'Best prepared' greens ready to cause a shock

DEREK WEBB says the days Guernsey are outclassed at home international level are hopefully behind them. As the Guernsey Table Tennis Association prepares to host the three-day British Primary Schools Championship tournament, the GTTA president has a gut feeling that success is around the corner.

'Deep down, I think we're going to get some good individual results,' said Webb.

'Some of the kids have been playing at least four or five hours a week in preparation.

'Our teams are really focussed and looking forward to hosting England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

'It is a real test of our juniors who have improved out of sight and we are excited to see just how well we do.'

The under-12s tournament gets under way at the sport's new Hougue du Pommier headquarters this evening and continues tomorrow.

Sunday is reserved for the individual events.

Besides beating the Isle of Man, Guernsey have yet to win a home international at the annual event, but they have enjoyed some individual successes. 'Last year Alice Loveridge beat a Scottish girl twice,' said Webb.

Among the boys there is no shortage of experience with Tim Ravenscroft and Peter Mitchell having played twice previously.

Ravenscroft is Guernsey's top-ranked player but Webb says all four members are virtually on a par and that strength in depth will be of value in a tournament which also features Jersey for the first time.

Guernsey take on the big guns of the tournament on the opening night with England and Wales their first opponents in the sessions starting at six and 7.45.

Tomorrow they come up against Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man and Jersey.

'If we get some good results in the team matches that will give us some confidence going into the singles,' said Webb.

Abacus Financial Services Group are the main sponsors of an event featuring 40 visiting players.