Sam is the man now the breaks go his way
DESPITE breaking both legs in 2022 and missing the rest of the season, Old Albanians fly-half Sam Jones went on to play all 26 games the following season and picked up the star player award for his outstanding performance in securing the first home win of the season last weekend.
Having won all away games, the self-titled “home-wreckers” fought hard in a game that went down to the wire with the combined score being more than 100 points scored as they secured a thrilling 52-49 victory against Sevenoaks at Wollam’s – their first home win of the season.
Jones told The Rugby Paper: “We needed to win that game. All the boys were excited when we won the turnover, and we could kick the ball out to win the game.
“The game could have so easily have gone the other way and we’re very happy to get the win after we all put our bodies on the line for over 80 minutes.”
The 24-year-old recalls the sound of the loyal crowd cheering as they secured the match ending turnover on their own try-line.
He said: “When you’re winning a game by 40 points you feel like it’s all done and dusted but this game was so close and went deep into extra-time that we had to fight all the way. Securing the turnover was a huge moment for us.”
Landing six out of eight conversions, Jones was the standout player and added: “Goal kicking is a mental battle. Whenever I line up a shot at goal, I trust my skills and kick to win while trying not to focus on the outcome, just the process of the kick.
“When a kick lands, we get further into the game and I find it improves the teams overall performance. We’ve got a young team; our captain is only 22 and we’ve found that young teams are becoming more common in the National Leagues. For us it’s about keeping the group together for as long as possible and become more senior and wiser together.”
Despite having two titanium plates in both shins at such a young age, Jones feels he is very much in his stride and aspires to be with Old Albanians long term.
“I’ve been with the Old Albanians for five years since I was 17 playing both on the wing and fullback,” said Jones.
“After breaking both legs and missing the rest of the season in 2022 I luckily had my redemption the following season by playing all 26 games and I’m currently on a 32game streak.
“You need to feel deeply invested in a club as you give so much to it physically and it’s nice to feel like you get back what you give at OA’s. Seeing the senior players staying on is a really encouraging sign and the culture here is more than just about playing rugby.
“While mindful of further injuries I want to see where my game of rugby takes me.”
