Hosts Guernsey missed out on winning this year’s Inter Insular shooting match by just seven points.
The final score read 1167.123 to 1160.129, reflecting both teams’ exceptional marksmanship and competitive spirit.
Held under bright skies and in sweltering heat at Fort Le Marchant, the annual contest lived up to its name, testing both teams’ precision and endurance.
The Inter Insular match, a cornerstone event in Channel Islands shooting sport, has long symbolised not just competition but camaraderie between the islands.
Guernsey, though narrowly beaten, put in a valiant effort.
The home side’s total of 1160.129 – including a higher number of bullseyes (V-bulls) – showcased the island’s continued depth in talent. Jersey’s marginally higher aggregate score, however, sealed the win.
The Jersey team demonstrated steely focus and consistency across the board, with stand-out performances across both prone and standing stages.
Jersey’s team captain, Nick Atkins, praised the group’s unity and discipline: “We knew Guernsey would come out strong – they always do.
“But the team stuck to the plan, supported one another, and delivered when it mattered most. It’s a proud day for Jersey.”
With this result, Jersey not only reclaim bragging rights but also add to their historic tally in the long-standing rivalry. Both teams now look ahead to future contests, with the promise of another showdown next year.
As ever, the Inter Insular continues to foster sporting excellence, mutual respect and friendly island rivalry – with this year’s chapter once again proving that the difference between glory and defeat can be measured in millimetres.
Team Jersey thanked Islands Unlimited for going above and beyond in getting the team safely to and from Guernsey. Without the inter-island service it would have been impossible to have this match.
Another thank-you to team sponsors Alex Picot Trust, whose continued support allows shooters such as Ruben Thomas from Victoria College to break through.
Thomas recently top-scored in the Astor Qualifier with a 105.14 to earn his place in the team, reviving his white badge for doing so.