Regnard dismissal blackens a good day

PROMOTION is still the aim for Guernsey as their unbeaten home record in London Three South-West this season remains intact. A useful London Irish Amateur outfit were defeated 21-8 on Saturday in heavy rain and strong wind at Foote's Lane.

However, the Sarnians might have to do without two-try-scorer James Regnard due to suspension after he was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

Captain Andy Bailey admitted that the dismissal, which he felt was harsh given the horrendous conditions, took some of the shine off the performance, but he was still content.

'We played some good rugby in the first half,' said Bailey, whose team were playing with the wind in the dry opening period.

'There were tries and points to be scored and we did that well.

'In the second half when the rain came, it was difficult to put any phases together, but it is good fun to play in those conditions because it is all about putting the big hits in.

'We backed our skills out there at the end of the day and came away with a good win. They scored a nice try and fair play to them for the way they keep coming at us, but it was a deserved result for us.'

Nick Barton added 11 points with the boot to go with Regnard's two touchdowns.

Guernsey now have a week off before visiting Winchester for their final match of 2007.

'We are looking to win that one, then start afresh in the new year. You never know what can happen, people can lose games and we want to keep the pressure on those teams above us, Bailey said.