Substantial revenue loss likely for Raiders

‘We have suggested an indefinite postponement, but I don’t known as to when,’ admitted a frustrated Raiders chairman Charles McHugh yesterday.

The big game at Footes Lane was scheduled for Saturday 2 May, a date the Raiders had fought long and hard for due to Jersey Reds’ reluctance to work around their Championship schedule.

So with that in mind and the likely heavy financial penalty of not getting the game played, McHugh is counting the cost.

‘They [Jersey Reds] need to take it to their committee and we are waiting for an answer.

‘It is, of course, impossible to play it in the current circumstances.’

As to the loss of revenue caused by a Siam postponement or, heaven forbid, a cancellation, McHugh refused to give a figure.

‘I don’t know the answer – but it is substantial.’

Guernsey Raiders would have been many people’s favourites to win the anniversary game for what is rugby’s second oldest cup.

Had the game gone ahead and the English Championship schedule not been brought to a halt by the Coronavirus crisis, Jersey would have faced the problem of fielding two sides on the same day.

This was after months of behind-the-scenes wrangling, with player eligibility also stretching the patience of both clubs.

Ultimately, Jersey Reds conceded that there was ‘no realistic alternative to this date, leaving all concerned to make the best of it’, said a club statement.