Confidence riding high

WORTHING will be the visitors as Guernsey's senior men's squad aims to go even better than last season's quarter-final exploits. The draw for the second round of the Harrod UK HA Trophy has paired the Sarnians with the Sussex side, who beat Eastbourne 4-3 in the first round.

But that's about the limit of the Greens' coaching staff's information about the next opponents for the match pencilled in for 4 or 5 December.

'We don't really know what they are like. They have always been a regional type of side, which is a level we should be able to cope with,' said island manager Andy Graham.

'But we have not drawn anyone from Sussex for a few years.'

It may be that Guernsey will have to travel away for their 'home' tie.

'We are still negotiating. We have put together a package for visiting teams whereby we play on the Saturday and they can stay over that evening if the want to.

'The problem is, Worthing have a charity weekend scheduled for that Saturday. They are considering getting it changed to the following weekend.

'We may have to go there, but it is much easier to get sides to the island than take them away.'

Graham is 'fairly confident' of the squad that will play, the core being much the same as last season.

'Kevin Doyle is missing. We will miss him at the back, though we have other players who can slot in. The midfield has not really changed; overall the side will be pretty much the same.'

Goalkeeper Kees Jager may also be an absentee, but Guernsey hockey is fortunate enough to have other in-form keepers, notably Jason Robilliard and Adrian Gidney.

'It depends on when the match is played as to who will be available. Matt Elston and Adie Peacegood may also not be able to play.'

Looking further ahead, Graham is delighted that the next crop of potential island stars is already starting to come through.

'We have five or six younger players who are coming regularly to island training and they are all looking very good and developing well. We are very fortunate to have a strong group of players.'

Jersey have been drawn away to Exeter & Culm Vale Hornets.

Both had a first-round bye.

n?Guernsey will face Sevenoaks in the second round of the EHA Vintage Men's Knockout.

The Sarnians received a bye in the first round and have been drawn at home against the English side on 28 November, though competition rules stipulate that Guernsey may be obliged to travel to play away if Sevenoaks decide against coming here.

The opposition also had a first-round bye. In last season's competition they reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Chesterfield. Guernsey lost in the first round to Bury St Edmunds.

n?Tigers could take a huge step towards sealing the pre-Christmas league today.

They face Investec Colombians at Foote's Lane at 11am. Victory for the dark blues would put them within a point of the title. Colombians have been far from the side that won so much last season, though they always lift their game when playing their old rivals.