Greens’ glory era brought to a halt

For the first time in six years the Caesareans won both the men’s and women’s 1st XI clashes, the Reds men winning 4-2 and their women 4-1, both played at Les Quennevais.

Guernsey women’s coach David Wray reflected: ‘We had a good run for five years and I guess runs have to come to end, but it was disappointing.

‘We didn’t play as well as we could’ve done today, we got behind to a scrappy little goal and at 2-1 at half-time we were still well in the game. We had a few good chances and then just a mad couple of minutes and suddenly we’re 4-1 down.’

Jersey captain Natacha Kay admitted the game was a lot closer than the score-line suggested, after guiding her side to a hard-fought win.

Goals from Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Joni Gorman and a brace from Lisa Grant-Phillips saw Guernsey lose their grip on the trophy for the first time since 2012.

Lizzi Stonebridge scored the Guernsey goal from a penalty corner.

‘The girls were really keen this year to get the most out of the opportunities that they felt they’ve had in the past but hadn’t really converted,’ said Jersey assistant coach Simon Watling. ‘Looking at today’s game, we made better decisions in the attacking D and looked much more composed.

‘At 2-1 it was a little bit in the balance and lucky enough we scored two quick goals and that probably killed it off for us.’

In the men’s clash, the Sarnians succumbed to a lively first-half display from the hosts and a spirited second-half defensive effort at Les Quennevais.

Goals from Peter Millar (2), Harry Goss and Nick Ferraby in a frenetic opening 35 minutes set the platform, with Sam Dawes and Ben Cormack responding, but the Reds had to withstand plenty of pressure, particularly in the early part of the second period, to ensure they also won the annual clash against their rivals for the first time since 2012.