This Is Guernsey

A LARGE South African contingent was celebrating in Town on Saturday night as the Springboks broke English hearts at the Rugby World Cup final. The Cock and Bull was standing room only from mid-afternoon as people crammed into the pub, forcing others to queue to get in from 6pm onwards.

Those lucky enough to get through the door enjoyed the match in a fantastic atmosphere, with large groups of South African and English fans watching the final together.

Springboks fan Dee Khushal was ecstatic at the final whistle.

‘It’s such an amazing thing,’ said the 28-year-old. ‘The last time we won was in 1995, so it’s really good to be back on top again.

‘Nelson Mandela gave a speech to the guys before the game, which was really touching. I bet everyone at home is having a massive party and we will as well.’

Conrad Geyser, 23, thought it was a unbelievable achievement by South Africa.

‘It was a long time coming,’ he said. ‘I have had so many text messages from friends back home - it’s fantastic.

‘Hopefully this will take the politics out of sport in South Africa. Our coach is leaving because of the politics and there is no place for that in sport.

‘We had a group of about 20 South Africans in the pub and it was very special being in Guernsey with all the English supporters.’

For every happy South African in St Peter Port, there was an equally unhappy England fan.

Katie-Jo Ford-Parker was one of those left disappointed. ‘I was gutted. It was really good for the first 30 minutes, but then it went downhill,’ said the 18-year-old.

Jo Bellis said she thought England had been unlucky.

‘It was a good game and there was a really good atmosphere in Town,’ said the 32-year-old.

‘England did well to even be in the final because nobody thought we had a chance at the start of the tournament.’