'Craig was goaded'

GUERNSEY Table Tennis Association president Derek Webb refuses to enter into a war of words with his Jersey counterparts, despite disappointment in their reaction to the Sarnian complaints about Craig Gascoyne's behaviour.

Jersey have confirmed they will not be taking any action against Gascoyne after his emotional display at the Geoff Reed Table Tennis Centre on Saturday night.

In the Green Trophy match, Gascoyne (pictured) moved towards a section of spectators, who included former vice-presidents of the GTTA and their wives, and gestured with both arms after he won his match against Phil Ogier.

The JTTA sports development officer was shown a yellow card by the match umpire during the match when his frustration boiled over and he whacked the ball hard on the floor and towards his opponent.

Jersey team manager Clive Hansford said: 'Craig was a little over the top. It was his way of showing his passion and he reacted to a little bit of goading by the supporters.

'These things happen in the heat of battle, Craig was wound up and I called a time out to calm him down. I'm disappointed Guernsey are making a mountain out of a molehill. There is passion in the matches and this has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again.'