London Irish enacted revenge on Jersey with a bonus-point win at Madejski Stadium.
The Reds remain the only team to defeat the Exiles this season following their last-gasp victory at St Peter back in November, but they were second best in Berkshire.
Josh McNally gave Irish an early lead with further first-half tries from Saia Fainga’a and Tom Stephenson opening up a comfortable advantage at the break.
Jersey had battled hard during a bruising encounter, but they fell even further behind when Terrence Hepetema crossed just before the hour mark.
The visitors responded well to falling 27-3 behind with their best attacking spell of the game, but the Exiles held firm to clinch a comfortable victory to stay well clear at the top of the table.
“It was a great performance from the boys,” said man-of-the-match Matt Rogerson.
“As a team and collectively I’d say it’s our best performance of the season.
“We flew out of the blocks and put a marker down early.
“We never really stopped hurting from that defeat over there. As an ex-player personally that was a big blow. It’s a big win for us today.”
The two sides have met four times previously with Jersey coming out on top on three, but the hosts showed their intent from the off.
A physical battle between both packs emerged from the first whistle and Irish got in front on six minutes through a trademark line-out drive which led to McNally powering over on his first home appearance since agreeing a summer switch to Bath.
With the game being televised live on Sky Sports, the television match official (TMO) was in operation and he was called into action to determine whether Ben Meehan had doubled the tally.
But the scrum-half lost the ball just short of the line as he looked to snipe over under the posts.
Meehan was soon on the score-sheet, via the kicking tee with his three-point penalty extending the advantage following good work by Rogerson.
Jersey responded, forcing their way over the line midway through the half but the ball was held up. They did reduce the arrears via a penalty from Brett Herron, only to be reduced to 14 men soon after when Will Homer was sent to the bin for a deliberate knock-on.
And Irish took full advantage as replacement Fainga’a went over off the back of a rolling maul.
The Reds again got over the line despite being a man light only for a lengthy TMO review to decide there was no clear evidence of the grounding.
Further salt was added to the Jersey wounds just before the break as Stephenson burst down the wing to score in the corner as the visitors went in at the break 20-3 ahead.
Following a sloppy start to the second half, Irish clinched their bonus-point fourth try when Hepetema stretched over to score.
However, Jersey responded and began to enjoy their best spell of the contest. The Channel Islanders forced the hosts back into their own 22 with some neat handling and quick footwork, but Irish defended well to preserve the 24-point advantage.
Irish are back at home next Sunday, hosting Coventry in the Championship Cup quarter-finals (3pm).
IRISH: Veitokani, Williams, Stephenson, Hepetema (Macken 75), McLean, Atkins (Steele 65), Meehan, Reid (Elrington 62), Porecki (Fainga’a 14), Hoskins (Cilliers 65), van der Merwe, McNally (c), Schatz (Paulo 71), Gilsenan (Tuisue 62), Rogerson.
Tries: McNally (6), Fainga’a (28), Stephenson (38), Hepetema (56)
Cons: Meehan x2 (29,57)
Pens: Meehan (17)
JERSEY: Slowik, Worrall, Newey, Best (Penberthy 53), van Dam, Herron, Homer (Howley 64), Godfrey, Maddison (Selway 62), Ata’lifo, Sexton (c), Beckett (McKern 64), Bartle, Argyle, Venter (Upfield 64).
Reps not used: Morley, Rodman.
Pens: Herron (23)
Yellow cards: Homer (27)
Referee: Ian Tempest
Attendance:
