Jersey prevailed 45-19 at the St Clement’s Sports Hub, marking a drastic reversal of the 30-point victory the Sarnians achieved last September and the sixth straight time the hosting island has won padel’s inter-insular silverware.
Guernsey put up a real fight in the open men’s competition, where they were edged 9-7, but then suffered 12-4 defeats in the women’s equivalent and both veteran-45 categories.
Captain Olly Cull admitted it had been a ‘tough weekend’ for his team.
‘Traditionally the away side has always struggled to compete well because of the difficulty in getting a full team out, and this year was no different,’ he said.
‘Last year we dominated Jersey at home, and this year in our away tie, Jersey did the same to us.
‘The men’s open category came down to one match, which we just missed out on winning, but the other three categories unfortunately weren’t as close this year.’
Even with Great Britain starlet Chloe de la Mare absent due to FIP World Cup qualifying commitments, the majority of Guernsey’s victories came under her family name.
Cull joined teenager Liam de la Mare to win all four of their matches against Jersey, who were led by former tennis doubles elite Scott Clayton and Dutch star Marnix Van Dalen.
The No 1 women’s pairing of Chantelle de la Mare and Lauren Watson-Steele won all of their matches bar the very top contest, where they fell to Natasha Forrest and Suzy Cornic.
The de la Mares accounted for 10 of Guernsey’s total 19 points when factoring in Matt’s victory in the men’s veterans and that of Michelle de Villiers – who previously shared the surname – claiming two in the women’s 45-plus.
Jersey’s turnaround was particularly evident in that latter category, where they were whitewashed 16-0 last year.
‘All credit to Jersey – they had a strong team out and a team full of depth and the better side won,’ Cull added.
‘Onto next year, where we hope to flip it back in our favour.’
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