Turvey issues battle cry to his new island mix

STEVE TURVEY, Guernsey's non-playing captain for the forthcoming Ronez Challenge Trophy inter-insular, says he wants battlers in his team. 'I need people out there who are going to battle all the way to the 18th,' said Turvey who chose the team with Mick King (L'Anc-resse), Julian Wood-hard (Royal Gue-rnsey), Ken Tucknott (St Pierre Park) and Lloyd Gaudion (La Grande Mare).

Guernsey have made four changes to the side hammered at La Moye last year, but 17-year-old junior captain Tom Le Huray is the only new cap.

Of last year's squad, Campbell Hardie has left the island, Andy Eggo has not played this season and two more L'Ancresse men, Mike Hamon and Danny Bisson, have been discounted.

On the Bisson issue, Turvey pointed to the long list of 'NRs' the plus two handicap has produced this season, one which he started as top-seed for the island championships.

Turvey said there had been no deliberate policy to give youth a chance and that both Le Huray and Sean Mills, 18, had deserved their places.

'We have been looking at current form.

'You have to pick on form.

'We were also considering Emile Thompson. He's done well in matchplay.'

Le Huray, though, owes his place to the unavailability of L'Ancresse's improving Garry Macfarlane.

The fourth-place finisher in the recent 36 holes Le Riche (off scratch) behind Bobby Eggo, Steve Mahy and Mick Marley, would have played but declined due to a wedding in the UK.

'He has made moves this year. He's a one handicap golfer and four of his last five rounds have been 68, 73, 73 and 72.'

Turvey knows his side start as underdogs against a formidably strong Jersey team, winners for the past three years.

Only Mills avoided defeat in the deciding singles last year when the home side triumphed 16-4.

The previous Sept-ember at L'Ancresse, the Caesareans won 12-8.

'Jersey are very strong on paper, but we've got home advantage. We think the match will be very close.'

n ONE L'Ancresse member enjoying a golden season is veteran George Le Ray.

He clinched the club's 36-hole HSBC August Challenge with two superb rounds for a four-stroke margin from youngster James Hamon.

The club stalwart had returned an impressive 65 in the opening round and while others faltered, including halfway leaders Ray Blondel and Hamon, he held his form superbly.

Producing the round of his life in very difficult and miserable conditions, he shot a 64 to move to category one status for the first time.

Having started the season as a 10 handicap, he now finds himself playing off 5.4.

Hamon's second place was assured with a 69 to add to his opening 64.