Sport: Jersey’s Midas touch

Looking to go one better than 2014 – when only the men returned from Sarnian shores without silverware – the hosts gave Guernsey little time to settle after they suffered ferry-related travel difficulties, and following a delayed start it was the women who inflicted the first blow.

Claire Moulson opened the scoring for Jersey in their 6-1 success – after a left-wing charge from Nicole Goddard was followed by a well-placed assist from Rena Nelson – and it was 3-0 by half-time as the Caesareans’ superior organisation paid dividends. Guernsey were denied a try of their own before Louise Ferreira added a fourth, although the Greens had to wait just 60 seconds longer before Laura Foster crossed over.

Ruth Brookes combined with Chrissie Helmolt-Kneisel for Jersey’s fifth, and after Guernsey were again denied a try, following a forward pass, Moulson grabbed her second with two minutes remaining.

Matt Hanley, with ball in hand, on the charge in the men's 5-3 victory

Triumph for the ladies was followed by a 5-3 win for the Island’s men, but, despite a promising start it, was anything other than straight forward. Matt Michel touched down with less than a minute showing on the clock to put Jersey 1-0 up, but the one-try advantage was soon reversed as Guernsey rallied. Anthony Armstrong crossed over on the left for the visitors, and after he had chased down Mark Boarer’s dash for the line following an interception the 2014 champions went ahead.

David Surcouf offloads

There was rarely a moment of doubt in the game that followed, though, as Simon Johnson chipped in with three second-half tries (and four in total) to back up last year’s 12-3 success with something a little more impressive.

A cagey opening period provided little by way of excitement and it took ten minutes for the stalemate to be broken. Chris Veal’s effort gave Jersey a slender advantage, but the flood gates well and truly opened after that.

Johnson, Lauren Lowe, Nick Kearns and Simon Di Meo all contributed before the break to make it 5-0 at half-time, and it only got worse for the visitors.

Jeremy Johnson was followed over by his namesake as Jersey moved seven ahead in the second half, and their pace continued to cause Guernsey’s defence some trouble. Johnny Glendening added one to the scoreboard before Jeremy Johnson claimed his second, and, after a consolation for the Greens, a late brace from Michel completed the rout.

‘It was a great result all round for all teams,’ said mixed captain Nelson. ‘We are so happy to have the men’s trophy back after losing it to Guernsey last year.’

Jonny Grimshaw scored the fifth of Jersey's tries in the men's tie

Mixed: Chris Veal, Dave Sharrock, Matt Michel, Jonny Glendening, Jeremy Johnson, Simon Johnson, Nick Kearns, Rena Nelson, Lauren Lowe, Jess Watling, Phoebe Percival, Sadie Ruellan.

Men: Matt Michel, Jonny Grimshaw, Jeremy Johnson, Arnou Helmholt-Kneisel, David Surcouf, Matt Hanley, Richard Stilwell, Tim Kearns, Bradley Galluzi, Mark Boarer, Will Cawley, Will Le Heuze, Adam Le Seelleur.

Ladies: Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Zoe Smart, Ruth Brooks, Rena Nelson, Louise Ferreira, Nicole Goddard, Elle Richings, Natasha Eastwood, Helen Richardson, Claire Moulson, Mary Surcouf, Lucy Willis, Lucy Hart.

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –