Fog leaves Griffiths and St Jacques seeing red
Friday 30th October 2009, 2:29PM GMT.
ST JACQUES boss Chris Griffiths was left seething after fog meant that the majority of his team were late for their match at Jersey Wanderers, which they went on to lose narrowly 24-22.
The coach (pictured) and 10 of his players were stranded at the airport for five hours on Sunday before they could take off.
Players from rival club Beeches stood in for the Sarnians when the match got under way at the arranged kick-off time of 1pm.
But by the time the remaining Saints players got on the pitch after 15 minutes, they were 7-0 down to Wanderers who had not won a match in two years in the JRA League.
The defeat was also particularly galling for Griffiths considering it was his team’s first of the season and they were second in the table.
‘We were given an ultimatum by the Wanderers captain that kick-off would go ahead at 1pm, regardless that half our team including myself would probably still be stuck in Guernsey due to the fog,’ said Griffiths.
‘As this eventuality did in fact transpire, it came as no surprise to me to find us 7-0 down by the time we arrived pitch-side and that with such ill preparation we performed well below the high standards we have be setting so far this season.
‘We are all absolutely gutted by the outcome and the result of this game will be swept under the rug and forgotten about immediately due to the farcical nature and turn of events.’
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Island Life
All about Guernsey
Ambassador of the Year 2011
History & Heritage
Visitor Information
Guernsey's government
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Useful Links
Sour grapes….beaten by the better side
Report abuse
“you can always tell the nature of a man when you meet him on the sports pitch” hardly very sporting of our fellow islanders.
Report abuse
What a farce! You can’t really blame him for being hacked off considering players from another team had to step in because Wanderers couldn’t delay kick-off, even for 15 minutes, to allow for a situation beyond their control.
I wonder, considering it was another team’s players that lost the first 7 points, perhaps they should be deducted from the total score giving St Jacques the win 22-17? ;-)
Report abuse
In the past years, St Jacques has never let the JRA down, sometimes only travelling with 12 men just to fulfill their game and contribute to island rugby.
Matches has been cancelled by the unwillingness for Jersey sides to make the two trips over rather then the five (at least) needed by the Guernsey sides.
Nothing short of disgusting how Wanderers decided to handle the situation when they were the home side.
Bad result for the sport of rugby in general.
Can not wait until the rematch………….KGV 5th December….oh yes
Angry and Upset Rugby Supporter
Report abuse
Mr Dewhurst what sort of comment is that? Looking at the facts – which I believe to be 100% accurate, it’s hardly sour grapes. Starting a game with half your team and the opposition refusing to wait a further 30 minutes or an hour for the rest of your team to arrive is absolutely absurd – in fact I don’t think I’ve heard of a more “un-sporting” act of behaviour. I think Jersey Wanderers should take a long hard look at themselves and if I were them call the game null and void and offer a re-match at a suitable venue and time that suits St Jacques…
An annoyed and disappointed (JERSEY) rugby fan!
Report abuse
The Guernsey XV were also stuck at the airport at the same time. However their opposition, Guildford, afforded them a 40 minute delayed kick off, as we have done many times here for visiting teams. Very disppointing at a time when most Channel Island teams are developing better relations for the good of our sport.
Report abuse
G.Hadin – Correct as a Jersey man its disgusting not to move the KO back. What a shame.
It must also be pointed out to the GRUFC Member that your club cancelled an away match to Jersey 2 weeks ago! JRFC offered to travel to you! And yet you said we don’t have a team! We even offered to play your 1stn team as they didn’t have match and yet still no game!! What kind of show is that?
Report abuse