Alton's mini-tour to Jersey kicked off with a match against Guernsey, who themselves had flown over especially for the game. Visiting opponents are hard to come by, this was only their second competitive fixture of the season. The boys in green were up for the match and ready even before Alton had reached the changing rooms. Respective head coaches Dai and Geraint bemoaned another Welsh loss in the 6 Nations on Friday night and hoped for better from their lads.

All 23 tourists from Alton took part in the match which resulted in a 10 tries to 1 victory but credit must go to the Guernsey team who stuck at it and were never less than enthusiastic and willing. Individual skills and runs were the main features of Guernsey's play and in the end they were outdone by Alton's greater coherence and shape ... overlaps were always available once Guernsey's defensive structure had been broken by a few phases of play.

Alton's finishing was generally good, though a little white line fever got the better of them in the second half. The final score was unflattering to Guernsey as the match was more competitive in the tight than it might suggest.

The teams retired to Jersey's clubhouse after the match to watch a dour England v Ireland performance in the 6 Nations.

We wish Guernsey all the best for the rest of the season and hope to see them again next year. Any teams considering a hop over to the Channel Islands should stop naval gazing and start fundraising! These guys are well deserving of more support.

Alton points:

Tries - Ralph Andrews, Charlie Rands (2), Joe Gwyther, Ed Simmons (3), Ed Pasfield, Josh Smith, Jack Messenger

Conversions - Joe Gwyther (3), Ed Simmons