Guernsey Press

Bailey boys prompt victory

GUERNSEY are through to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Worthington's Bowl.

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GUERNSEY are through to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Worthington's Bowl. The Sarnians put in a fine performance yesterday away to United Services Portsmouth, a team who play in the division above them, to come away with a 16-5 victory.

Guernsey scored two tries with the first coming from Andy Bailey and the second coming from his younger brother Alec.

The latter was playing his first game for Rob Box's side at number 10.

Stuart Lloyd-Jones, who came on as a replacement as he recovers from injury, kicked the remaining points.

The victory was made all the more remarkable by Guernsey fielding a weakened side that was missing, among others, skipper Carl Johnson, who decided to spend the weekend with his new- born son. But the captain was delighted to hear the news.

'Boxy phoned me straight after the game and he was pretty happy with the performance. He said the lads played well against a side that had a useful forward pack,' Johnson said.

Guernsey have been drawn away in the semis against fellow Hampshire League One side Trojans. The tie will take place on Sunday 29 February, two weeks after the sides meet in a vital league fixture. Trojans currently top the table, one point ahead of Guernsey who have a game in hand.

'We were using this as a game to try out a couple of things but it is quite exciting to think we are in the semi-final,' Johnson said.

Tottonians play Petersfield in the other last-four match with the final being on Sunday 21 March.

Meanwhile, the Guernsey 2nds had to come from behind to beat St Jacques 14-7 and keep their JRA/Emeraude League title hopes alive.

A disputed Tom Robertshaw try, converted by John Bell on the brink of half-time, gave St Jacques a 7-0 interval lead at KGV, but the introduction of Kiwi Steve Hale sparked a change of fortunes for the green-and-whites.

With Hale moving into the front row Guernsey took charge and tries from Russ Roberts and Keenan Redmond, both converted by Carl Gardner, gave them the points that keep them on the tails of league leaders Beeches.

n?The current Hampshire Bowl is what was formerly the Hampshire Cup and not the competition that Guernsey won two seasons ago, which is now called the Hampshire Plate.

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