Falla signing boosts reds' championship ambitions

SYLVANS are out to regain the league title as Guernsey women's football begins its first winter season this evening. Last year North broke the westerners' stranglehold on the championship but have since disbanded, with many of the players moving to Rangers.

With Bels also having dropped out from the original line-up of seven clubs that were due to be involved in the Norman Piette Women's League, the fixture list has been re-arranged once again to include a 'charity shield' match and a knockout competition.

Unfortunately, the wet weather meant that the shield match between Sylvans and Rovers was postponed from Sunday and will have to be re-arranged.

But all is set for this evening's opening fixture, with St Martin's hosting Rovers at Blanche Pierre Lane, kick-off 7.30. Rangers will play Vale Rec on Sunday morning at 10.30 at St Andrew's.

New island manager Darren Ogier expects Sylvans and Rangers to be the main title contenders.

'Sylvans certainly have a strong side and have signed a new defender in Becky Falla from St Martin's.

'Their stars include the island captain Lisa Sylvester and Guernsey goalkeeper Sam Carre,' said Ogier.

'Rangers have three or four island players - Bonny Evans is one of those who has signed for them.

'Rochelle Vaudin is also at Rangers and she is a very exciting prospect. It is going to be her first full season.'

But the three other teams will not be there just to make up the numbers.

'Saints always have a useful side and, although they have lost Becky Falla to Sylvans, they have gained two island strikers.

'Lucy Sebire has been playing for the island for the past couple of years and Eleanor Holden, who is 16, is a really exciting player,' said Ogier.

'Rovers are a little inconsistent but they will give anyone a game on their day.

'Vale Rec, the team that was Gecko's, have been in the league only for a year so they are hard to predict - they are still bedding in,' he said.

Traditionally, Blanche Pierre Lane is the home of women's outdoor football, but the pressure on pitches means that the inaugural winter season will be spread around the island.

Among the pitches to be used are Elizabeth College grounds at King's Road and the Memorial Field, Foote's Lane.

Meanwhile, Ogier has finalised his backroom staff for the Guernsey team.

His assistant is Scott Gallienne, Rob Cowley is the goalkeeping coach, Nicky Sirett is the physio and Ryan de Jersey is the kit manager.