JERSEY Touch Rugby retained the Inter-Insular Claret Jug after winning all three Open fixtures against Guernsey at Jersey Rugby Club on Saturday.
Despite weather-related disruption forcing changes to the original schedule and the cancellation of several matches, the three headline encounters went ahead, with the hosts delivering a clean sweep in front of a supportive home crowd.
The closest contest came in the Women’s Open, where Jersey edged a thrilling encounter 5–4 after a drop-off following a 4–4 draw in normal time.
Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Lucy Willis and Freya Gambles, who scored twice, crossed for Jersey during regulation time.
With neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough, the match went into a drop-off, with teams gradually reducing their numbers to create more space on the pitch.
Sasha Rilstone eventually produced the decisive try to seal a dramatic victory for the hosts.
Jersey’s Men’s Open side followed with a 6–4 win in another competitive clash between the Channel Islands rivals.
Archie Le Maistre led the way with two tries, while Harvey Hewlett, Lyle Pritchard, Zach Nicolle and Archie Donnelly also got on the scoresheet to secure the second victory of the day.
The Mixed Open completed the clean sweep with an entertaining 11–8 success, in a high-scoring encounter that produced 19 tries between the two sides.
Jersey’s 11 touchdowns proved enough to round off a successful day and ensure the Claret Jug remained on the island.
The three victories capped a positive period for Jersey Touch, which has enjoyed a busy year featuring a successful summer league, representation at the European Championships in Vichy and the continued growth of its Touch4All sessions.
The sessions have regularly attracted more than 30 players, while Saturday’s Inter-Insular highlighted the depth of talent across the association, with players from throughout the island representing Jersey.
Although travel disruption caused by the weather prevented the full fixture programme from taking place, the three Open wins ensured Jersey maintained its success against its closest rivals.
Jersey Touch Association thanked event sponsor Rubis for its support, alongside Jersey Rugby Club for providing the facilities and main pitch.
The association also paid tribute to the referees, volunteers, players and supporters who helped make the event possible.
With three wins from three Open matches, Jersey Touch can look back on another successful Inter-Insular as the sport continues to build momentum across the island.
