Never underestimate the Herm rugby team.
THEY started off as the underdogs, having trained together for only a matter of weeks, but recently Herm’s rugby team beat Sark 39-0.
According to some, this was one of the few times Sark will have been favourites to win against another island. But despite the lack of confidence in them, the Herm boys went on to show they should never be underestimated.
The side was put together by Tom Harvey, who both works as a ‘truckie’ and helps out with the cow herd. With a limited population to choose from, fellow truckies, campsite wardens, luggage porters and even Trident staff were recruited to join the team. They have been getting together one night a week for the past couple of months to prepare for the game.
There were restrictions on how many supporters could be taken over, but the few who did made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in number.
‘There were only five of us, but the Sark team were so welcoming and friendly,’ said Herm resident Katell Murphy. ‘They couldn’t have been nicer to us. We were a bit nervous at first because it was Herm’s first-ever game, but we were so proud of them. Pretty much the minute Sark got the ball, we were on them.’
This was Katell’s first rugby match and she loved every minute of it. ‘I know absolutely nothing about rugby, but still it was so exciting.’
Despite some of the team being new to the game, several showed remarkable skill and speed.
The Herm team didn’t win any scrums or line-outs, but sealed their victory with several tries, drop goals and conversions.
Fortunately there were relatively few injuries. Gift shop assistant manager Edwin Dyer came off worst, receiving a studded boot to the head and eye.
‘It was worth a couple of war wounds,’ said Edwin. ‘It certainly won’t put me off playing again. It felt good to win and we can’t wait for our next game.’
To their credit, the Sark team were gracious in defeat.
‘Their hospitality couldn’t have been better,’ said Herm gardener James Cordingley, who went over as a sub but ended up playing from the start.
‘They bought drinks in the clubhouse and made us feel really welcome. Unfortunately, the current Herm team will be dispersing as summer staff leave, but we’re hoping to get a few matches together next year. We’d love to play Sark again, because they made it a really good night.’
It goes without saying that the post-match celebrations at the Mermaid Tavern went on well into the night.
