Sarnians hope to excel without usual defenders

GUERNSEY are all set for their second outing in South Region League Division Two today when they play Excel. But after their comeback victory against the 'Amazonian' women of Home James in their last match, the Guernsey team will be striving for victory without regular defensive pairing Kerrie Hussey, who has moved to Wales, and Lorna Brown, who is away in New Zealand.

However, player-coach Sonia Grant-Yendell has been able to call on the experienced duo of Denise Bourgaize and Tanya Gibson as replacements.

'It's great to add all of their combined ability and experience to the side, because it will help the youngsters they play alongside,' said Grant-Yendell.

There are five under-18s in the 11-strong squad travelling to Basingstoke this weekend.

'They're under 18 but so composed under pressure that I know when they come onto the court, they are going to perform,' the coach added.

The only information about Excel currently available to the Guernsey player-coach is that in their two league games so far, they have won one and lost one.

'The team we beat in our only match so far are currently top after playing three games, so on that basis we are bringing a bit of confidence into the game.

'But we are not going to underestimate Excel because they're an unknown quantity and we know we'll have to gel quickly to get a result.'

The Guernsey team is catching the first flight to Gatwick before travelling to Basingstoke for a 12.30 start, but that is just one hurdle which the team has to contend with according to Grant-Yendell.

'Tired legs could play a part as we are travelling so early that there will be a lot of waiting around before the game, but we will try and stay as relaxed as possible until we get on the court.

'We also have Nena Bourgaize and Naomi Taylor away studying in the UK, so we're not training regularly with everyone who plays and as a result we've been slow to start in games recently because we are still getting used to playing with each other.'

And despite the long break since Guernsey's last game Grant-Yendell expects a good showing.: 'If we play to our strengths and pass the ball quickly and at speed down the court, then the fact we haven't played at this standard since early October shouldn't matter and we should get a good result.