AN understrength Jersey Island Abacus swim team failed to regain the Governors Cup from Guernsey on Saturday, but there was still much to admire from the performances at Les Quennevais.

Guernsey won by 48 points (234-186), but that margin hides a six-point victory for Jersey’s girls and some excellent personal best swims.

In the 11-and-under group Jersey were supreme with Grace Le Couilliard, Charlotte Manning and Sophie Van Neste between them taking first and second places in all four individual events.

Katy Glendening joined in for both the relays to complete a clean sweep of victories.

James Walwyn took first place in both the free and back for the youngest boys, with good swims also coming from Matthew Le Marrec, Myles Renouf and George Milner.

The 12/13 groups were more even, with the girls’ quartet of Emma Glendening, Abigail Lucas, Francesca Vincent and Nathalie Le Cuirot winning the medley relay.

Kerrie Smith and Danielle de Bourcier also made valuable contributions.

Lucas’s win in the 100 breast was particularly impressive, moving ahead with just 20 metres remaining.

The boys matched the girls’ relay win, but this time in the freestyle.

Daniel Galloway, Elliot Sweet, Kyle Hamilton and Tom Gallichan just edged it with an exciting finish.

Gallichan was first in the backstroke and there were good swims, too, from the improving Martin Perkins and Ross du Feu.

The 14/15 group girls, Sarah Hassell, Jemma Carter, Jay Bichard and Jacy Brown, got under way with an explosive and record-breaking start in the freestyle relay.

Jacy won both the back and breast events.

Carter and Hassell swam to second places in the back and breast, as did Rebecca Le Maistre in the fly.

Michael Le Couilliard, Sam Fernandes, JJ Gallichan and Alex Harrison were up against exceptional competition, but nonetheless, got close to their Sarnian counterparts with many swims at, or near to, personal best times.

The seniors swam well, notably Katie Speller’s three second places and there were good contributions, too, from Sarah Jane Smith, Ashley Cope and Abigail Faudemer.

Simon Le Couilliard produced a stunning swim to win the fly event.

breaking the record in the process.

Ian Black, team captain Stuart Black, Justin Jégou and Simon Abels all made valuable contributions.

The next important event in Jersey is the AIB Tigers Annual Open Meet at Les Quennevais in two weeks.

Jersey Amateur Swimming Association officials thanked all helpers and Abacus Financial Services, the Island swim team sponsors.