JERSEY Touch Rugby enjoyed a fantastic day at Jersey Rugby Club on Saturday, securing victories in all three Open categories against Guernsey to retain the Inter-Insular Claret Jug.
Despite challenging weather conditions in the lead-up to the event, which forced changes to the original schedule and the cancellation of several fixtures, the three main Open matches went ahead, with Jersey producing some outstanding performances in front of a supportive home crowd.
Women’s Open: Jersey 5–4 Guernsey (after drop-off)
The Women’s Open encounter provided arguably the most dramatic moment of the day, with Jersey eventually emerging victorious following a thrilling drop-off.
In a closely contested match, neither side was able to establish a decisive advantage, with the teams finishing level at 4–4 after normal time.
Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Lucy Willis and Freya Gambles, who crossed twice, were Jersey’s scorers during regulation time.
With the match heading into a drop-off, where teams progressively reduce their number of players to create space and opportunities, the tension continued to build.
It was Sasha Rilstone who ultimately delivered the winning try, securing a memorable 5–4 victory for Jersey and sending the home supporters into celebration.
Men’s Open: Jersey 6–4 Guernsey
Jersey’s Men’s Open side followed with an impressive 6–4 victory in another competitive encounter between the Channel Island rivals.
Archie Le Maistre led the scoring with two tries, while Harvey Hewlett, Lyle Pritchard, Zach Nicolle and Archie Donnelly also crossed the line.
The result reflected a strong collective performance from the Jersey squad, who demonstrated their attacking quality and determination to secure another important Inter-Insular victory.
Mixed Open: Jersey 11–8 Guernsey
The final Open fixture saw Jersey’s Mixed Open side complete the clean sweep with an entertaining 11–8 victory.
The match produced 19 tries, highlighting the attacking talent on display from both islands.
Jersey’s ability to find the try line on 11 occasions ultimately proved decisive, rounding off a hugely successful day for the hosts.
A successful year for Jersey Touch
The Inter-Insular victories provided a fitting conclusion to what has been an extremely positive period for Jersey Touch Rugby.
The association has enjoyed a busy year, with a successful summer league, participation in the European Championships in Vichy, and the continued development of its popular Touch4All sessions, which have regularly attracted more than 30 players.
The Inter-Insular also demonstrated the growing strength and depth of touch rugby on the island, with players from across the association representing Jersey.
Although the weather-related travel disruption prevented the full programme of fixtures from taking place, the three Open victories ensured Jersey retained the Claret Jug and continued its success against its Channel Island neighbours.
Jersey Touch Association would like to extend its thanks to Rubis, the event sponsor, for its support, and to Jersey Rugby Club for providing the facilities and main pitch for the occasion.
The association also thanked the referees, volunteers, players and supporters who helped make the day such a success.
With three victories from three Open matches, Jersey Touch can look back on another memorable Inter-Insular and continue building on the growing enthusiasm for the sport across the island.
