Czech trip for trio

TOURS to the UK and the Czech Republic are merely the start of what will be a busy season for some of the best young players in the Bailiwick. The Wirral Junior Open from 13-19 April is the first of some high-quality events in which the locals will be competing, followed by the North of England Championships from 21-28 April.

From there, three of the younger players - Nick Thibeault, Olivia Cooney and Heather Watson - will be joined by top English junior Josh MacTaggert to play in the Wilson Cup in Raknovik, Czech Republic. There they will compete against some of the top players in Europe at 12-and-under level.

'This is the third Easter tour since my arrival in the Channel Islands and the players are now ready to compete in Europe,' said coach Andrew Fisher, who will be accompanying the players.

'Over the last two trips the players have made progress to warrant this international exposure.

'They have come a long way with their dedication and my long-term vision is that you can be good even if isolated.

'This is just the beginning of their year with trips planned during May, the summer to America at Christmas to play in the Orange Bowl Junior World Championships.'

Boys team: Rob West (U16, U18), Patrick Ogier (U16, U18), Dominic McLuskey (U14, U16), Nick Thibeault (U12, U14), Josh Concannon (U10, U12).

Girls team: Olivia Cooney (U12, U14), Heather Watson (U12, U14).

Isobel Wray and Alistair Higgins also join the team for the first week.