JERSEY’S Ben Watson won the U18 badminton inter insular man of the match trophy on Saturday – but his unbeaten performance could not help Jersey to the title.

Hosts Guernsey retained the trophy after winning a close-fought 17-13 match with the 12-strong Jersey squad.

Both sides showed excellent spirit but Jersey, topped by Watson – who won the accolade on count back of points conceded – and Alex Hutchins, who also had an unbeaten run, were unable to match Guernsey’s superior strength in depth.

The pair won their three doubles games in straight sets, with Matthew Bignell and Jack Gibbs also winning a match, though it came down to a deciding set for Peter Blandin and Robert Armstrong, who were eventually beaten by their opposers.

• Picture: Action from the U18 badminton inter-insular. Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin (Guernsey Press)