Flying Falcons make it a perfect 10
By Leipziger
November 26 2012
The Falcons had a successful trip to Jersey this weekend, coming away from the Channel Islands with all five points while supporters enjoyed a good mid-season weekend away.
We were made to work for an eighth bonus-point win in the Championship this season however, Jersey putting the Falcons' forwards through a tough examination in an intriguing first half before three second-half scores wrecked any chance of an upset.
Dean Richards named a strong team as he continues to give no quarter in the league, though James Hall was a late promotion from the bench to take Oliver Tomaszczyk's place. Warren Fury made a first league start for the Falcons in Rory Lawson's absence.
With a number of injuries, Jersey also rested several players ahead of their visit to fellow strugglers Doncaster this weekend. The incomers certainly put their hands up, in particular 18-year-old flanker James Voss who was named man of the match but was unable to win me first try-scorer.
The Falcons attacked into the wind in the first 40 and found themselves outmuscled in the scrum and struggling to get decent ball out of the breakdown. It was the hosts who were first on the scoresheet through a penalty by Barry Davies, an experienced Welsh international but who was making his first start for Jersey in the number 10 shirt.
His second attempt must have been from at least 70 metres out, prompting one away fan to offer everyone behind the opposite goal a drink if it went over. As the ball flew high, I thought it had the legs, but unfortunately it dropped short.
As the Falcons began to gain more possession, penalties were sent into the corner but Jersey defended resolutely. A try finally came from a quick pass inside to the onrushing Jimmy Gopperth, who broke through the home line. His conversion however skewed wide of the wonky east goalposts.
Some Falcons fans were frustrated with our first-half show and a slender 3-5 lead at the break, but personally I thought both teams had played some nice stuff and it had been an enjoyable game so far. Maybe this opinion was possible because of the expectation that we would still win the game.
With darkness falling over the English Channel the Falcons took control after the break, our scrum becoming stronger and Jersey being forced to defend for most of this period.
The second try came on the far left from Ryan Shortland, who finished off a move with a score that was just reward for a strong individual performance from the winger. Gopperth made no mistake with this conversion.
James Hall was next on the board, bundling over under the posts and making up for a shaky first-half in the front row.
Jamie Helleur (I think) had a try ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up, though the referee whistled very late, suggesting that the touch judge may have been the one with the sharp eyes there.
But the Falcons were not to be denied a fifth point. Ironically it looked like Gopperth's pass to Alex Crockett went forward in the setup for Alex Tait's 100th-game try, while some who saw the grounding mentioned a knock-on. You win some, you lose some.
Jersey attacked the Falcons' line in the dying minutes and I doubt any away fan would have begrudged them a try after their spirited contribution to an entertaining match, but time ran out.
After the game, fans and players mingled in Jersey's lovely upstairs bar and I had a good chat with one of the home club's officials (I presume, or maybe he was just a long-standing supporter) about their interesting history and how they came to join the English leagues.
Then it was time to hit the town, in particular a nice little pub in St Helier called the Lamplighter, which had some Brown Ale in for the weekend. I didn't realise until this morning but just around the corner from there is a bar called Quayside.
13 points clear, we now take on Plymouth at KP on Friday night looking to end the first half of the season with a 100% record, and if that happens we will have already beaten every other team in this league this year.
For now, thank you to all those in Jersey who contributed to us travellers having such a great trip, and to the away fans for being such great company.
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Anyway we gained dominance in the second half and our defence always looked solid.
Jimmy had another off-day with the boot missing two of four conversions, all relatively easy, although it has to be said the ground was absolutely sodden and the weather wild.
Find it astonishing that Jersey have come up four leagues in five seasons. Hope they stay up. On that performance they should beat Donny at the weekend.
Jersey fans were very hospitable although all the ones I spoke to were immigrants! A really enjoyable trip all round.
Workman like performance by the falcons. Massive difference 2nd half. Jersey gave us a stern test in the first 40 but never really got within touching distance of our try line.
Falcons had opportunities to add gloss to the score line but Jersey didn't deserve that type of score line
Jersey is a lovely place and the set up at Jersey rugby club is great. I don't think I have every seen heating inside toilets before. Good beer as well, Liberation ale. Only shame was the weather but it didn't spoil our weekend
Jersey Zoo is worth a trip just to see Badongo the silverback "performing" Those falcons fans who were also there know what I mean
And Leipy.... "He sleeps where he wants"
Following Dancer's post, can I also just point out that it isn't me who "sleeps where he wants".
We never looked like losing but Jersey gave us a hell of a fight (and fright!).
A bit of practice kicking out of hand this week might also help
Haha oops, sorry Leipy it wasn't meant to read that way
I along with others falcons supporters who were there were mightily impressed by the level of Jersey's resilience, pride and sheer determination. It is sad in some ways that they did not pick up some points at the end, but on this showing they are certainly good enough to stay in the Championship. I for one hope so. Really hope they beat Donnie next game.
Also want to say how friendly the Jersey rugby supporters were; in fact every Channel islander I met. Lovely trip !
Might go back next year and watch Blaydon or Tynedale as think Jersey will go down. The conditions prevented a big score and we hampered ourselves as much as they stopped us.