Guernsey stars shine for England

A PAIR of local hockey players were instrumental in the England mixed team defeating Wales 5-2 recently.

The annual match was held in Milton Keynes and Guernsey's player-coach Ben Allberry scored all five of England's goals while the island captain, Andy Whalley, was involved in four of them.

Two of Allberry's goals came from open play while two were from the penalty spot. The last was at a penalty corner.

It was Whalley's third appearance as England mixed captain and he has been successful every time.

This year saw him pick up the trophy off his father and former Great Britain manager, Colin, who was guest of honour on the day.

The result puts England 12-7 ahead in the series.

'It was absolutely awesome,' said Allberry, pictured, who is also the island's hockey development officer.

'It's quite funny, there's a video of the second goal on Facebook and it came from Andy in the corner straight to me. It was a completely Guernsey goal.'