Elizabeth Cann helps Jersey to a fifth straight Gilson Cup win over Guernsey

Three-time national badminton champion Elizabeth Cann made a surprise return home to lead Jersey to a fifth straight Gilson Cup win over Guernsey.

The 29-year-old surprised many by making the trip back to Jersey especially for the competition.

Along with Mark Constable and Kim Ashton, Cann led Jersey to a comprehensive 19-11 win.

All three were undefeated, Cann picking up the player of the competition for her performance.

Cann had been on duty in the All England Championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham earlier in the week, only to suffer a first round exit, going down 21-9 21-16 to Chinese seventh seed Lin Wang.

But, despite her surprise reappearance, Cann told BBC Radio Jersey that she was happy to play for her island.

"It's been so many years since I played here," she said. "But it's really good to come back and be part of the team."

Elizabeth's a world-class player and for her to be willing to come back and play for her island is wonderful Jersey Badminton Association President Steve Watson

"It definitely is important for me to play for Jersey and I'm hoping to come back a lot more and give back to the island."

Jersey have now won five times in a row after Guernsey had held the Gilson Cup the previous 27 years.

Jersey Badminton Association President Steve Watson was pleased with his entire team,, although not underestimating the influence of Cann's presence.

"Elizabeth's a world class player and for her to be willing to come back and play for her island is wonderful.

"We're absolutely thrilled she came back. It was a pleasure to watch a class player on court.

"But it is especially pleasing to note that every player in the Jersey team contributed by winning a game, a thorough team performance."

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