Jon Bell's boys were excited ahead of the match, and had prepared hard all week knowing this was likely to be the toughest test so far. The match which was billed as the 'top of the table clash' was a great agme, but the final score 40-7 didn't reflect the game. "Havant Dolphins are a very good side, they were just one or two passes away from causing us huge problems todey"said Bell after witnessing his side run in six tries in an impressive victory.

It took the home side twenty minutes to get the first score of the game, which came from new Kiwi prop, Jordan Dare. It was what has now become a trade mark burst-of-pace, to beat one or two defenders and finish in the corner. Tom Chamberlain impressively managed to convert they try from a tight angle.

Havant kept applying pressure, but excellent play by forwards Ryan Jordan, Bjorn van der Kammen and Dickon Addis was continually putting the visitors on the back foot, and the ball was being distributed well by the St Jacques fly half Conor Murtagh. The Irishman, who along with the other backs, strung together some fantastic, phases which eventually put winger Matt Horton over for the second try, which Chamberlain dually converted.

It was clear that Havant were a very good team, and they battled for the next fifteen minutes, almost scoring in the corner after some good interlinking team play. With a few minutes remaining in the first half, the visitors were awarded a scrum under the St Jacques' post and if there was a turning point in the game this was it. The home side forwards did not only overturn the scrum but left their opponents in a heap under their boots, which allowed Conor Murtagh to clear the ball to touch to end the half.

Bell was forced to change scrum half Jake Gallienne at halftime through injury, going off with what looked like a rib injury and Martin Hepworth entered as his replacement.

The second half started off for the home side much the same as the first ended with good, hard work by the forwards and some exquisite hands from the backs. This put Robbie Titterington over the white wash within five minutes of the second half for a fine try from the winger. Chamberlain, who was having a fine game with the boot, missed the conversion.

St Jacques do have a tendency after half time to 'fall asleep', which was true again on Saturday as they allowed Havant back into the game with a converted try. Sadly in this play however Martin Hepworth's game was brought to a very premature end, with a suspected broken collar bone. Jake Gallienne was forced into returning to the action. Gallienne however had an immediate impact, scoring a try with a good pick up from the base of the scrum, driving over to score. Chamberlain was now back in his rhythm as he converted the try successfully.

After sixty-five minutes, the Havant coach came on to the pitch to talk to the referee, advising they had no more front row replacements and the scrum would have to go uncontested. This was far from the home side wanted, as they were demolishing the visitors at scrum time, and this was providing front foot dominance. The Havant backs had been starved of the ball for most of the match, however they could now showcase their class with some fantastic moves and passing at pace.

However it was not to cause too many problems as St Jacques defence stood strong, and they just moved the point of attack to rucking and mauling. As is become customary, Dickon Addis took advantage of the broken play, as he ran through four or five Havant players to score a fine try, which Chamberlain converted

After 78 minutes, the move and play of the game happened, as a fast period of continuous rucking play and some excellent off-loading from the St Jacques twenty-two allowed the home side to gain serious ground, eventually ending up on the visitors own twenty-two metre line. After a few phases fly half Conor Murtagh called for the ball and distributed to Robbie Titterington, who looked set to score his second try, only for the touch judge to adjudge the pass to be forward, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.

The crowd didn't have to wait too long however, as in the last minute of play, Titterington did manage to score his second try out wide. Chamberlain managed to convert the try, ensuring the home fans had much to smile about after witnessing a fine victory.

After the game Jon Bell said "It has been said before that our backs could play two, maybe three leagues above this level, and today the forwards proved that they are there with them. For the first time this season, the whole team clicked and we showed what we are capable of. However taking nothing away from Havant, as they are a very good side and will cause any team they play problems. I have been waiting for the day when it all comes together and it shows to everyone on the island and in Hampshire how serious we are.”

“I was asked to pick a man of the match after the game and I couldn't as they all preformed so well". Trevor Marquis was the given the accolade by main sponsors AFM as it was clear that the veteran prop expressed what experience and desire can do. "I have played alongside Trigger (Marquis) and now coach him; he is showing all his experience and giving back so much to the team, I am glad he got the award as it was well deserved".

Guernsey St Jacques Vikings

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Meet time

Competition

Team Sponsors

Login