Thompson's young guns are in with a real shout

CHRIS THOMPSON carries realistic hopes of a rare Guernsey win as he takes the island's best young golfers to Grouville for this weekend's inter-insular. Jersey have won the last five clashes, although Guernsey pushed them very close 12 months ago, losing only 8-9.

Guernsey have been able to name an almost unchanged team for the 2005 showdown at the Royal Jersey.

'That should leave the Sarnians in good stead,' said Thompson, president of the Guernsey Junior Golf Club.

'We have one of the more experienced teams we've had in the last three or four years.

'Eight of the nine have played before.

'Danny Carre is the only new cap and although Craig Shorto did not play last year, he did two years ago.'

The match comes at the end of a long, tiring season due to a very early Easter.

But the Guernsey preparations have been good and individually they have made progress, which pleases Thompson.

'All of the boys have regularly beaten their handicap and lowered it over the season.

'And all of them have been on the podium winning prizes.'

The two sides appear evenly-matched, although Guernsey cannot boast a girl member.

For the first time in the long history of the match, Jersey's new women's champion, young Olivia Higgins, wins a place in the side.

She will play off the white tees as opposed to the normal red for women.

Home advantage is important, however, a point acknowledged by the GJGC president.

That said, only four of Jersey's nine team members play out of Grouville.