David McHugh on a driving forward run. (0724789)

New Milton Colts 42, Guernsey RA Colts 17
DESPITE the scoreline, the RBSI Guernsey Rugby Academy Colts produced a good all-round performance at New Milton.

The problems that led to the hosts getting three breakaway tries came from the New Milton stand-off and inside centre, who exploited covering and tackling mistakes by the Guernsey defensive line.

‘The key point was the team were lacking in match readiness and Guernsey were up against a well drilled side who are playing together regularly,’ said Geraint Cooper, the Guernsey Collins Stewart Wealth Management rugby development officer.

Cooper awarded the man of the match to Alex Rowe for ‘his performance in the second row, making ground and driving the forwards’.

Other players singled out for praise were: hooker Ben Le Noury for his work in the set scrums, the loose and his lineout throwing in, Rory Quesnel for his jumping in the lineout at four and his safe pair of hands and Neil Back at flanker for his driving runs and aggressive play.

In the backs, Jonathan Byrne was a good carrier and linked and switched well with Seoirse Lee. Both made penetrating runs.

The pattern of play was such that Guernsey had New Milton pinned down in their own half for long periods of the game, but failed to turn this territorial advantage into points.