Under-15s have score to settle

GUERNSEY are out for revenge when they face Team Bath Buccaneers in the under-15 national cup on Sunday. In last year's competition, the PwC-sponsored side were hammered 10-1 by Bath in the early stages of the knockout cup.

'We're out for revenge, definitely,' said Guernsey's captain Tom Still.

'Everyone is working hard and is looking forward to it.'

The team are on a roll.

In the opening round of the competition they defeated Gloucestershire outfit Wotton-under-Edge 2-0.

Then, in the next round in December, they got the better of Woking to progress through to the last 16.

Unlike the U-15 team of 2006 that had the likes of Jonny Clark and Tim Ravenscroft among other talented individuals who saw them reach the finals, this year's is not littered with stars.

The two best players are Still and Clark's younger brother Adam, but there is a strong team ethic that has carried them this far.

Still is confident that it will see them beat Bath and propel them further.

'It's a team game and if everyone works hard, then we'll win,' he said.

'We're confident of going all the way. But we're taking it one game at a time and then we'll beat an even better team in the next round.'

Guernsey coach Nick Mahy agrees with his captain.

'We beat Woking 3-0 and everybody worked as a team which is what we need to do against Bath,' he said.

'If everyone works hard and keeps battling, then we'll get a result. Tom Still and Adam Clark are playing very well and they've definitely got something special at this age.

'The rest of the team are working hard to ensure we've got a strong foundation to work form.'

As an extra incentive, Guernsey were awarded a home tie for the match but Bath have refused to travel to the island, as is their right within the competition's rules.

Instead, the game will take place in Eastleigh.

'I don't think it's in the spirit of the competition,' said Mahy.

'We had everything lined up, but they didn't want to come.

'There will be only three parents there watching instead of Fortress Foote's Lane.'