Rugby: Reds struggle against Scottish defence

Monday 17 November 2014

The Scottish defence proved too much for the Reds at the Athletic Ground Richmond on Friday night in what was always going to be one of the toughest away games of the season.

Jersey were convincingly beaten 38-17 by a well-drilled London Scottish side conceding three tries in each half and leaving coach Harvey Biljon disappointed at the Reds' kicking strategy.

Mistakes were made, and the first score of the evening was a result of a poorly executed box kick in the middle of the field by Dudley. Man of the match Mantella collected the ball, saw a gap and swiftly passed an advancing Jersey defensive line to break into the Jersey half before off-loading to Lydon who crossed for a converted try.

Jersey regrouped and started to put phases together, and the pressure yielded a couple of penalties. Robling missed the first from the half-way line and Bentley converted the second from closer range to reduce the arrears.

Perhaps the decisive moment of the evening came shortly after Jersey were pressing hard with the Scots reduced to 14 men. A penalty kick to the corner and a driving maul seemed to be going to plan, but as the ball was passed out, Lee Millar pounced, intercepted and ran the length of the pitch to increase the Scottish advantage with another converted try.

14-3 would have been a reasonable position, but on the stroke of half-time Scottish scored again after a period of sustained pressure and so went in at the break leading by 21-3.

The start of the second half was evenly contested, but still Jersey struggled to make much headway against a stubborn Scottish defence, and it wasn’t too much longer before the hosts scored the bonus point try through Chisholm before a fifth was added by captain Bright.

The hefty points difference and a few changes in personnel stirred Jersey and tries did follow through Lockwood and Pointer, but it was Scottish who had the last say as Mantella released opposite wing Williams to dot down for their sixth.

Speaking after the game, Biljon expressed disappointment that the Jersey kicking strategy had not been well executed with too many kicks either going long or short and most too narrow, not exploiting gaps closer to the touchlines. In contrast, the Exiles showed exactly how it should be done, constantly putting Jersey under pressure with high balls, and then forcing errors. In defence too, Scottish were very quick to close the Reds down and disrupt play.

Bentley had a good game controlling the backs, and Garcia-Vega continues to impress with a high work rate.

Next week Jersey have another Friday night game as they travel to Sixways to take on a strong Worcester side, currently sitting second in the table behind unbeaten leaders Bristol after seven rounds.