Guernsey………. 49
pts Oxford Quins….27pts
OXFORD Harlequins found their first visit to Guernsey tough going, but battled well to leave with a bonus-try point yesterday afternoon.
Oxford struck first with Ewan Fox slotting over a penalty in the 13th minute.
The Raiders soon added to the score with a catch-and-drive try, hooker Tom Ceillam coming up with the ball to score – Ciaran McGann adding the two points.
Raiders’ scrum-half Sam Boyland stole the ball from a Oxford lineout to run clear and score. McGann adding the conversion.
Raiders’ Antony Armstrong penetrating runs paid dividends when he set up Liam Welch for his try. Again McGann converting.
Oxford’s impressive Ewan Fox’s injury lead to his replacement Samuel Moorby scoring in a corner as they continued to attack.
Raiders’ McGann’s cross kick found Ethan Smith who attacked the Oxford defence, Joshua Poullett following up to drive over the line. McGann kicking the conversion
TEAMS
GUERNSEY: Armstrong, Col-bourne, McGann, Dawe, Smith, Simmonds, Boyland, Poullett, Welch, Creber, Hackett, Hillier, Dromantas, Ceillam, Steventon
Replacements: Le Noury, Bray, Webb, Thomas, Sayer
OXFORD HARLEQUINS: Yeates, Pigott, Hammond, Field, Van Dijk, Fox, Burn, Bicknell, Todd, Bodinham, Hayton, Purchase, Hopkins, Boarder, Manning
Replacements: Smith, Moorby, Fountaine, Painton, Vernede
REFEREE: Alex Rowe
ATTENDANCE: 587
Star player Antony Armstrong -Guernsey
Raiders added to the score as Armstrong’s strong running bought him a brace of tries as he finished off the Raiders backs moves. McGann adding both conversions.
Oxford continued to take the game to the home side. Edward Yeates’ try and conversion followed by Harry Burns’ run in, also converted by Yeates, bought Oxford back in to the game.
Raiders took notice and returned with another try as Owen Thomas and Boyland’s inter passing lead to Thomas try. McGann converting.
Oxford added the bonus-point try as they forced Raiders defence with Archie van Dijk touching down.
Oxford coach Lee Irvine was delighted with the bonus point especially against a strong Guernsey side.
Raiders’ coach Reynolds, was happy with the win, but disappointed with the team’s poor tackling. He was delighted that the players had come off the park with no injuries following the last few games.
Guernsey director of rugby Jordan Reynolds added: “It was a very stop-start game with lots of penalties that halted the momentum of the contest. I’m really pleased to have got the win as this puts us one step closer to our pre-season goal of making the top six.
“Oxford Harlequins are a good side that caused us problems by moving us around, so credit to the lads for coming through the challenge posed by them.”
Next up for Guernsey is a trip to high-flying Dorking, while Oxford Harlequins will look to bounce back at home when they welcome Havant to Horspath Road.
