HUNDREDS of young rugby players aged from six to 19 took part in the Junior Siam Cup festival hosted by Guernsey RFC.
A large crowd, spread across multiple venues, was in attendance to see the rival Islands do battle for end-of-season silverware… and bragging rights.
The first big game of the day was also one of the closest, at least until the half-time whistle blew with the two Colts XVs locked together at 0-0.
Former Jersey Reds professionals James Mitchell and Lewis Wynne conducted the team talk at the break, and their words proved just the tonic as the Jersey side upped their game on the resumption, incorporating forward power and slick handling in the backs.
Billy Mullins ran in Jersey’s first try which was followed two minutes later when Charlie Best scored an individual try after intercepting the ball in his own half and sprinting to the try line, converted by Callum Cuthbert to make it 12-0.
Showing control and confidence after getting their noses in front, the visitors added two more tries through man-of-the-match Jack Stevens and Lars Tharme, with a further conversion by Cuthbert making it 24-0 and ensuring red ribbons on the Colts Siam trophy for an eighth straight year.
Jersey’s U16 squad claimed first blood in their game as Alex Neasham went over for an early try, but the hosts then levelled and went ahead when George Roberts was yellow-carded for what some visiting spectators felt was a legitimate try-saving tackle, with a penalty try putting Guernsey in front.
The hosts took advantage of the one-man advantage to score twice more in making it 22-5 at the break, and added three more scores in the second half before Jersey, whose forwards had been competitive throughout, claimed the last word through Max Sayers’ try to make the final score 41-10.
A tough test against a big, strong running side faced Jersey U15 and, after a bright start, the visitors were penalised for a knock-on deemed deliberate bythe referee and the home side took advantage with two tries and keeping their defensive line intact to go into half-time at 12-0.
Great handling from Arthur Mangematin allowed Alex Edwards (later named man-of-the-match) space to attack on several occasions, but the green defence held firm and the hosts added two more converted tries and a penalty that left the final score as 29-0.
Jersey U14s claimed a thrilling win in one of the most tense contests of the day as Jay Harrison stepped up confidently to slot a late penalty that broke the deadlock and secured an 8-5 win.
George Powell had almost grabbed the opening try soon after kick-off, but although the score was ruled out by the referee, Eoin Mann broke through shortly afterwards to make it 5-0.
The hosts managed to rebuff further Jersey attacks over the rest of the half, and tied the scores just before the break with a try.
The second half was a fiercely-contested affair, but the defence of both sides held firm until the penalty which gave Harrison his shot at glory.
Following a good season against Sussex competition, the Jersey U13 squad went into their Siam encounter cautiously optimistic, but aware that their Guernsey counterparts had enjoyed strong results in recent matches too.
Jersey broke the deadlock with a well-worked try finished down the left wing after eight minutes.
The lead was extended a short while later, when a scrum won against the head allowed Jersey’s backs to strike against an unprepared defence.
A third visiting try was added, but Guernsey were playing with determination, and always posed a threat, particularly through their creative midfield. They were duly rewarded with a score of their own to claim a deserved foothold in the game.
The visitors roared back with three more tries to establish a 30-5 lead at half-time, with the second half a far more even affair, with two more tries for each team to make the final score in an entertaining encounter Guernsey 15 Jersey 40.
There was little to choose between the rival sides at U12 level, with the home side scoring two tries and Jersey replying through Charlie Richardson.
Unfortunately for the team in red, it was Guernsey who were the dominant force after the break, scoring three more tries to complete a comfortable win.
Jersey’s U16 Girls were reduced in number following recent injuries, eventually agreeing to play a five-a-side match with high levels of skill and determination.
The home team finished comfortable winners, but there were five tries to celebrate for the visiting team, with four claimed by Maisie Kybett and the other by Eva Springate.
The visiting Jersey U14 Girls played with great determination and showed an ability to exploit space left by their opponents, especially on the wings.
Cheered on by club-mates who had played in earlier games, the Jersey side’s tried were scored by Sari Hunt (2), Mollie Pye (2) and Hannah Gillyett.
JRFC Minis and Juniors extended their thanks to main sponsors Santander and the other supporting organisations KPMG, Carey Olsen, Grant Thornton, Saltgate, SG Kleinwort Hambros, Ports of Jersey and Jersey Sport, all of whom make the season and competitions like this possible.
