Sussex RFU u12 League – Phase 1

Jersey (5) 15

Burgess Hill (10) 15

Tries: Batchelor, Lane (2)

An early morning trip to Gatwick, followed by a short flight to Jersey had a real air of excitement about it for this age group’s first ever league campaign. Enthusiasm was dampened by the horizontal rain that greeted them in St Hellier and losing Alex Carver to an ankle injury in the warm up.

With the sun now shining, Hill kicked off with a strong breeze on their backs and immediately put pressure on Jersey. After some excellent early kick returns by Sean Wells, Jersey decided to try and run from deep and great pressure from Tommy Batchelor got him some just rewards with a try after they fumbled the ball from his tackle.

BHRFC coach’s player of the match Patrick Lane was next on the score sheet after some good build up play from Finley Staplehurst and Charlie Renals. Lane took the ball at speed and was helped over the line by his teammates to carry on his rich vein of form from the victory over Hove the previous week.

Much of the rest of the half was then played between the 22’s with Archie Taylor, Max Thomas and Ollie Kemple particularly effective in defence and Dylan Wenban, Angus Glyn-Jones and Will Freestone looking dangerous with ball in hand.
Jersey RFC nominated player of the match Angus Glyn-Jones went on a trademark dazzling 30m run to score what would have been a fine solo effort only to have been adjudged to have put a foot in touch. Jersey managed to get a score back to take the half time score to 5-10.

Hill were happy with their first half performance but now faced a stiff breeze for the second half. With kicking opportunities limited, Hill ran the ball effectively and one such run from Archie Thompson took him to within a couple of meters of the try line only for a high tackle to end his game prematurely, which on another day could have resulted in a penalty try. From the ensuing penalty, hill continued to press and finally the dam burst for Patrick Lane to score his second of the day. Once again Jersey managed to strike back with a try of their own leading to a tense final 5 minutes with Hill leading by a try. Second half impact player Leo Andrews took a crash ball supported by Leo Yeomans, Oliver Moore and Jamie Jenkins to form a maul and powered towards the line. As Leo Andrews crossed the line for what could have been a decisive bonus point score Jersey were awarded a scrum. With time now in the red Jersey Kicked very long with the wind and after an awkward bounce managed to score with the very last play of the game to draw 15-15.

Hill were treated to some excellent island hospitality and had a great adventure creating memories.