The hosts stormed to a 12-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes at Gillman’s Ground in Gloucestershire as they searched for a first-ever win in the second tier, though it was Harvey Biljon’s Reds, playing in blue, who finished with the four league points.
Jersey youth product Harry Cochrane was the catalyst for both of Hartpury’s first-half tries – spreading the ball well in the third and 18th minutes – but the Championship newboys were unable to hold on to their advantage after the break.
Kieran Hardy and Tom Pincus sent the Islanders ahead before the hour-mark, with the help of two conversions from Brendan Cope, and a further two kicks from the South African fly-half proved crucial as Hartpury fought back.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s Final Whistle.
