Unwantables go to Jersey without skipper

INVESTEC COLOMBIANS are looking to wrap up their season in style tomorrow. The Guernsey champions are off to Jersey to take on a strong Old Victorians team in hockey's 'Investec-sponsored 'Upton' and to make amends for their defeat in last year's game against JHC Gobis.

Captain Damien Wallen is unavailable for the match, so Phil Radford will return to his old role. He believes its going to be a tight affair.

'We've got a good a chance as we have every other time,' he said.

'Both teams are closely matched. It will be down to whoever plays better on the day and both teams will be up for it.'

With Wallen missing it leaves a hole in the centre of the park? However, Peter Carey, Philip Radford and Tristran Cairns should be able to provide adequate cover.

The yellows have a mix of experience and youth in their team with players such as Kees Jager, Matthew Elston, TJ Ozanne, Cairns and Tim Creasey looking to put in good performances, as will Jon Warr who will be making his 'Upton' debut at just 15 years old.

Up front they will look to Ozanne especially to produce some magic.

The OVs on the other hand lack options in attack as Gordon Hunt and Jon Cartmell are missing. That means either Robin Le Quesne or Bobby Minty, who have played in midfield all season, will have to step in.

The Jerseymen are also without Danny Bower, but their defence is still solid with island keeper Garret O'Brien and sweeper Tony Ray backed up by Steve Osmont, Ross Collins, Tom Wherry and Tom Minty.

Both teams will go into the game a little rusty having not played a competitive game since the inter-insular matches in March, but Radford reckons that this will not dampen the hockey.

'It will be full of exciting hockey as there is so much attacking through both teams,' he said.