The Stags headed out ‘en masse’ to Jersey last Saturday, over forty of them travelling out on easyJet from Gatwick to play a first team league fixture, and also an arranged friendly for the second team. Many thanks to Jersey for their warm welcome and assistance with arrangements, which enables these cross channel fixtures to be completed so successfully.

There’s never been a slow start to start to any Stags game so far this season, and this wasn’t an exception. It was Jersey that stormed over for a try and conversion after just two minutes on the clock, to lead 7-0. Jersey kept the pressure up and tried to add to that, but the Stags held out. On 11 minutes though, it was CS who scored the next try, Parimal Shreshta finally converting to points some persistent close quarters attacking play in the Jersey twenty-two, and touching down on the right. 7-5. Jersey struck next on the twenty minute mark with a try through their hooker, converted by their full back. Stags opted for the posts just before half time, with David Wilkinsoon converting the penalty. Half time score, 14-8.

Apart from the penalty on 38 minutes, the twenty minutes either side of the half can only be described as a hard slog, with both teams battling it out in midfield, and busy attacking or repelling. There were some good turnovers made by both teams. On 49 minutes Jersey scored a try again, through their full back Aaron Penberthy, to go ahead 19-8. The Stags doggedly stayed in the match, and sensed Jersey were tiring, and not having it all their way. A penalty up-field, leading to a Stags ten metre line out, saw an excellent catch and drive and a push to the line. Diving headlong through the collapsing Jersey maul to score a try on the seventy-minute mark, was skipper Jake Farnworth. David Wilkinson played the wind, and curled the conversion from left infield – 14-15 the score, and game on!

Another tough remaining ten minutes of the second half ensued, cautions from the referee, both going hard at it to close the game out for a win. The Stags held Jersey up several times just inches from the line. There was even a Stags counter break up the middle of the field by Ash Thomas, where the final pass was adjudged to have been given as forward, saving an almost certain winning try for the Stags. But alas, time ran out, and the match ended Jersey 19 – CS Stags 15, three tries to two.

Once again, a cracking performance by the Stags, and their overall commitment and fine defence, led to many appreciative murmurs around the field from the locals. Only the first team to deny Jersey a try-bonus this season, and picking up a losing bonus in the process. Well done lads.

Tries: 10 points (x2) –Parimal Shreshta, Jake Farnworth
Conversions: 2 points (x1) – David Wilkinson
Penalties: 3 points (x1) – David Wilkinson

The CS Staghounds 2nd XV got on the field next, closer to 4.45 p.m., under the lights. The match was played at gusto, and the blustery conditions picked up as dusk closed. In the end, Jersey 2nds fought well, but were no match for the pacy Staghounds, who brought the match home 7-17 winners, one try to three. A really solid, convincing performance from the Staghounds once again – well done boys.

Tries: 15 points (x3) – Morgan Davies, Charles Kantolinna (x2)
Conversions: 2 points (x1) – Xavier Hill
Penalties: Nil

It’s a break week in Regional 1 South Central this coming weekend, and therefore no 1st XV match. However, for the GAUCHOS ROC London Shield league, the Staghounds are due to play their fixture from 4th October, against Esher Cardinals (II’s) away – rescheduled to Saturday 1st November 2025, Esher Rugby Club, 369 Molesey Rd, Walton-on-Thames, SURREY KT12 3PF – to be confirmed by the weekend.

** It’s the start of the Autumn Internationals this Saturday, 1st November, and we still have some England v Australia tickets available for 16.10 kick off at Twickenham – if anyone interested, please let me know a.s.a.p. **
David Chaytor: dchaytor@virginmedia.com Tel: 07976 609 081

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/civilservicefootballclubru/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/civilstags
https://www.linkedin.com/company/66883452/admin/page-posts/published/

pdf

Match Reports - Saturday 25 Oct 2025 PDF

429.7KB

Download