2nds undefeated run ends

A disappointing result away at Beeches ended Guernsey 2nds hopes of topping the JRA table, but the team did well to fight back into contention in the second half.

From the kick off Guernsey struggled to contain the strong Beeches runners, and missed first-up tackles were to be their undoing as Beeches crashed through at the fringes of rucks and were much more aggressive at the breakdown. Three tries and a conversion meant that Guernsey trailed 17-0 at the break.

Beeches extended the lead to 24-0 immediately after the break and this seemed to finally wake Guernsey up. One aspect that had been working all game for the seconds was the line-out and it was from a quick ball that the backs were released. Ben Challinor looked like he had run himself out of space, but he put a neat kick down the line which Mark Stone gathered and managed to ride a desperate trip attempt from a Beeches player to score in the corner. Andy Rigden slotted the conversion from the touchline and the black-and-greens heads were lifted.

Ten minutes later, Guernsey were on the scoresheet again. A quick tap penalty by Carl Gardner allowed Callum Murdoch to make good yards before being held up. The ball was quickly recycled and Challinor made for the line before offloading in the tackle, Stone gathered the loose ball and released Barry Goude to dot down in the left corner for 24-12.

With Guernsey full of confidence, Rigden narrowed the margin to 9 with an excellent long range penalty, however the comeback was quickly halted. From the re-start Guernsey gave away possession allowing Beeches to add to their lead and effectively kill off any hopes the 2nds had. Beeches managed another try late on and Guernsey had lost for the first time after a seven match unbeaten run.

Coach Dave Wallace will no doubt have the team working on defence this week ahead of the visit of Jersey 2nds, however positives to take from the game were the performance of the line out and a very promising debut from Sam Stables.

Team: James O'Reilly, Callum Murdoch, Matt Bacon (Craig Wilson); Sam Yabsley, Kit Hughes; Leon Gardner, Richard Hile, Rory Quesnel; Carl Gardner, Andy Rigden; Will Luscombe, Ben Challinor; Mark Stone, Sam Stables, Barry Goude. Subs not used: Jordan Barber, Hayden Dempsey

Scorers: Tries - Mark Stone, Barry Goude; Conversion - Andy Rigden; Penalty - Andy Rigden