The Guernsey Rugby Academy’s trip to the Isle of Man got off to a rocky start, but that didn’t stop the teams from enjoying a successful day of friendly matches with the air-linked Island.
Guernsey was competing with various Isle of Man teams in a Junior Rugby Kickstarter event; over 70 matches were scheduled for the under 14s up to the under 18s. It was one of the first contact rugby events to be held in the British Isles since lockdown was introduced.
But the day began with a hiccup that could have spelled disaster. Just before the chartered Aurigny flight was meant to make its final approach, it made a right turn for Manchester Airport, landing there just after 09:00.
According to a joint statement from Aurigny and the Isle of Man government, the delay was caused by a ‘communication breakdown,’ which resulted in the Air Traffic Control on the Island being closed at the time of the flight.
Fantastic days rugby at Douglas RUFC grounds yesterday, many thanks to all the teams, players, supporters and organisers for their efforts in making it a special day. A special thanks goes out to Guernsey Academy for making the long day trip to the Island.https://t.co/feOH33kT8M
— Douglas RUFC (@DouglasRUFC) August 10, 2020
“Both the Isle of Man Government and Aurigny would like to apologise for the delay incurred,” said a spokesperson. “The flight continued on to the Isle of Man with no further issues and the return flight was delayed to ensure that the rugby match was completed in good time.”
The Guernsey teams landed at Ronaldsway at around 12:15, and made their way on to the pitch for a full afternoon of friendly matches.
The Douglas Rugby Club will return the favour on 15 August, when they travel to Guernsey for matches against the Guernsey Raiders and Guernsey Vikings.
Pictured Top: Younger teams from the Guernsey Rugby Academy enjoyed a full afternoon of matches in an event with the Isle of Man, in spite of a delay in arriving on the Island
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