Pack set winning platform

ST JACQUES captain Tim Pond praised his tight five for setting up their 10-0 victory over Jersey Wanderers. 'We competed very well in the scrum against a much heavier pack taking all our own ball and one against the head,' he said.

The hosts started brightly, playing down the slope at the KGV and exerted plenty of pressure on the Wanderers line, eventually resulting in a penalty that Tom Chamberlain turned into three points.

In reply, the visitors tried to attack but stubborn defence and excellent tackling by Saints held them at bay.

Then a great tackle from Jordan Barber produced a turnover ball, which led to the Wanderers conceding another penalty, but Chamberlain missed with his shot at goal.

Wanderers attempted a penalty of their own soon afterwards, but that also drifted wide of the posts as the first half ended 3-0.

St Jacques came under enormous pressure at the start of the second period, especially in the set piece, but more expert tackling stopped Wanderers in their tracks.

The match then opened up into a great running game with both sides trying their hardest to prise open gaps to make a score.

A long period of concerted attack from the St Jacques pack led to quick ball which allowed Cobus du Pisani, the new scrum half, to pass to Chamberlain and he dived over for a try.

'All the hard work was given the perfect end result,' Pond said.

Chamberlain then converted his own try.

With time running out, Wanderers threw everything at St Jacques but the hosts held on.