Agony for CI players

THE Channel Islands women's squad have placed fourth in the County Championship in Bourne-mouth. Injuries to key players and a last-minute goal conceded against Hereford-shire cost them dearly.

'Despite the result, we played some of the best hockey we have ever done in this competition,' said coach Jo Robilliard.

The CI opened with a 4-1 defeat of Dorset, with goals from Lisa Phillips (two), Nina Woods and Kirstin Buttle. But Woods' goal came at a price; the Jersey player twisted as she swept the ball home and was taken to hospital with a broken ankle.

Guernsey midfielder Gill Doyle broke a finger, but played on in that game in great pain.

Jo Hollyer-Hill scored as the CI were beaten 1-2 by Gloucestershire; Chrissie Hefford (two) and Phillips scored as Somerset were beaten 3-0; and Hollyer-Hill's strike put the CI 1-0 up against Herefordshire before a final attack brought an equaliser.

Going all-out for a win against Devon to seal qualification to the final stages, the CI were caught at the back and were beaten 1-6, Buttle hitting the consolation goal.