JERSEY’S golfers were celebrating a record-breaking weekend after winning the inter-insular in Guernsey.

JERSEY’S golfers were celebrating a record-breaking weekend after winning the inter-insular in Guernsey, writes Lauren Gouyette.

Steve Bowen’s men retained the Challenge Trophy for a record fourth consecutive victory, winning 11 1/2 to 8 1/2, while the junior and seniors individual titles were also retained.

Playing at L’Ancresse, Jersey won four of the five fourball matches on Saturday before starting Sunday in a similar fashion, winning three of their foursomes and taking a half in one to carry a five-point lead going into the singles event.

The highlight of the morning came as experienced Guernsey player Mick Marley holed his tee shot in one at the third hole for his seventh career ace.

Making his debut for Jersey, Craig Neilson picked up the first point of the singles session with a 1-up win over Danny Blondel before Alex Guelpa beat Tom Le Huray 7 and 5 to take Jersey to within half a point of victory.

However, that crucial half-point remained elusive as the Sarnians won the next five rubbers – Guernsey’s Marley then denting James Birch’s hopes of clinching the silverware as he birdied the final two holes.

But it was Andy Clarke who sealed the win for the Caesareans as he took a full point on the last green from Sean Mills.

Following that, Paul Le Chevalier had a 1 up win over Dave Nicolle and Richard Ramskill suffered a defeat at the hands of Nigel Vaudin to take the overall score to Jersey 11.5, Guernsey 8.5.

‘I am delighted.

The team played exceptionally well,’ said captain Steven Bowen.

‘It’s always hard to win in Guernsey, on their own course and in front of their own supporters, and they certainly gave us a tough match, especially in the singles, where they came back at us very hard.

Special ‘It was significant for us because we have now won four times in a row, which is a record for either team, and also this was the first time we have won in consecutive years in Guernsey.

‘It was a great team effort and I think the key for us was our team spirit, which was first-class.

Everyone played well, but special mention should go to Paul Le Chevalier, Alex Guelpa and Craig Neilson, who won all their matches; Andy Clarke who had two wins and a half, and young Chris Young, who won two out of three on his debut – a great achievement.

It just shows the strength of golf we have in the Island.’ Paul Aitkens of the Jersey Western Golf Club, who turned 18 on Friday, provided himself with late birthday present when he defeated Guernsey’s Danny Carré 3 and 1 on Saturday to become the CI Junior Champion.

La Moye’s Bart McCarthy made it an Island double in the seniors’ event when he beat former champion Mickey King of host club L’Ancresse GC, finishing one up.