This fixture was the last in a series of celebratory games to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Jersey Rugby Football Club. They had played the Royal Navy and the RAF but the Army had had to decline the invitation because of their busy fixture list. With strong links to the island through senior officers such as Gen Sir Michael Wilkes (former Governor of Jersey, and AG) and Maj Gen Cornock (former DRA) the Gunners were invited to fill the gap. RARFC accepted with alacrity and it was fitting because Jersey's first game (before it formed as a club) was against a RA unit, the local garrison side, on 22 November 1876.

The Gunners flew over the day before the game and much of the preparation took place in a karaoke bar in the middle of St Helier. Osman performed well and outshone the locals, much as he did the following day. On match day there was no opportunity for a run-out near the hotel so after a focussed team talk the squad left early for the ground. A few pounds were shed prior to the kick off in the warm up and it ensured the game started at a lively pace, which, as it transpired, did not relent.

RARFC Team

1. Lt Davie (32 Regt),
2. Bdr Guilbert (47 Regt),
3. Lt Griffiths (39 Regt),
4. Capt Derbyshire (19 Regt),
5. Sgt Tidman (19 Regt),
6. Gnr Savage (40 Regt),
7. Bdr Moult (47 Regt),
8. Gnr Lotowa (19 Regt),
9. Lt Hogben (40 Regt),
10. Capt Osman (47 Regt) (Capt),
11. Gnr Seru (19 Regt),
12. Bdr Davies (47 Regt),
13. Gnr Tupuo (19 Regt),
14. LBdr Baudromo (19 Regt),
15.Sgt Jefferies (32 Regt).


Replacements: Lt Montgomery (19 Regt), 2Lt Green (19 Regt), LBdr Gray (40 Regt), Gnr Kataiwai (16 Regt), Gnr Ravouvou (16 Regt).

Jersey kicked deep from the whistle and immediately the Gunners spun the ball wide, revealing their intentions from the outset. Their gameplan was to retain possession and keep their opponents on the move. It worked effectively as Jersey had to work very hard to get their hands on the ball.

RARFC gelled well and the omens were good as they shunted the opposition back at the first scrum. The game was fluid, open and controlled. Osman converted a penalty after 10 minutes and then just into the second quarter added a neatly taken drop goal following a scintillating run by Tupuo. Minutes later a penalty was taken quickly, Osman fed Tupuo who sliced through to score. Osman converted. As half time approached Jersey got their hands on the ball, passed it wide, produced an overlap and scored. Despite all their control RARFC were only 6 points clear and well aware of what the opposition could do if given too much time and space. They responded immediately with a tremendous drive. Jersey managed to steal the ball back but under pressure the kick was charged down by Osman who went on to score and convert. The teams turned round 20-7.

The Gunners were cohesive and played very much as a team. The front five dominated the tight, Tidman and Derbyshire ruled the lineout, and the back row, with Lotowa to the fore, were everywhere. Outside there was plenty of pace and the handling was exemplary. RARFC maintained the intensity and scored next through Lotowa, for Osman to convert. Jersey bounced back showing how dangerous they were with the ball in hand. A quickly taken kick gave them space through their winger and when he was tackled good support ensured a try. Back came the Gunners, this time through Seru and the conversion was good. Jersey, though, would not lie down and scored again having gone wide. RARFC responded with a lovely drive and first class handling. Osman went through a gap to find Guilbert on his shoulder who ran in from 20 metres. Then it was Jersey's turn as their speedy winger was put clear from a long way out, and 38 points had been scored in a 20 minute period. It was festival rugby of a high order.

The Gunners had the final say after Davies had come close. From the ensuing ruck Hogben darted over for a well deserved try. All the replacements were used and it was an excellent team effort. It was a great spectacle played in exactly the right spirit. Jersey claimed the Gunners as the best team to have visited them this season but they had contributed hugely to a memorable match and demonstrated why they were top of their league (London 3 SW). Both sets of players were very tired come the final whistle, testament to their commitment, and one or two said they had been running on empty for the final 10 minutes. RARFC were very appreciative of Jersey RFC's hospitality.

Result: RARFC 48 Jersey 24

See also RA RFC web site.

See also Jersey Rugby Football Club web site.