Buoyed by recent InterInsular successes, Jersey’s U16 Girls and Boys travel to the UK on Sunday to complete their English National Club Championship League fixtures. Both squads have a chance to progress to the Regionals round, which is one step away from the National Finals.
The Girls are well placed after their first two results in November coming away with two wins against Alton and Trojans. Confidence is high having successfully defeated Guernsey in the Inter-Insular two weeks ago and it is hoped that they will continue their unbeaten run. On Sunday the fixtures are against Reigate and Winchester it is expected that they will be strong opposition and will be a good test for the girls. We are optimistic that they will do enough to qualify for the next round.
The Boys have work to do and require other results to go in their favour if they are to qualify from their League for the third year running. They need to beat hosts Marden in Kent, who are a strong outfit, by any scoreline and then hope that our Sarnian counterparts turn over Sevenoaks on the same day.
Coach Comments:
Ciara McQuaid: “The trip in November was so worthwhile with all the girls rising to the challenge and performing very well both individually and a s a team. I am sure they will do the same this weekend.”
Bill Aston: “I’m really looking forward to seeing how much the squad has developed since our last trip before Christmas. It will be good to see the progress they have made both as individuals and as a team. We can only control what happens in our game and that will be our focus. If results go our way elsewhere then great but we need to concentrate on our match.”
Dom Pallot: “The boys are ready. The major reason for entering the National Championships is to see how our boys can perform against strong opposition in meaningful matches. Many of this U16s squad have already represented the island in important games and challenges like Sunday can only help to develop and prepare them for their hockey careers ahead.”
Squads:
Girls U16s:
Boys U16s:
Niamh Allen Xav Barette Olivia Besant Jacob Bell Harley Cadoret Aidan Boyle Charlie Cornwall Piers Brandie (GK) Caitlin Hogan Chris Carnegie Georgia Ferguson Jay Cracknell Sophie Gorman Robbie Forrest Georgia Healey Adam Gower Izzy Heelis Tom Heelis Lena Holden Charlie Mossop Bronte Kellet (GK) Chris Thomas Olivia Maryon Rhys Thomas Gabi Knight Toby Treharne Kirsty Ludlam Jamie Watling Ciara McQuaid (Coach) Bill Aston (Coach) Fi Anderson (Coach) Dom Pallot (Coach) Paul Le Bihan (Coach)