The game opened up with a heart stopping first five minutes where Guernsey found themselves defending fiercely in their own 22, twice dropping back to defend their own line. Fortunes changed seven minutes into the game with an outstanding break from Arwyn Williams (Captain) passing on to Patrick Carpentier (13) for a lightening run, setting the ball firmly between the posts, ably converted by Jake Swaisland (12)
Points on the board, spirits lifted, Guernsey dominated the scrum, feeding out to a variation of set piece moves; a positive outcome of hard work put in on additional Thursday evening training sessions. The backs kept shape, playing a wide game, with accuracy of pass and pace, fed off an intelligent display from duo, Alex Simpson (9) clearing well to Nathan Bromley (10)
The strong point scoring combination between the centres of Carpentier and Swaisland kept the points coming, going into half-time 24 -5 up.
Brighton opened up the second half with an early break from their 16 followed through with a conversion (11). Clearly, Brighton had now lifted their heads and came back with considerable determination, only to be thwarted by Guernsey’s relentless attack and defensive work, repeatedly being turned over and cleared by second row forwards, Kurt Gardner and Jack Webber. Guernsey held tight with a two pod forward attack discipline, clearing the ruck with relentless disruption coming from flankers Rhys Mellas (6) and Marcus Whitfield (7)
A few simple handling errors as tiredness set in, found Guernsey dropping unnecessary penalties. However in final answer, Patrick Carpentier took a nicely timed pass from John Welborne to carry home his fourth try of the game, once again Jake Swaisland making the conversion to the final whistle, Guernsey 31 points – Brighton 12.
Man of the Match for his debut kicking and accuracy was Centre (12) Jake Swaisland.
Players
Starting 15
Forwards:
Connor Slane
Jack Webber
Finn O’Reilly
Rhys Mallas
Haven Nicolle
Marcus Whitfield
Kurt Gardner
Arwyn Williams
Backs:
Alex Simpson
Jake Swaisland
John Welbourne
Nathan Bromley
Patrick Carpentier
Jake Williams
William Martin
Reserves:
Taliesen Salter
Christen Gomes
Francois Le Poidevin