Guernsey banish Reigatian hoodoo

Old Reigatian 3, Guernsey 11

ANDY BAILEY was a relieved man to put to rest finally the Old Reigatian jinx. Guernsey had not beaten their Surrey rivals in five previous meetings during the three seasons in which the two clubs have been league rivals, albeit friendly ones.

But a fighting display ensured that it was sixth time lucky for the Sarnians.

'It is good to get that monkey off our backs. It made it a good day all round,' said Guernsey captain Bailey.

'It was a really composed defensive display. We did not look like conceding a try.

'It was not a pretty game but we were the ones who created the chances.'

Nick Barton had given Guernsey the lead with a first-half penalty but OR replied in kind before the break as the sides turned around locked at 3-3.

Guernsey's persistence paid off in the second half, though, as James Regnard went over for the game's only try and Barton added a further penalty for good measure.

Bailey was delighted with the way his side coped with the conditions at the Reigate ground.

'It is a strange pitch with the way it slopes down towards one corner and it was the first time we have played it well,' he said.

'Peter Miers had a stand-out game, but everyone played well. It was a day when an all-round team effort was needed to get a result and we ground out the win impressively, which is something we have not done well generally this season.'

Guernsey now have a two-week break before they host KCS Old Boys at Foote's Lane on Saturday 17 February.