Despite some last-minute changes caused by injuries, the re-shuffled team played extremely well in a game in which both sides scored three tries.
Jersey lost simply because Basingstoke managed to convert two of theirs.It took a while for Jersey to adapt to the pace of the match, but two tries from replacement stand-off Stephan Metcalfe either side of a Basingstoke try from their very strong stand-off put them in front.For the first Metcalfe charged down a kick from the Basingstoke stand-off and won the race to touch the ball down, and the second was a long run from within the Jersey half following some good work by the forwards.For periods Jersey were pressing hard with Dominic Robson and John Carpenter both going close to scoring tries.
However, just before half time Metcalfe was injured and Basingstoke managed two quick tries while Jersey re-organised themselves.During that Basingstoke pressure there was some heroic tackling by the remaining backs and Robson in particular.With the return of Metcalfe after the break Jersey re-gained their composure and scored a further try by Ryan Bisson following a kick through to the corner.However, they were unable to gain enough advantage to win the game although strong runs from full back Robson and No 8 Tom Falle took them very close.The teams are now looking forward to the return match in Jersey in May.Squad: Dominic Robson, Alistair Dickson, Alex Richardson, John Carpenter, Billy Richomme, Stephan Metcalfe, Michael Le Bourgeoise, Adam Laffoley, Mathew Clarke, Chris Pople, Paul Mourant, Ryan Bisson, Justin Jégou, Tom Falle, Andy Amy, Oliver Harwood, Will Sharp, Joe Ellyatt.Coaches: Paul Carpenter and Steve Romeril.
