Flyhalf Penberthy was one of six changes from the Islanders’ self-proclaimed embarrassing defeat to Hartpury last week, as the team redeemed themselves against Richmond at a sun-soaked Athletic Ground.
The Reds had their work cut out, facing a Richmond team with the bit between their teeth in a relegation scrap while on their best run of form this season, having won their last two games including their first away victory.
But with a physical advantage in the scrum and Penberthy pulling the strings, a three-try seven-minute purple patch in the first half was crucial, as Harvey Biljon’s side reaffirmed its intention to finish in the Championship top three, with three fixtures left.
Reds director of rugby Biljon said: ‘The players have got a points target they’ve set, they can achieve it and get third so I’m leaving that goal to them and hopefully we get the right outcome.
‘It will be our best league finish and if we can beat our records then let’s give it a go. We got five points this weekend and that’s all we can ask.’
Jersey claimed fifth in 2017 and 2018 but now need just two more points to guarantee themselves of a top-four finish.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s JEP.
