Martin Desperques. (Picture by David Ferguson, 0762009)

‘HOME advantage’ were the key words from both captains as Jersey regained the snooker inter-insular trophy at the Mechanics Institute on Saturday night with a 6-4 win.

A partisan crowd and electric atmosphere had helped guide Guernsey to a dramatic victory on home soil last year, but a more sombre environment and lightning fast table saw the Lieut-Col RW Randall Challenge Cup change hands for a third year running.

‘I thought we were going to sneak it at the end, but it’s one of those things,’ pondered a disappointed Guernsey captain Adam Shorto, ‘but we’ll get it back next year – home advantage counts for a lot.’

Jersey skipper Gary Britton agreed. ‘Home advantage is really important,’ he said.

‘We also got off to a good start this time, which is vital, but there were some close frames that could have gone either way.’

Britton’s words summed up the pivotal moments of a hard fought contest between two closely matched sides.