Manchester Rush, captained by Maltese-British paintball player Jay Guarino, have been crowned the 2026 Central Premier Paintball Series (CPPS) Division 5 champions, following a successful season competing in one of the United Kingdom's leading tournament paintball leagues.
The team celebrated its championship at the fifth and final round of the series, held on 18 October at Penkridge, Staffordshire, concluding the event with a 5-3 victory over Walking Dead.
For Malta Paintball, the achievement is particularly special. Guarino represented Malta at the 2026 UPBF Nations Cup in France, while Manchester Rush have become close friends and regular opponents of the Maltese squad throughout the CPPS season.
A Maltese Connection
Manchester Rush captain Jay Guarino has strong family connections to Malta through his mother's side of the family, whose surname is Borg.
Earlier in 2026, Guarino represented Malta at the UPBF Nations Cup in Dreux, France, as part of the country's first national team to compete at the international championship.
His participation brought valuable experience to the Maltese squad and demonstrated the important role that members of the Maltese diaspora can play in developing the country's presence in international sport.
Guarino's achievement with Manchester Rush has also attracted attention in Malta. Maltese news outlet Mela Bonġu reported on his family's heritage and his role in leading the team to the championship.
Read the Mela Bonġu article on Jay Guarino and Manchester Rush's championship victory.
Recognising Coach Ed Lowe
Manchester Rush's championship success also reflects the hard work of coach Ed Lowe, who has played an important role in developing the squad into a championship-winning team.
Beyond his work with Manchester Rush, Lowe has been an incredibly supportive figure for Malta Paintball.
During the 2026 UPBF Nations Cup in France, he generously provided assistance, encouragement and support to the Maltese national squad, helping the team during an important milestone in the country's tournament paintball history.
His willingness to support another team, even one that competes against Manchester Rush domestically, reflects the sportsmanship and camaraderie that make international paintball such a rewarding community.
Malta Paintball is particularly grateful for his contribution and delighted to see his efforts with Manchester Rush rewarded with a championship.
Rivals on the Field, Friends Off It
Manchester Rush have become one of Malta Paintball's favourite teams to compete against throughout the CPPS season.
The teams know each other well, with their encounters providing challenging and enjoyable competition. At Round 5, Manchester Rush defeated Malta Paintball 5-0 during the preliminary stage, demonstrating the strength of the squad that would go on to celebrate the season championship.
Despite being opponents on the field, the relationship between the teams extends well beyond competition.
Whether competing against each other, sharing the pits between matches or catching up away from the field, the two squads have developed a genuine friendship built on mutual respect and a shared passion for tournament paintball.
For Malta Paintball, the friendships developed with Manchester Rush are among the most enjoyable aspects of competing internationally.
Congratulations to the 2026 Champions
Manchester Rush's 2026 CPPS Division 5 series championship is a well-deserved reward for the dedication, hard work and teamwork demonstrated by the squad throughout the season.
For Malta Paintball, seeing a team with such close connections to our own players and the wider Maltese paintball community achieve this success makes the occasion particularly meaningful.
From everyone at Malta Paintball, congratulations to captain Jay Guarino, coach Ed Lowe and the entire Manchester Rush squad on becoming the 2026 CPPS Division 5 Series Champions.
Thank you for the friendship, competition and support throughout the year. We look forward to sharing the field and the pits again in 2027.
Congratulations, Manchester Rush!
