JERSEY REDS director of rugby Harvey Biljon appeared to sigh in relief as his team made tough work of an almost one-sided affair against Ampthill.
Tries from winger Brendan Owen and centre Jordan Holgate sealed the Islanders’ first win of 2022, which could prove crucial to their hopes of keeping pace with top-two Doncaster Knights and Ealing Trailfinders.
The hosts defended for large spells in Bedfordshire, frustrating the Reds, but a well-executed counter attack saw centre Ben Cambriani score in the corner and Ampthill take the lead until Holgate’s try rewarded the visitors’ endeavour in the last ten minutes.
The 17-12 win ends a short run of two defeats takes the Reds to within three points of second-placed Doncaster Knights. However, they have slipped to fourth, on ‘number of wins’, following Cornish Pirates’ bonus-point victory at Nottingham.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s JEP
