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Match Report 14th February 2026

CS Stags 1863 40 – Jersey RFC 43

Stags run the undefeated league leaders very close, and pick up two bonus points. What a great match!

Thanks to Shell Patrick for providing her link to the photos she takes, and shares.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6BBiyqe62TTNb4nv7

The Stags welcomed Jersey RFC to Dukes Meadows, on a bright, rainless day, that made for a great running game on the AGP. All credit to them for flying to the mainland every other match to compete in the league, and commit to rugby on the island.

A ding-dong of a match ensued, and started at just four minutes when hooker Pantelis Stylianou started as he carried on throughout the match, with a fine cutting break, followed by a pass to fly half David Wilkinson backing up on his shoulder to score in the right corner. David converted his own try from far out, and Stags took a 7-0 lead. It was a wake up call for Jersey, who then scored the next two tries on 9 and 20 minutes, both converted to give the away team a 7-14 lead. Stags worked very hard indeed and stayed in the game, contending with Jersey like for like, in attack and defence. It paid off, and Wilko slotted home a penalty on the half hour mark to claw back points to 10-14. Near the end of the half, David Wilkinson ran through for his second try on 39 minutes, finishing off a precise Stags movement, and converting again, the lads now once again led Jersey 17-14. However, just as the half was ending, an opportunistic charge down saw the away side scoring under the posts, and converted, the half ended with Jersey leading again at 17-21.

Stags struck first second half, with another fine break by hooker Stylianou, breaking the Jersey defensive line, and running through for the try. Unconverted, 22-21 to Stags the score. Once again Jersey rallied and replied with a try on 50 minutes to regain the lead at 22-26, and a rare conversion miss by their kicker. A penalty to Stags on 54 minutes saw Wilko opt for the posts to claw back another 3 points – 25-26. Jersey added another converted try on 57 minutes to increase their lead to 25-33. If anyone thought the final quarter was done and dusted at that stage, they were made to think again!

A 65th minute penalty to Stags on the half way line saw the home side faithful divided whether to go for the corner and get the 4th bonus point try, or go for the posts and claw back another 3 points. The latter decision prevailed, and Stags crept back to 28-33. This patient approach worked, as Stylianou cut loose again a minute later with another powerful run through the Jersey back line, to score his second try of the match. Wilko converted to give the Stags a 35-33 lead, and hopes were now high for a home win. Not to be. Jersey came back with a try and conversion on 70 minutes to go 35-40 ahead. Still time for Stags, and the boys kept at it persistently, pinning Jersey down on their own 22 metre area, and camped on the Jersey try line. Finally, on 75 minutes, it was scrum-half Alex Crocker burrowing over from a ruck to score for Stags. 40 points apiece. Wilko’s conversion attempt just scraped wide of the posts. Time for another Stags try, or even a penalty to win the game? Not this time. With seconds to go, the referee blew for a penalty just left of the half way line in Jersey’s favour, and up stepped their kicker to convert, with the final whistle blown straight away after that! 40-43 to Jersey the final score.

What a great game, a credit to good rugby, and well done to both teams. Once again Stags gave the unbeaten league leaders a close match, and an excellent run for their money this season (after also coming close in the away game in Jersey in October, losing 19-15). Jersey remain top of the league with a 100% record, while Stags drop are fifth (on same points – 58 - as fourth place Old Alleynians). The whole Stags team, squad, and coaching staff deserve credit for today’s outstanding performance of running rugby. Notable performances from all, but special mentions, one each from the backs and forwards. To fly half David Wilkinson for his 2 excellent tries, 3 conversions, and 3 penalties. To hooker Pantelis Stylianou for his two tries, precise line outs, and superb incisive support play with speed and power. Well done everyone!

Tries: 25 points (x5) – David Wilkinson (x2), Pantelis Stylianou (x2), Alex Crocker (x1)
Conversions: 6 points (x3) - David Wilkinson.
Penalty: 9 points (x3) – David Wilkinson.

No Staghounds (2nd XV) game this Saturday, as Esher 2’s gave us a walk over in the Gaucho ROC London Shield.
A break week for CS Stags 1863 next weekend, with the next match being against Wimbledon RFC away on 28th February.
CS Staghounds play London Welsh RFC (II’s) away next Saturday, 21st February.