National League One

Jersey 17

VISITORS Cinderford came close to springing a major surprise at top of the table Jersey.

Despite the narrow defeat, director of rugby Andy Deacon was delighted with the efforts of his players.

He said: "We're in good nick and a lot of our boys are running into good form.

"We've got a good gameplan now which we've fine tuned, but we're a young and inexperienced side and there are times when you've got your heart in your mouth because the boys are fearless.

"Playing Ealing, Jersey away and Rosslyn Park back-to-back is tough, but if we can get something this Saturday we've had a very good January."

Cinderford's squad travelled over to Jersey on Friday afternoon, staying in a country club hotel equipped with a gym and swimming pool. On Friday night they had a team meal and watched the Gloucester v Toulouse game on TV.

On Saturday, former Cinderford winger James Copsey put Jersey ahead with a 22nd minute try, but Cinderford enjoyed lots of possession and were not intimidated by the large home crowd of 2,295.

The hosts looked threatening with the ball in hand and also dominated in the scrums. They extended their lead to 12-0 with a Guy Thompson touchdown, converted by Ross Broadfoot.

Cinderford's response was impressive and a relentless spell of attacking play right on half-time was rewarded with a try from Rob Winchle, converted by Rory Teague.

Early in the second half Jersey stretched their lead to 17-7 when scrum-half Dave McCormack snatched possession and raced 80m to the line, but Cinderford cranked up the pressure and refused to buckle.

They brought Tom Heard and Sam Wilkes into the front-row to add stability to the scrum.

Nev Codlin scored a try to put them within a score of Jersey and it was the home crowd who was most relieved to hear the final whistle.

With five minutes remaining winger Lloyd Stapleton broke clear, finding scrum-half Draper in support, but the speedy Copsey came across to make a great try-saving tackle.

Deacon added: "Everyone who came off our bench made an impact on the game.

"It was blowing a gale and I thought both sides were better going into the wind.

"We had opportunities to win it and were held up near their line at the end.

"I think that's the eighth game this season we've lost by seven points or less."

Cinderford: Mike Wilcox, Nev Codlin, Simeon James (Dewi Scourfield 44), Rob Winchle, Lloyd Stapleton, Rory Teague, Danny Pointon (Ben Draper 62), Joe Smart (Tom Heard 41), Tom Bozzard (Sam Wilkes 41), Yann Thomas, Ben West, Ed King, Adam Nicholls (capt, Luke Allen 62), Will Foden, George Evans.