Guernsey Rugby players made history

Guernsey won the Siam Cup 22-13 on home soil for the first time in 13 years, making history in the process.

For the first time in 40 years they retained the trophy after a close first half saw them go in only 10-8 ahead.

More than 2,000 fans urged Guernsey on as hooker Paul Thomas scored on the wing before Jim Reynard made sure of victory in the dying moments.

Ecstatic captain Andy Bailey said: "From start to finish we led. I'm so proud the guys put a huge effort in."

Highlights from the 2008 Siam Cup with commentator Alex South

Man of the match Jim Elliott started the scoring with a Guernsey try before Jersey took the lead 8-5 via a Jonny Swift penalty and a try from flanker Graham Bell.

Hooker Thomas, a late replacement for Lawrence Hill-Tout, scored a try to give Guernsey that slender half-time lead.

Man of the match Jim Elliott scored the first try

Guernsey captain Andy Bailey missed a really good chance to score at the start of the second when he dropped the ball just five metres out.

The pressure on Jersey continued before Thomas popped up on the left wing to make it 15-8.

New Zealander Sam Tuia battled his way through the Guernsey back line to bring Jersey to within two points at 15-13. But, with full time approaching, Reynard stretched the gap with a try. Nick Barton's conversion left the Jersey side trailing by nine points 22-13.