SKIPPER Paul Marshallsay is fairly confident that Jersey can regain the men’s inter-insular hockey trophy lost last year for the first time in 14 years.
But with Guernsey on a high having reached the last eight of the HA Trophy this season, the Island’s new skipper is under no illusions that his team face a tough game.’Guernsey pose a threat because they have some exciting fast players and we must stop them from playing.
We’ve been working hard at training since Christmas and I believe we have prepared well.
It will be tight game and I’m fairly confident we can win and get the trophy back.’So for the first time for over a decade Jersey go into Saturday’s game at Les Quennevais as underdogs.
Having defeated Jersey 1-0 at home last year with their first win in thirteen years, Guernsey have gone on to have a successful run in this year’s Hockey Association Trophy.Jersey manager Ed Daubeney said: ‘It’s a strange situation for us as we have not got the trophy and we are playing a side who have delivered some excellent results this season.
Despite these facts I really trust my players and their mental approach, I can sense a level of real determination in the camp.’Marshallsay returns to the midfield and will be keen to direct play and an exciting addition is new cap Ed Lewis, the Gobis forward who has linked terrifically with the free-scoring Ali Hall during the domestic season.
With Bobby Minty also showing good form the side’s attacking options look strong.Despite a good build up in advance of the game, one of the major concerns this year has been injury worries.
Apart from the normal knocks, several members of the squad are also talented rugby players.
This includes Matt Banahan, who despite being only 17 is seeking the rare honour of representing Jersey against Guernsey at two major sports within less than four weeks.Daubeney added: ‘I dread the phone ringing before training; I’m worried that either Rich Finch or Matt Banahan will be telling me they have damaged something playing rugby.
The real bonus is that they are both fit.
They are important to the team effort and we need them to be focused and firing on all cylinders.
It is also good that Robin Le Quesne and Mark Dicker seem to have recovered from recent knocks.’With both sides totally committed to attacking hockey, the game should be a classic.
All supporters are welcome and the push back is at 4.30 pm at Les Quennevais.Jersey 1st XI: Garret O’Brien, Tony Ray, Simon Watling, Matt Banahan, James Wetherall, Paul Marshallsay, Stuart Ramskill, Mark Dicker, Richard Finch, Bobby Minty, Alisdair Hall, Robin Le Quesne, Ed Lewis, Ross Collins, Matt Harris and Paul Duckworth.The Jersey Ladies 1st XI will be hoping to repeat last year’s success and retain the Noel Shield tomorrow.There is one new cap in the Jersey line-up - Ellie Butler winning a place in the team after an impressive league performance.
Jersey will benefit from the return of captain, Janet Masterman, and Sarah Kerley.These two have been out of the Island for a while so it’s good to see them back.The team is looking forward to a competitive fixture, and there is an exciting blend of youth and experience in the squad.1st XI: Ellie Butler, Kelly De La Haye, Chrissie Hefford, Jamey Herbert, Beckie Herbert, Shelagh Herbert (Coach), Sarah Kerley, Janet Masterman (Capt), Lisa Phillips, Jenny Pryke, Zoe Smart, Tracy Vallois, Nina Woods, Katie Lidington.The Second XI squad has come together well over the past two months and looks set to perform well.The side comprises youth and experience and the combination has benefited the squad.
Coach Nina Woods said: ‘It’s been good to see the younger talent moving up through the ranks.
I have high expectations of this squad.’2nd XI squad: Katie Liddington, Nicky Quénault, Charlie Sabey, Katie Ridley, Louise Hotton, Rhiannon Evans (Capt), Zoe Smart, Clare Le Maistre, Emma Anderson, Sarah Kerley, Katie Howell.
Reserves: Raydene Stracy, Becky Slater, Jenna Johnson.This is the first inter-insular where the 3rd XI have had a dedicated coach, and there has been a marked improvement in standard.
This team, too, is a blend youth and experience, and having trained together, have a positive team spirit.Squad: Raydene Stracy, Jenna Mitchell, Sarah Anderson, Ann Ferey, Jenna Johnson (Capt), Sally Le Neveu, Becky Slater, Sarah Quénault, Annie Banahan, Lynn Hotton, Sylvia Spinola, Grace Mclachlan, Clare Foster, Elenor Woods.
Coach: Jane Vincent.
Article posted on 26th March, 2004 - 12.00am
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