Channel Islands rugby team triumphs over Poland

The Channel Islands rugby union team beat Poland 38-27 in their second annual international match held in Jersey. Jack McFarlane crossed the line in the left corner to give the hosts a lead in the ninth minute. Two penalties by Dan Tomanek allowed Poland to come back, taking a 6-5 lead after 16 minutes. Anthony Armstrong responded by scoring a try on the right wing, putting the Channel Islands back ahead at 10-6 midway through the first half.

Shortly before halftime, Charlie Wilkinson was mauled over after Polish prop Peet Vorster was sent to the sin-bin. However, the visitors managed to push Patryk Reksulak over the line just before the break, and the hosts led 17-13 at halftime. Armstrong scored an impressive try after 55 minutes, extending the lead to 24-13.

Despite being down a player after prop Huw Owen received a yellow card seven minutes later, the Channel Islands managed to score their fifth try when Armstrong assisted Scott van Breda for a corner try shortly after. The Polish team, ranked 30th in the world, responded six minutes later with a try from Jersey-based international Eryk Swiech, reducing the deficit to 31-20.

Matt Creber, a substitute, sealed the game for the Channel Islands with a try from close range, followed by a consolation try for Poland from Reksulak in the final moments. The match at St Peter in Jersey marked the combined side's second outing after they defeated Sweden 66-28 at Footes Lane in Guernsey last year.

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 20 minutes before the warm-up to go through details was fantastic. Relationships have been built, and they worked hard for each other. We got into good areas but couldn't complete the final pass. Credit to Poland, they were a tough, physical side, but ultimately, what a day it’s been down here."