Games off to a flying start!

Monday 27th June 2011, 3:00PM BST.

Simon Phelan soars over the bar in the high jump to take gold in the Isle of Wight Picture: DAVID FERGUSON (01249352)

JERSEY’S sports stars were aiming for the top in the NatWest Island Games yesterday – including high-jump gold medallist Simon Phelan.

The team notched up eight medals on the first day of competition in the Isle of Wight, including two golds.

But there was bad news for cyclist Chris Spence, who suffered a broken collarbone in a huge crash in a men’s race, and half-marathon runner Katie Thompson, who was forced to quit because of a stress fracture.

Fourteen riders were injured in yesterday’s cycling pile-up, which happened in the Town Criterium, but Jersey’s Greg Mansell managed to win silver in the restarted race.

• See today’s JEP for full reports, pictures and results

• More news from the Games: Click here

View more: Island Games news.