JERSEY REDS COLTS left it to the last seconds to complete a second-half comeback in their latest Sussex Colts Cup clash.
It was a real team display, and their second cup win against Heathfield & Waldron.
Jersey were on the back foot from the start, an early try to the opposition a taste of things to come as Heathfield dominated most of the first half.
The Reds Colts were 15-3 down at the break, but then turned the game on its head.
They started the second half with more far more intensity and fluidity, taking the game to Heathfield.
Team captain Mac Galvin recognised the opposition were unable to respond effectively to a fast paced attack, so the Reds moved the ball across the pitch and back rapidly.
Jersey quickly grew into an attacking rhythm, building the phases through the muscle of Charlie Courtness, Henrique Lucas and James Kent.
The Jersey scrum remained strong, enabling scrum half Anushan Elanco to direct play.
Josh Stockwell put in a huge personal effort on the pitch after making a 700-mile round trip from college to support his team.
The backs had their opportunities too. Cole Graham, Jason Da Costa and Max Bennett racked up yards, constantly feeding out to the wing where Heathfield seemed most vulnerable.
Jersey’s kicker Eric Swiech, who usually plays fullback but for this game was on the wing, took three points from a penalty in the first period and went on to score two tries in quick succession during the initial stages of the second half, levelling the score at 15-15.
The game could have gone either way. However, Jersey maintained the pressure, forcing an uncomfortable Heathfield to defend deep.
Reds’ prop Max Tennant was proving a menace.
The scoreboard remained level until once again Swiech found himself in the right place, using smart footwork to make ground and score his third try and the winner.
Colts coach Adrian Galvin praised the team for the spirit and determination, identifying positives to take to the semi final: ‘We got ourselves back in the game after going behind, which is a good indication of this team’s ability to dig in and maintain their desire to win.’
Mac Galvin pointed out that the whole team recognised that ‘the job’s not finished’ and they were looking forward to the semi-final.
Jersey Colts’ next Sussex League match is also against Heathfield & Waldron – and a rare home game.
Jersey Reds Colts: James Kent; Cameron Halliwell; Max Tennant; Jenson Holmes; Sam Gott; Mac Galvin; Jack Burns; Josh Stockwell; Henrique Lucas; Anushan Elanco; Cole Graham; Max Bennett; James Cushing; Jason Da Costa; Eryk Swiech; Oscar Sheehan; Elliot Holmes; Charlie Courtness; Max Appleyard. Coaches: Tim Grey and Adrian Galvin.
