‘Scottish deserved to win,’ says Biljon

Captain Lewis Wynne wrestles to make ground at St Peter Picture: ROB CURRIE

JERSEY REDS chief Harvey Biljon expressed sympathy for London Scottish after admitting his side were fortunate not to have lost at home on Saturday.

The director of rugby said the Exiles were not getting ‘the rub of the green’ as they languish at the foot of the second tier this term – although their plight should have been aided by a shock result at St Peter.

With the scores at 24-22 in Jersey’s favour, two straightforward Scottish kicks for the posts went astray in the final seconds of the game, gifting the Islanders the 11th win of 2022/23 – and the full five league points – when it appeared they had thrown it away.

‘Scottish probably deserved to win that game,’ said Biljon at full time. ‘They came here and showed a huge amount of spirit.

‘For our players, there are no excuses. I know we made a lot of changes but we are confident in our group and our squad on our performances.

‘There were parts of that game that were very good but there were also parts that we do need to work on.’

Jersey had possession deep in Scottish territory as the final whistle approached – only to hand the ball over and allow the visitors a chance to mount an attack through the concession of a penalty.

All 1,200-plus supporters and both sides of the dugout were expecting an away victory when Harry Sheppard lined up a drop goal and then a central penalty shot.

‘We would never have put ourselves in that position if we’d been accurate 90 seconds before Scottish got that opportunity to win the game,’ Biljon added.

‘I thought we had turned the ball over [before the drop-goal attempt] and I was starting to celebrate the win. I was surprised they got it out. Then the drop goal … I thought the game was over.’

However, the South African, who arrived in Jersey nine years ago this month, suggested that little time will be spent dwelling on what might have been, as he prepares to return to his previous club this weekend.

‘What’s great about sport is now we get an opportunity to go to Cornish Pirates, away from home, for a real challenge,’ he said. ‘Let’s embrace that from Monday.’

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