This Is Guernsey

By Joel de Woolfson

Guernsey’s Dominic Heaume contemplates another Muratti defeat on penalties, but yesterday’s was even crueller as his team led into injury time. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0574878)

GUERNSEY was a minute away from the perfect bank holiday weekend yesterday.

But an injury time equaliser by Jersey in the Muratti broke Sarnian hearts. The Caesareans went on to win on penalties at Springfield after Guernsey had led 1-0 for most of the match.

Five Guernsey fans were arrested for minor offences and three were still in custody today. It was a sour end to the busiest bank holiday weekend ever.

It had started so well with victory in the Siam Cup on Saturday as Guernsey’s rugby team retained the trophy for the first time in 46 years.

Guernsey’s women won their Muratti when they ended Jersey’s six-year run.

Then there was Guernsey Live on Saturday and Sunday and yesterday there was horse racing, the World Aid Walk and a hill climb.

Festival-goers enjoyed fine weather on Saturday and weren’t put off by the drizzle on Sunday as Guernsey Live was hailed a success by organisers and crowds.

Likewise, punters at yesterday’s Guernsey Race Club meeting at L’Ancresse braved the miserable weather.

The well-supported World Aid Walk continued its success as more than 800 people raised money for five international charities.

Mike O’Hara, deputy Culture and Leisure minister, said the array of events over the weekend had been a credit to the island.

‘It’s been fantastic,’ he said. ‘There was an unbelievable number of events taking place. It dispels the myth that there is never anything for people to do in Guernsey.’

Deputy O’Hara said he had been extremely busy trying to visit them all.

‘I couldn’t get to the Siam Cup, which I was really disappointed about, but what a fantastic achievement by the players,’ he said.

‘That sort of performance gives the whole island a lift.’

He had made it to Guernsey Live and praised its organisers.

‘I went there on Sunday afternoon and I have to say that I thought it was incredibly professional,’ he said.

‘There was also no litter at all and I know the police were delighted with the way it was handled.’

Deputy O’Hara, who will attempt to become minister in today’s elections, said he was particularly impressed with the local bands.

‘I thought Gay Army were absolutely brilliant,’ he said. ‘We have so much talent in the island.’

Although not normally a betting man, he admitted to placing a few bets at yesterday’s racing.

‘I had a bit of a flutter, but whether you win or lose it’s all about having fun and meeting people,’ he said.

‘It was a shame about the weather, but it brought a real sense of camaraderie.

‘Guernsey is a great place to live and I’m always really enthusiastic about the number of quality events put on in the island.’

Victorious Siam Cup captain Andy Bailey said his team’s celebrations had gone on into the early hours.

‘There were quite a few sore heads when we met up on Sunday to watch the highlights,’ he said.

‘We took the cup around Town on Saturday night and it was a great feeling. We were really well received by everyone.’

Jersey’s team is semi-professional and will play two leagues above Guernsey next season.

Mr Bailey said the size of his team’s achievement should not be underestimated.

‘We have a great set of players and with the resources we have we are punching well above our weight,’ he said.