We'll stuff' you' talk defused by cool Turvey

GUERNSEY may have won the team gold at this summer's NatWest Island Games, but Jersey golf team boss Terry Smith has put his head on the line and controversially claimed they should be stuffed out of sight in the upcoming inter-insular. Commenting on the Caesarean team chosen for the match at L'Ancresse on 13-14 September, Smith, a veteran of 25 inter-insulars, said: It's a very strong team, as good as any in recent years and if they play to their potential on the day should stuff Guernsey out of sight.'

Smith's comments will only serve to push Guernsey to greater heights, said his opposite number, Steve Turvey.

Keen not to get drawn into a war of words, Guernsey's own non-playing captain said: 'hopefully, we'll let our golf do its talking.'

Turvey admitted surprise at Smith's comments, especially as Guernsey have a very good record around their home course and have chosen a powerful team including the Island Games gold medal quartet of the Mick Marley, the Eggo brothers and Steve Mahy.

The latter's return is one of just two changes to the team well beaten at La Moye last September.

Mahy, unavailable in 2002, is a brilliant matchplay performer and returns along with the experienced David Nicolle. Danny Bisson and Ian Thomas make way.

Guernsey's 10-man team is stacked with experience and will get a run-out in a series of foursomes matches against the island seniors' (veterans) next Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, a few eyebrows have been raised by the selection of Jersey 'bad boy' Robbie Messervy.

The powerful red-haired Royal Jersey player has not played in the annual showdown since his suspension in 1999 for dangling Jersey caddie Martin Viney out of the Royal Guernsey upstairs bar by the ankles and letting him go.

The caddie crashed headfirst towards the tarmac and was taken to hospital where he received stitches in an arm injury.