Under-13s count cost of living on an island

GUERNSEY under-13s are out of the Hampshire Cup despite their excellent first round win over Alton. The Sarnians were due to play Portsmouth at home in the second round, but coach John Wood has had to withdraw his side from the competition.

'We have had to give them a walkover as it is half-term weekend and I have got at least nine key players missing,' he said.

'I broke the news to the kids and they are obviously downhearted, but they still want to train twice a week and that shows their enthusiasm.'

The match could have been re-arranged, but it would have been at too great an expense for the travelling Portsmouth squad as Condor would have finished its summer schedule. Coming by air would be the only option.

'It is just one of those things - cost is the big issue here,' Wood said.

Portsmouth are one of the strongest sides at this age group and would have provided Guernsey with a very difficult test.

In the first round, they comfortably disposed of Andover 44-5.

'They will probably win the competition,' said Wood.

'Jersey went across and played their second team and just about held their own, apparently. Therefore, their first team is obviously very strong.'

Wood is desperate to get games for his squad to give them the match practice that they lack.

'What I am looking to do now is speak to schools and see if we can play some friendlies.

'It is frustrating,' he added.

Guernsey under-15 coach Tim Davison has also been frustrated in his side's Hampshire Cup campaign.

Winchester decided not to travel for the first round tie due to cost and although that means Guernsey are through to the second round, they now play the age group's top side, Petersfield, without the benefit of having match practice.