Brothers-in-law to miss Island Games

DAVE WATERMAN, the former Portsmouth and Oxford United professional, will not be making his senior island debut at this summer's NatWest Island Games. And brother-in-law Stuart Polson will not be going either.

While the North star has reviewed his decision to travel, Waterman did not even get as far as speaking to island boss Steve Ogier, who had used Polson to sound out the semi-professional on the subject.

'Dave can't come,' said Ogier.

But it's Polson's withdrawal that bothers Ogier more.

'That could be a big blow for us,' said an island manager already resigned to defending their Games title without Ian Potter, Steve Concanen and Michael Wilson, all unavailable.

Polson signed conditions of sale on a house last week and because of that admits that the money factor has played the lead in his decision to withdraw.

'The house is something I had not planned,' he said.

'But I've bought a place and want to do it up. I might have to take one or two weeks' holiday to spend on it.'

Meanwhile, Ogier said he had not made a decision on whether to call in Lancaster City's Ryan-Zico Black, who said last month he would jump at the chance to play if offered it.

Black is not in the current earmarked 22 from which Polson has dropped out. One of three keepers will also not travel.

'I've got to make sure I take a balanced squad there,' said Ogier.

'As it is, we might have to ask people to play in a position they are not recognised as playing in.

'All of a sudden, there's a big hole to plug there.'

Only two Cable & Wireless League games - both in the Jackson - survived the weekend's heavy rain.

Among the postponements were Saturday's three scheduled Priaulx League matches.