Step into unknown for trio

THE Guernsey tennis captain, Chris Hickling, says the Channel Islands will be stepping into the unknown as the Winter County Cup kicks off in Jersey today. Hickling and fellow Sarnians Jimmy Woods and Patrick Ogier are part of the team that will take on Cumbria, Gloucestershire and the South of Scotland. It is the first time in 25 years that Jersey have hosted the event.

'It's really good because you get different teams every year,' said Hickling.

'To be honest, I've no idea what they're like. It will be interesting. It's pretty tough competition but we'd like to see if we can win the division. I think we'll do OK and we'll give them a good run for their money.'

It was following the success of the international tennis events at Les Ormes, that the LTA afforded Jersey the honour of hosting these crucial county matches which decide who is promoted and relegated from Division 6a.

Hugh Raymond, the CILTA development officer, said: 'This is a great flag-waving exercise for Jersey and it is fantastic that we have been given the chance to host such an event.

'It's unusual in that both the men's and women's events are held at the same location and it has given us such an advantage as we are able to choose our strongest teams.'

The CI women's team face the Isle of Man, Bedfordshire and the East of Scotland and include Guernsey's Jo Robinson, Jacqui Hunt and Clare Randall.

Captained by Rebecca Edwards, the team also feature talented juniors Francesca Dubras, Katie Gouyette, Sarah Jones and Kirsten McArthur. The men's team is captained by Ian Morgan and also feature Jersey's Gareth Roberts, Matt Harris, Grant Collins, Michael Steigenberger and Jordan Roberts.

Raymond is confident of success.

'With the mix of Jersey's youth and Guernsey's experience we will be hoping for promotion.

'The women are definitely favourites in their group but the men will face strong competition from Gloucestershire.'

If the event is a success, it will open the door for the CI to host more tennis events, with the under-18 county event in February already a possibility for Guernsey.