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Guernsey’s men did not give Jersey a sniff in their A team clash as they got the inter-insular weekend off to the best possible start.
As the vocal crowd craned their necks on a packed balcony at Beau Sejour they may have rightly yearned for a better view of slick display from the Sarnians who are on a hot streak.
The 3-0 result was the third time on the bounce Jersey have failed to win a set against them, but there promised to be more to come from their rivals as they gain increased experience.
Guernsey took the first set 25-17, the next two by 25-14, in a match that at one point flared, with the referee showing a warning red card for bad conduct as players clashed at the net.
The Green's captain Robbie Le Messurier (pictured below) was presented with the MVP award.
The next day, the Men's B match also resulted in a 3-0 victory for Guernsey, while the junior mixed squad won 3-1.
Jersey, however, came out with a powerful display to turn the tables in the Women's A game.
They did so against the pressure of the clock, because with the time ticking down to be able to get to the airport in time for their flight, they were in danger of having to forfeit the match.
The hosts took the first set 25-20, but then Jersey flipped the script as a tight second set went their way 25-23.
Jersey then hit the accelerator to ensure a 3-1, taking the third set 25-20 and the fourth 25-18.
Jersey's Benedicte Guinard was the MVP.
Guernsey's women now have an eye on turning things around when the sides, who had both previously been unbeaten this season, meet in the Hampshire League next month.
The women's B clash, just like the men's, mirrored the A result.
Guernsey edged a tight first set 25-23, before Jersey swung the contest in the next two 25-11, 25-17.
With the score tied at 24-24 in the fourth, Guernsey were fighting to stay in the contest, but could do nothing as Jersey took the next two points and with it victory.
Hard work behind the scenes continues to pay off for Guernsey.
Coach Neil Elmy's side had gone eight games unbeaten in the Hampshire league before the inter-insulars and that winning streak never looked in danger against Jersey.
For Elmy, only a few minor points made all the difference.
"You've got to praise the lads for their hard work behind the scenes," he said.
That includes more focus on fitness and conditioning this season.
"This time last year we had several injuries, touch wood, this year we've got none. It's been a long season but we're coming to the climax where we really want to perform."
The Guernsey-Jersey fixture always has a special place, he said, one where the team wants to perform in front of a vocal crowd.
Next up for Guernsey is the British Army at Beau Sejour on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Jersey coach Deirdre De Rue described Guernsey as a "really class unit".
"They've been together for nearly probably six years playing all together. Our boys, there are only three that have been playing together before and they've probably been together now two years. So they're just coming up in their levels.
"Their skill level isn't probably matching Guernsey's and that's why the points are as they are."
Some of the Jersey side are coming from beach volleyball, transferring from playing as a pair to being part of a unit of six on the court.
"They're working very hard and they're bringing up their skill level. I know that they're probably disappointed because some of their serves didn't go in court, but, you know, it is what it is and at least they're learning every game."
It was a busy weekend for the Jersey side as they travelled on Saturday to continue their Hampshire league campaign.
Wins against Roke NG, Aldershot and Winchester meant they finished this part of the season top of Group A having lost once.
Both Guernsey and Jersey have therefore now qualified for the South East Volleyball Area finals.
To watch all the Inter-Insular games, visit Guernsey Volleyball Facebook page.
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