Defence improving despite scoreline

Jersey Seconds 52, Guernsey Seconds 5

DESPITE a second heavy loss in succession in the Promail JRA League, Guernsey Seconds were able to take some positives from the defeat, particularly the performance of centre Dan Cooper and wing forward Tom Ceillam. Although the scoreline suggests otherwise, the green-and-white defence was much improved in comparison to recent games as it was mostly excellent running lines by an outstanding Jersey back division which created most of their tries.

The main problem for Guernsey was they were unable to keep their own lineout ball, which continually allowed Jersey to attack, and despite excellent scrambling defence on countless occasions, try-scoring opportunities were inevitable for the Jersey side.

Guernsey did, however, gift Jersey two tries as poor kicking choices gave away possession in a dangerous area and also an interception allowed a Jersey winger to run clear from deep in his own half.

Guernsey had plenty of try-scoring opportunities of their own, particularly in the second half, but were let down by being unable to control the ball in the Jersey 22.

Their consolation try came midway through the second period when scrum half Carl Gardner charged down an attempted Jersey clearance and gathered the ball to dive over from close range.

Skipper Alec Bailey was pleased with the effort his charges had put in.

'The guys played right till the end and never let their heads drop,' he said.

'Had we been more clinical and finished off the chances we did have, the scoreline would have been much closer.

'We are starting to get a bit more consistency in the starting team for games and better numbers at training so it will start coming together. Hopefully we can maintain that and improve as we head towards the end of the season.'