Hat-trick of wins

THE island under-17 girls' team have made it a hat-trick of inter-insular wins over Jersey. With the wind whipping over the Les Quennevais ground in Jersey, the Sarnians achieved an outstanding 5-1 victory.

They also beat their Jersey counterparts in 2005 and 2006.

'The quality of the hockey was exceptional especially in the second half when the girls really managed to raise their game considering the conditions,' said Guernsey coach Helen Watts.

The greens started strongly with Elizabeth Wray scoring from close range in just the second minute of the game before Tiffany Gervais-Brazier added a second after eight minutes.

Although the remainder of the half was a slightly scrappy affair, Guernsey continued to enjoy the majority of the possession but could not capitalise on that with another goal.

Then a defensive lapse saw Jersey pull one back just before half-time.

Some excellent, free-flowing hockey was played after the break and the visitors looked stronger by the minute.

Wray made it 3-1 to Guernsey before her cousin and captain, Isobel Wray, started to get into her stride and led her team with some outstanding distribution to the forwards.

She was also responsible for the next goal when her strike from the top of the D left the Jersey goalkeeper rooted to the spot as it hit the side netting at waist height.

Another moment of exceptional skill by the midfielder resulted in a through ball to Emily Best who took one touch to finish with confidence, making sure of the victory for the young Guernsey side.

Ten of the victorious team have also been selected to represent the Channel Islands in the forthcoming West of England regional finals.

Watts paid special tribute to her captain.

'Isobel showed great maturity in that she raised the rest of the team,' said the Ladies' College PE teacher.

'Her distribution was exceptional. She was just brilliant.'