Jersey’s Crapaud Hash House Harriers – a social running club – travelled to Dinan to take part in a charity river jousting competition.
It is believed to be the first time that a team from Jersey has entered the competition and while the Islanders failed to make it beyond the group stages of the contest they made such an impact that they have already been invited back next year.
The Joutes Nautiques competition was held on the River Rance with 20 French teams taking part alongside Team Crapaud.
River jousting involves two opposing jousters attempting to knock their opponent off a platform with the victorious team scoring five points for each round they win.
The jousters are supported by a team of rowers who attempt to build up as much speed as possible as the two boats approach each other.
Paul Harding, a member of Team Crapaud, said that because many of the competing teams have had more than ten years’ experience the Jersey team were up against it from start.
‘It was very good fun and something completely different,’ he added.
‘A friend heard about it and gathered a team together.
‘We weren’t sure whether we would be accepted at first because it is normally only French teams but they seemed to be happy that a team from Jersey was there.
‘There were thousands of people out watching from the river bank, which was quite amazing to see.
‘The Mayor of Dinan said how much he appreciated a team from Jersey coming over and invited us back next year – I certainly would have thought that we will look to have a team again next year.’
Mr Harding added that he hoped more Jersey teams would take part next year and said that a team from Guernsey had also expressed interest in competing in the event.
The event was run by educational charity Kiwanis International.
