SIMON LE MOIGNAN placed a specific point of focus on the breakdown during practice, in the build-up to Jersey RFC Women’s home tie with Oakmeadians Ladies.
It was a word that he bellowed over and over during the side’s impressive 29-10 victory, and his team duly obliged.
‘They were brilliant from the word go,’ said Le Moignan.
‘We worked hard on the breakdown in practice and the execution was spot on.
‘The team knew when to compete there and when to step away and reset in defence.
‘We set out and played our game from the outset and imposed our style of play.
‘After last week, where we were not so sharp first-half, it was great to see us take the game to them.’
Georgina Ruellan has clearly settled into her new role at centre, securing two tries in the opening period as Jersey continued to pile pressure on their mainland opponents.
Amy Lambert, who was given the captaincy on the day, bid farewell to the side in style, securing a try of her own before leaving Jersey for the mainland.
Oakmeadians, after a scoreless opening period, performed better in second-half, securing two tries of their own through some quick ball handling inside the Jersey 10m line, but still they could not get close the score gap.
Wing Tina Davies secured a try of her own, as Jersey spread the ball quickly out to the right flank, before Davies cut inside before the opposition had a chance to reset.
There was also a first try for newcomer Lisa Saout, who scored on the opposing wing to Davies, again after some neat passes to create space for her on the left side.
Le Moignan prides his side on the pace of their backs and releasing the ball quickly to create mismatches and that is exactly what they did.
It was a confident display for the Caesareans, as a visibly impressed Tomi Lewis and TJ Harris looked on.
The Reds players have been instrumental in the Jersey RFC Women’s training this season, something player of the game Georgina Ruellan was keen to highlight.
‘Tomi and TJ have been absolutely class,’ she said.
‘They have put so much time in and it really shows out there with our breakdowns and set plays.
‘They play at such a high level and to be able to lean on them for advice has been so valuable.
Crowds approached 400-strong for the women’s home tie and the number 12 felt like they played a huge part in the victory.
‘It was ridiculous how many people were out to watch,’ said Ruellan.
‘Being at home and having that many people behind you gives a massive boost and when you build up that momentum and keep the crowd involved, it makes things difficult for the opposition.’
Jersey RFC Women: Andi Vaughan, Lucy Hart, Holly Bertram, Emilie Langlands, Willow Le Luan, Ellie Dargie (vc), Katie de la Cloche, Abbie Syvret, Laura Turpin, Lauren Lowe, Tina Davies, Georgina Ruellan, Amy Lambert (c), Hannah McLaughlin, Emily Hart. Replacements: Hannah le Moignan, Becka Hunter, Ashling Magner, Lauren Halliwell, Lisa Saout.
