Guernsey’s Rugby Academy saw “amazing” success with its under-18 squad winning the Siam Cup by one point this weekend in Jersey.
They were just one team in a sea of young Guernsey Junior players in green representing the island for Siam Cup inter insular matches in Jersey.
The under-18 squad are coached by Steven Teasdale.
“We won by one point, and that was briliant,” he said. “It’s my first win in my seven years coaching, so amazing! Just a great effort by the boys.”
Mr Teasdale also commented how well organised and run the travel arrangements were, after the problems caused by the change of ferry operators earlier this year, leading to there being only one weekly inter-island sailing.
In order to get the players across, the Guernsey Rugby Academy chartered three flights, a ferry and four smaller vessels.
As a result, more than 480 players, coaches and supporters went to Jersey in unison on Saturday.
Parents and coaches were all saying how proud they were of the Junior players sportsmanship and attitude which contributed to the overall enjoyment of the day.
Coach Gareth Morgan, who U11s team lost said they all played well.
“The team faced a tough Jersey first team in their trophy match. Over a hard fought 40 minutes a few defensive slips in the first half unfortunately let through some easy scores to let Jersey build a lead. A better performance in the second half but the deficit was too great to catch up.”
Success was also seen for the under 8’s and the under 12’s girls team, who did very well winning 15-5, and 25-10. The girls under 14 team also saw their second win in the Siam cup over the last two years.
Claire Smith, a parent of one of the U14 players said: “As a parent it was really exciting to see the girls play a game against an away side, especially because it was Jersey! They played with power making excellent tackles and put up a great defensive line. There were some fast runs as well which made the game even more exciting! The girls are such a close team and there’s great camaraderie between them.”
Guernsey Rugby Academy commented how the whole event would not have happened without financial support from parents and organisations, which helped foot the bill of about £40,000.
The adult players have also had to charter their own transport for the Siam matches which take place this coming weekend, 3 May.