was one of the best sides they have put out all season and it could compete in the London division that our firsts play in.'

The captain was modest about his own contribution but his kicks were vital for Guernsey.

'It was the first time this season that I have had a 100% success rate. I just had a good day with the boot while Darren Toudic didn't,' he said.