Matt Banahan

JERSEYMAN Matt Banahan’s try-scoring debut for England in Saturday’s defeat in the Barbarians friendly has immediately been rewarded with a place in the national squad for a two-match series against Argentina.

The former Jersey RFC and Siam Cup player’s call-up promises to make him the first Jerseyborn player to be capped at international level as he steps up from the England Saxons’ Churchill Cup squad.

Banahan’s late try in the left-hand corner gave England fans some hopes of a rousing finish at Twickenham, but Martin Johnson’s men were kept out to give the star-studded Baa-Baas – a famous international invitational side – a 33-26 victory.

But the left-wing impressed England’s World Cup winning captain enough for him to promote him into the squad to face Argentina this month, first at Old Trafford, Manchester, this Saturday, then the away fixture in Salta on 13 June.

Banahan, watched by his parents, Ann and Malcolm, put in a typically dynamic performance, with the highlight obviously being his a try after being picked out by Andy Goode’s cross-field kick. ‘It was a good experience and I was quite happy with my performance,’ said Banahan. ‘Hopefully I have shown I am not out of my depth. When you play against people of the calibre of Doug Howlett you know you have got to step up. I really enjoyed it and it was nice to put myself in a position to score a try.’