JERSEY’S flag was flown high in Coimbra as the Jersey Touch Senior Men’s squad recently competed in the Portugal International Touch Cup.
The event was scheduled as an end-of-season tournament, meaning that all teams had the added incentive to finish their season on a high ahead of preparations for next
year’s illustrious European Championships.
Although warm weather was expected to welcome the Caesareans, three days of heavy rain took its place, taking a toll on pitch conditions. This forced the number of games to be reduced, with Touch Portugal cutting down their squads to just form one national team.
The sunshine finally appeared on the day of the tournament, as Jersey took on Portugal. Even though the Portuguese outfit were first to strike, Jersey remained composed to score five tries in the first half, with a remarkable brace from Brett Graham and scores from Jason Kerr, Tim Macready and Peter Culnane to lead 5-3 at half time.
Following the restart, Jersey picked up right where they left off, scoring a further four tries to extend the lead. Graham was a force to be reckoned with on the field, as he couldn’t be stopped to score another brace in the second half, while Kerr added another one onto the scoresheet. Marc Peters also made his mark on the match, extending the lead to 9-5.
There was a late scare as Portugal scored two tries in quick succession, but it was ultimately too little, too late, and Jersey took a 9-7 victory.
After Italy Pastamisu dispatched Portugal Foxes 7-4, the undefeated Caesareans squared off with the Italians, promising a tight contest. The first half certainly lived up to the billing, as barely anything separated the two sides, but Jersey edged ahead to lead 3-2 at half-time, with Kerr scoring a pair of tries and Stephen Vautier adding one of his own.
The second half only brought increased tension, as the opponents’ temperament greatly affected Jersey’s squad and the officials. As the Islanders’ composure slipped, Italy took advantage to score the second half’s first three tries.
Late tries from Culnane and Steven Clarke reduced the deficit, but the Caesareans just ran out of time, as the Italians won 6-5.
Coach Brett Graham added his thoughts on the tournament, saying: “This tournament has been an important international experience for the squad, and I am very pleased with the team policies and performances that they have shown.”
Quality wasn’t in short order during the competition, as all the teams’ quality of play and competitive level of matches were acknowledged through the congratulations of Touch Portugal’s president at the tournament’s conclusion.
Jersey Touch Senior Men’s squad: Andrew Burns, Andrew Vaughan, Brett Graham, Elanco Kanagasabapathy, Jason Kerr, Kevin Hart, Marc Peters, Peter Culnane, Steven Clarke, Stephen Vautier, Stewart Coombs, Timothy Macready. Manager: Bruce Halliwell
