Graham plays down Caesarean threat

'NOTHING to worry about,' was manager Andy Graham's assessment of the Jersey team when told of the squad yesterday. Those words may come back to haunt him at six o'clock tomorrow, but only if Guernsey fail to play to their ability.

Last weekend apart, Guernsey have dominated matches this season, making sides look very ordinary along the way.

Leeds, no mugs, were hammered in the HA Trophy match.

An 8-2 margin underlined just how attacking Guernsey can be.

Although the quarter-finals stage proved their undoing again this season, the greens can be confident of success, if they produce anything like their best hockey.

'In the Jersey squad there is very little that we don't know about.

'A couple of names are unfamiliar, but if they are that far down the squad list, they aren't likely to be starting.'

Guernsey will most likely start with the team that began the match against Maidenhead: Kees Jager, Matt Elston, Adie Peacegood, Kevin Doyle, Jamie Chambers, Andy Alford, Damian Wallen, Mark Babbe, Adam Kitching, TJ Ozanne and Rob Newton.

With Tony Veillard, Barry Wallace, and Andy Bell in the initial named 15, there are options to roll on subs in any position.

Graham may call on a 16th player, depending on how the 2nd XI match pans out, though it is likely that Jason Robilliard will see action only in the second team: the keeper has been in fine form this season but has had the bad luck to be stuck behind Kees Jager, who has also had another top-class year with Colombians.

'We are probably going to gamble on not having a reserve keeper in the squad. We've named 15 and the 16th is also likely to be an outfield player.'

The confidence that has developed this season has come from goals, winning matches and the understanding that comes from playing together for an extended run.

The first XI squad has become almost a regular team. Training sessions are well-attended every week, places are fiercely fought for and Graham and coach Nick Mahy have instilled a fine attitude in the players who appreciate that tactics occasionally demand a change in formation or personnel.

'It will be tight: it always is in inter-insulars. They have a good side; we have a good side. I would not like to say who will win.'

It is currently Guernsey's trophy. Jersey will have to go some to win it.