Jersey too strong for Haywards

Jersey's captain Talite Vaioleti was influential on his return to the side

Jersey defeated Hayward's Heath 21-6 in their London One clash on Saturday.

For the first half hour, there was nothing between the teams, with Hayward's unable to capitalise on early penalty kicks and territory.

Jersey were creative and incisive and it seemed it was only a matter of time.

The pressure produced by captain Talite Vaioleti, in his first game after returning from illness, centre Sam Tuia and big South African Hendry Rheeders' runs created the games' only tries.

Full back Mark White, having a very good game on his recall, scored Jersey's first try, coming into a three quarter move out wide.

Two minutes later Tuia burst through the line 40-yards out and side-stepped and barrelled his way over to score.

Even though the manner of the victory wasn't particularly great, it's the sign of a good side we came away with a win

Jersey head coach Ben Harvey

Mitch Burton converted and later added a penalty - Jersey leading comfortably at half time 15-0.

The Sussex club bounced back early on after the break with two Chris Meddings penalties and at 15-6 Jersey suddenly looked less secure.

Mitch Burton replied with two penalties of his own to take the score to 21-6.

The match was very close to being postponed. Fast thinking and action by chairman Bill Dempsey and the tireless work of groundsman Gordon Romeril, who had the pitch covered and hot air circulating under the plastic, enabled the game to take place.

Jersey head coach Ben Harvey told BBC Radio Jersey: "If someone had said to me at the start of the day you're going to get two points, I'd have said thanks very much.

"And even though the manner of the victory wasn't particularly great, we know we didn't perform as well as we had done in past weeks, but it's the sign of a good side we came away with a win."

Sam Tuia proved too strong scoring Jersey's second try

Hayward's Heath won London Two League South in 2008, the same league Jersey were also promoted from although they are finding the higher league much tougher this time round.

Despite being currently bottom, they did not lack confidence at St Peter yesterday - their coach Paul Westgate was impressed with the second half performance: "At half time we were honest with each other, set some clear goals for the second half and I am pretty pleased with 6-6 in the second half, but it's a loss and we need obviously to get back to winning ways."

Jersey now have a week off before travelling to fifth place Luton on 24 Saturday.