Guernsey and Jersey dominated proceedings yesterday as the old rivals swapped top spot throughout an exciting evening in the pool and sea and on the track.Jersey held sway in the pool to collect four vital golds, including Damien Boucheré’s third individual title of the week, but the pre-ordained star of the Games, Sarnian Dale Garland, once again produced the goods on the track to collect another three golds and help Guernsey to finish the penultimate day one gold ahead.Jersey collected two superb firsts in the sailboarding, with Rob McAllister taking the men’s individual title.
But with Guernsey virtually guaranteed gold medals in the final stages of the badminton and athletics, it will need a great effort for Jersey to overhaul them again.Jersey’s young, almost developmental team in many sports have proved their worth and more.
Jersey actually have, at the end of day five, ten more medals in total than their hosts and a whopping 34 more than third-placed Isle of Man.Even on a special night on the track for Guernsey, Jersey still produced performances of which to be proud, none more so than when Claire Lidster claimed her second hurdles crown of the Games.Jersey’s shooters and archers continue to pile on silvers and bronzes, while playing for third place is the prize awaiting both our football teams after yesterday’s 2-1 defeat for the men against the Isle of Man.And Jersey is poised to finish the day in style on the tennis courts, with Jeremy Cross going for individual gold once again and for doubles glory with Jonathan Pankhurst.
