Jersey RFC win Regional One South Central title
Jersey RFC will play in the fourth tier of English rugby next season
- Published
Jersey RFC have won the Regional One South Central title after beating Bracknell 38-7 in Berkshire.
The victory gives the islanders an unassailable lead at the top of the table and means they will be promoted to National Two level next season.
It is the island side's third promotion in four seasons since being established in 2022 after splitting from then-professional Championship side Jersey Reds in the summer of 2022.
Cameron Keys' fourth-minute try set Jersey on their way before Mark Boarer made it 14-0 after 18 minutes.
Gus O'Connor pulled a try back for the hosts as Jersey led 14-7 at the break, but Boarer's second try nine minutes after the interval gave Jersey breathing space before former Red Aaron Penberthy kicked a 62nd-minute penalty.
Toby Osborne got the bonus-point try with 11 minutes left before another former Reds player Scott Van Breda capped off the win with the fifth try two minutes from time.
Jersey RFC have benefitted from having a number of former Jersey Reds players in their side
It was a historic day for the club, which was initially established to allow local players to compete in the English league system, as few, if any, islanders were of the standard to break into the professional Reds side that went on to win the Championship that season.
But it turned out to be a lifeline for the sport on the island, as when Reds went out of business there was a team that people in Jersey could still get behind.
With a number of Reds players staying on the island and getting jobs outside rugby, Jersey RFC have had a powerful squad for the level they play at.
"The squad have worked so hard they deserve a shot at National League rugby," director of rugby Myles Landick told BBC Radio Jersey.
"It's fantastic, so many have had the opportunity and, for us now, we've got three boxes to tick, one was promotion, we've ticked that. Secondly is to go unbeaten and third is to win the Siam Cup, and we're not going to take a step back.
"We're not a side that will win promotion and that's it, we need to keep our foot on the gas and that's what we're going to do.
"The boys will celebrate now for the next little while and then it's back to business."
