THE Jersey men’s representative team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of their All England counterparts in the annual International match played in Surrey.

The final score of 22-11 was about right but at one stage it looked as if the margin of defeat in the 11-a-side match might be even greater.Thankfully for Jersey the later players managed to rally and to put a more respectable slant on the scoreline.First, Graeme Bisson of The Landmark came from behind to defeat Berkshire County player Paul Sainsbury.

There then followed a brace of game wins from Dennis Helleur of The Trinity Arms who beat former World champion Bernie McClusky 2-0 and Landmark’s Peter Fann who disposed of Oxford’s Peter Farrelly.In the first half of the draw there were leg wins for Nigel Ryall, Graeme Le Monnier and Peter Noel.

Although all lost their matches on aggregate, the wins did put points on the board for the Island side.

Late on in the proceedings there was another leg win for Steve Ahier although by then England were assured of retaining the trophy they won in Jersey 2003.The games were once again played in the best of spirit as befits the near 25-year history of the event.

The four specially-prepared tables proved to be quite tricky, if rather slow.

Although they probably suited the hosts better, it is fair to say that they definitely played the better bar billiards on the night and were full value for the victory.