Channel Islands Triumph Over Poland in Thrilling Match

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: The Channel Islands team beat Poland 38-27 in their second annual "international" match.

This match, held in St. Peter, Jersey, showcased the growing competitiveness of in the Channel Islands, which consist of Jersey and Guernsey. The Channel Islands have a rich heritage, with both islands having their own clubs and a history of friendly rivalry. The match against Poland marks a significant step in international competition for the islands, which have previously faced off against other nations in a friendly capacity.

Jack McFarlane crossed in the left corner to give the hosts a ninth-minute lead, highlighting the Channel Islands' early aggression and strategic play. However, the Polish team quickly responded with two penalties from Dan Tomanek, allowing them to take a 6-5 lead after just 16 minutes. This quick turnaround illustrated Poland's resilience and tactical discipline, traits that are essential in international .

As the first half progressed, Anthony Armstrong went over on the right wing, putting the Channel Islands back in front at 10-6. This try was crucial as it allowed the hosts to regain momentum. The match continued to be competitive, with both sides demonstrating their skills and determination. Charlie Wilkinson was mauled over shortly before half-time, extending the lead for the Channel Islands to 17-6 after Polish prop Peet Vorster was sent to the sin-bin for foul play. This incident underscored the physical nature of the match, with both teams willing to push the boundaries of legality in pursuit of victory.

Despite being a man down, the Polish team managed to score just before the break, with Patryk Reksulak crossing the Channel Island line. This try brought the score to 17-13 at halftime, keeping Poland firmly in the contest. The ability of the Polish team to score while a player was in the sin-bin reflects their tactical prowess and adaptability in challenging situations.

In the second half, Armstrong continued to shine, scoring an excellent try to extend the Channel Islands' lead to 24-13 after 55 minutes. His performance was instrumental in maintaining the momentum for the home side. However, the match took another turn when Channel Islands prop Huw Owen was yellow-carded seven minutes later, once again putting the team at a numerical disadvantage.

Remarkably, the Channel Islands managed to score again despite being a man down. Armstrong’s leadership and vision on the field were evident as he set up Scott van Breda to score in the corner, making it 31-20. This moment was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, even when facing adversity.

Poland, ranked 30th in the world, was not ready to concede defeat. They pulled back a try six minutes later when Jersey-based international Eryk Swiech crossed the line, narrowing the gap to 31-20. This score reinvigorated the Polish side, instilling them with the belief that they could still turn the game around.

As the match neared its conclusion, replacement Matt Creber added another try for the Channel Islands, going in from close range, which put the score at 38-20. His contribution off the bench was crucial in sealing the victory for the Channel Islands. However, Reksulak scored a consolation try for Poland in the final moments, bringing the final score to 38-27. This late score highlighted Poland's fighting spirit and determination to end the match on a high note.

This match was notable not just for the scoreline but also for its implications for in the Channel Islands. It was the combined side's second match after they previously defeated Sweden 66-28 at Footes Lane in Guernsey last year. The Channel Islands' ability to compete against international teams is a significant development, as it provides players with valuable experience and exposure to different styles of play.

Nine of the starting side were drawn from the Jersey RFC team, which recently won the Regional One South Central title. This victory has positioned Jersey as a strong contender in the landscape, and the success of their players in this international fixture reinforces their dominance in regional competitions. The remainder of the team came from Guernsey, who recently triumphed in the Siam Cup clash between the two islands in May, further showcasing the talent available across both islands.

Looking ahead, the two islands will face each other in league action for the first time since the 1994-95 season in the upcoming campaign, following Jersey's title win. This matchup is highly anticipated and is expected to reignite the rivalry between the two islands, adding another layer of excitement to the local scene.

Coach Myles Landick expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, "I'm over the moon for the playing group. Having one training session and then 20 minutes before we started the warm-up to go through some details, I thought it was absolutely fantastic." His comments reflect the challenges faced by teams that come together for international matches with limited preparation time. Building relationships and team cohesion is critical, and Landick noted that the players were working hard for each other, which is a positive sign for future competitions.

Landick also acknowledged the challenges posed by the Polish team, stating, "Credit to Poland, they were a tough, physical side, but ultimately what a day it's been down here." This recognition of the opposition's strengths is important in smanship and reflects the competitive spirit of the match. As both teams continue to develop and improve, this encounter may serve as a stepping stone for future international fixtures, fostering greater competition and camaraderie in the community.

In summary, the Channel Islands' victory over Poland not only demonstrates their growing prowess in but also sets the stage for exciting future matchups, both locally and internationally. The experiences gained from such fixtures will be invaluable for the players and the overall development of in the Channel Islands.