Match Report - Albion 15 Jersey 19
By Balion Predator
March 10 2013
The last time Albion played Jersey was away on 3rd November 2012. A few days later, the very sad news of Frank Stormont's passing was announced. This is the one game I was very happy to do and accepted straight away for that reason.
The game got under way with Albion pressing for 15 minutes in Jersey's half with Jersey rarely getting out of their own half. For all the home side's efforts a penalty that was kickable was missed and a few minutes later another penalty was awarded, this time 3 points started Albion off on the scoreboard.
Jersey seemed to shrug off the territorial advantage that the home side held, surviving an Aaron Carpenter try in the first quarter that was deemed knocked on, and for the next 25 minutes, plus a lot of added on time for injuries, took the game to Albion. Jersey's scrum and drive game put Albion on the back foot, keeping them in their own half, and possession and territory quickly changed in the balance. Albion were down to 14 with Bevon receiving a yellow. Jersey scored a good try with a great drive and the conversion missed so it was 3 – 5.
Jersey then pressed 5m from Albion's line with consecutive scrums and awarded penalty after penalty, the ref then indicated next time, penalty try. Albion were awarded a free kick at the scrum and the ball was kicked to touch for half time ( 3 – 5 ).
Albion Man of the Match: Herbie Stupple
The second half got under way with the home side playing towards the clubhouse end. The game carried on where Jersey had left it and two converted tries were to follow ( 3 – 19 ).It certainly looked like Jersey were going to take 5 points from the game and would have deserved it. Substitutions were made due to injury or fresh legs for Albion and this brought a more entertaining game with 2 tries, one converted, bringing the score to 15 – 19 . Albion were then running everything to get the winning try but time was running out and Jersey kicked out for a deserved win.
The game for me was a poor effort, aided by poor selection and substitutions too late. The ref struggled with scrums from the off, which led to a lot of front row players going off or to hospital with neck injuries. I hope the 2 Jersey players that went to hospital are of no concern for a serious injury. It is never a nice time to see any player leaving the field on a stretcher.
Following two great performances against Bedford home and Nottingham away, albeit both results ending in defeat. 2 losing bonus points were gained against Bedford . 1 point in the home defeat today against Jersey. A win would have given Albion a much needed boost as well as staying in the Championship, if results over the next few weeks go against Albion then it could be interesting.
Another record was gained today with a 9 league consecutive defeat. 97 / 98 in div 3 south was 8 consecutive defeats .
So this concludes another bad day for us, the supporters, and really does put the direction of our game under the microscope.
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Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
You'll have to do it again sometime perhaps ?
Semper Sersum.
Don't let anything get in the way of a good game of Rugby