JERSEY, seeking their fourth consecutive European Mixed Touch title, got their campaign off to an excellent start yesterday afternoon by beating hosts Scotland 6-3 in Edinburgh.

Two tries from captain Arnou Helmholt-Kneisel and others from Chris Veal, Andy Morgan, Kevin McGinty and Mark Knight gave them a great boost as they bid to follow up successes in Edinburgh, Cardiff and, two years ago, Jersey.

A heavy defeat against the guesting New Zealand Academy will not have damaged morale, with Helmholt-Kneisel scoring the try in a 14-1 reverse, as the result does not count in the championships.

Touch development officer Dan McDowell was pleased with the whole squad’s performance, particularly as the men’s and ladies teams are on a experience-gaining programme.

‘It’s been a good day for everyone,’ he said.

Other results: Men – lost 14-1 to Wales (Luke Fisher try).

Ladies: Lost 6-2 to Germany (Sam de Gruchy, Mary Blampied) and lost 2-0 to Scotland Over-30s.

The championships continue today and tomorrow.