Sibling rivalry left at home

THE dictionary definition of sibling rivalry should just read, 'the Chambers brothers'. Jamie, 24, and Nic, 22, are both well known to be highly competitive on and off the hockey field.

The sight of Jamie going in hard to tackle Nic with the younger brother trying to skip round him has been a recurring feature in this season's league.

Usually a few not-so-friendly words are exchanged as well.

'Younger brothers always have something to prove over older ones,' said Jamie.

'Also with me being a defender and him being an attacker, that adds extra rivalry.'

Nic said that sporting fireworks between the brothers were not restricted to the hockey field.

'We can't play a friendly game of pool as every time it ends in a fight,' said Nic. 'It's always nice to get one over him.'

This rivalry will have to be put to one side tomorrow, as they line up together for the men's first team to face Jersey.

Nic will start up front in his favoured position and Jamie in his usual role of right back.

The age gap means that through their younger years, they hardly played in the same team.

The two have stayed apart at club level too, with Jamie at Unwantables and Nic playing for Yobbos.

The only experience they have of playing in a match together this season came in the two Hockey Association Cup games which Guernsey were involved in.

Nic will be making his inter-insular debut tomorrow, having missed years because of university and then travelling, but this will be the fourth time that Jamie has put on the green shirt against the old enemy.

They both fancy Guernsey's chances.

'If we play well, we're a very hard team to beat,' said Nic.

'Confidence is very high at the moment. We're a young, fit team that has no real weak links.'