Divisions set to merge

THE Investec Men's League is facing a radical shake-up. In a bid to expand and make the first division more competitive, the Guernsey Hockey Association executive committee have decided to combine it with the second division. This will create a new league of 12 to 14 teams that will play each other twice.

At present there are only four teams in the top division, with Elizabeth College joining halfway through the season. Another issue is that Investec Colombians have won the title for five years running.

'We felt it was the way forward,' said GHA president Jason Robilliard.

'We've had to be very positive and proactive in what we do and although we've resisted change in the past, it's obvious that it's needed.

'The feedback we've had has been very positive and productive from division one teams.

'I'm convinced it will work and I'm convinced that it will benefit hockey.'

Robilliard believes that two divisions will form in the one as the first division teams rise to the top and the second division ones gravitate to the bottom to create a natural divide.

After a couple of seasons, the top six or seven teams will then form the new first division while the bottom teams will make up the second string competition.

It is hoped that promotion and relegation between the two will also happen in the future.

For the new system to work, Robilliard sees players having to move around to make it more competitive.

'Hopefully the clubs will balance their teams so that the league isn't too one-sided,' he said.

'We're looking for players to move around the league so that it's more competitive.'

The Guernsey Hockey Club, which is made up of such clubs as Investec Colombians, Mosgrove Yobbos and Beavers and second division teams Generals, Junior and Senior Vets, have met to discuss the changes.

The club's president, Jan Collins, has until 1 June to go back to the GHA with their thoughts, even though the association are adamant that the proposals will be implemented.

Collins says there has been a mixed response to the idea but he agrees that changes are needed.

'I can see it from both sides,' he said.

'The number of first division players has been dwindling over the years. Players have got too old, have left the island and have taken up other sports.

'That doesn't mean that hockey is in a bad shape - we've just got less people at that level and the GHA have done something about it without telling people what teams they have to play for.

'We've had to do something. The GHA have wanted teams to do something about it and the ladies seem to do it quite well and their league seems quite even each year but the men haven't.

'The second division has been great this season with 10 teams and the first division has had some great games. We've got a huge wealth of youth coming through so in the next four or five years we're going to see very strong hockey again.

'It's time to have a review and to look at it afresh. I do think something had to be done.'