The annual inter-island cricket went ahead as normal on Saturday – despite the ferry service the Sarnian team and supporters were booked on being cancelled with little notice.
Determined to compete, the team flew to Jersey for the match – and then came home on two inflatable RIBs.
Guernsey Cricket Chief Operating Officer Richard Headington said it was a trip to remember, despite the result going Jersey’s way.
Once they made it to Grainville, Jersey continued their dominance of the inter-insular with a five-wicket victory – restricting Guernsey to 161 all out before reaching their target with more than 13 overs to spare.
Ben Ward led the hosts home with an unbeaten 82, after Guernsey had briefly threatened an upset by reducing Jersey to 21-3.
Mr Headington said the considerable effort involved in getting the Guernsey contingent to Jersey, and safely home again, demonstrated both islands’ commitment to one of the Channel Islands’ longest-standing sporting rivalries.
“An Inter-Insular is always a special occasion, although this one will certainly be remembered for reasons beyond the cricket,” he said.
“With the usual ferry unavailable, there was a considerable logistical challenge in getting everybody to Jersey and back.
“The early start meant that our players, management and officials needed to fly to Jersey with Aurigny, while the return journey involved RIBs and a rather different experience on the water.”
Mr Headington said it took “a great deal of cooperation and flexibility from a number of people and organisations” to ensure the game could go ahead.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped make the arrangements possible,” he added, thanking Bailiwick Boat Charters, Seafaris Jersey, and Alderney Shipping along with “everyone else who assisted behind the scenes”.
“It also says a great deal about the importance of the Inter-Insular that players, team management, officials and supporters were prepared to find alternative ways of crossing the water to ensure Guernsey was represented and supported in Jersey.”
