Despite the early start Ashley Illston’s men triumphed narrowly against the Islanders who came alarmingly close to overturning what appeared to be a comfortable margin in the last nail-biting minutes of this encounter at Footes Lane.

The day was warm and close and both sides endured periods of lassitude which led to inevitable mistakes giving a stop/start feeling to a match which was almost always close.

Such was the case in the 6th minute when a careless high tackle led to a yellow card for Centre Jarryd Sage. A further penalty gave Raiders decent position and from the ensuing lineout a determined drive gave hooker Tom Ceillam the opening score, Owen Thomas’ conversion following.

Albanians regrouped and forced enough pressure to give Sam Jones two penalty opportunities in the remainder of the first quarter, both of which succeeded. Then, just before the half hour mark, the improved OA lineout forced a Guernsey error close to the visitors’ line and, so gifted, play moved rapidly downfield where scrum half Bailey Thomas crossed unopposed. Jones again obliged with the kick which gave Albanians the lead until the break. Sadly Ollie Brown departed the field with a knee injury at the same time.

OAs restart went straight to touch and shortly after the resulting scrum Ciaran McGann charged over for the hosts and Thomas improved to put his side in front once more. As OA discipline got patchy in the third quarter, Thomas administered punishment with two penalties which had the effect of giving new impetus to the Albanian attack.

In the space of twelve minutes Jordan Evans and Skipper Illston both crossed the Raiders line after good approach work on both occasions. Jones converted both and with a few scant minutes left A’s seemed to have done all that was required. Guernsey had other ideas and with a desperate charge upfield set up a powerful maul within ten metres of the OA line. Dan Morgan, slipping the defensive net, skipped over by the corner flag. All held their breath for Thomas’ conversion attempt. It sailed across the face of the posts and Albanians had moments to hold on before the relieving final whistle.

For the first match in a new campaign there was little to grumble at in this performance. Tight play was strong, indeed the lineout was a revelation and not of the unpleasant kind. Defense was tested from time to time but held out for the most part and forced turnovers at some opportune moments. Penalties were kicked when available which helped Albanians stay in the hunt when times were tough. Not a bad way to start.

Brian Quinn,

Roving Reporter