A STRONG final flurry by Guernsey meant that Effingham left the Channel Islands with nothing on Saturday.

There were only three points separating the sides going into the final 15 minutes, but a penalty and a try with the last play of the game gave the hosts victory.

Effingham showed strong defence around the ruck against a forward-orientated gameplan and they managed to turn the ball over on numerous occasions, but could not take advantage by getting scores on the board.

A drop goal put the home side in front and in heavy conditions it appeared kicking would be the order of the day, and so it proved.

The visitors upped their game before the break and showed some enterprising back play, but were unable to recycle the ball quick enough to sustain pressure in attack and they went in 3-0 behind.

Eagles continued to pressure at the start of the second half, but failed to get their name on the scoresheet while they were in the ascendancy.

The hosts extended their lead with another penalty before Tom Close hit back with a penalty of his own to reduce the deficit to three points once again.

The match could have gone either way after that, with both sides showing attacking intent, but another penalty went over as the game ticked into the last 15 minutes and with the last play of the game Guernsey finally got a try on the board to leave a scoreline that did not really reflect how close the game was.

Coach Jon Moore said: "They were very organised and played quite a structured positional game, but we defended very well and I'm proud of the guys, we just needed a bit more composure in attack really."

Effingham: Ellinson, Callender, Allen, McGibbon, Cumming, Joyce, Young, Edwards, Putty, Reynolds, Foster, Close, Mellor, Hitchmough, Penny, Evans, Compson, Flight.