New options for Panthers
NENA COPPERWAITE has backed some of her more unheralded team-mates to help fire Guernsey Panthers to victory this weekend, as they look to get their promotion push back on track.
After a comprehensive opening day victory over Dreams Two, the Panthers were then beaten 40-37 by Sussex NRG Pumas a fortnight ago, although they remain second in the league.
They now travel to Swan Centre on Sunday, who were relegated from Division Two last season, but without two of their more experienced and recognisable names.
Lorna Hall, who has played every minute, and Donna Brehaut, who has come off the bench and played lengthy spells in both games, are both unavailable.
With another regular squad member, Kristy Webber, also absent, it gives opportunities to others, including Cassie Le Page, Hannah Dunnell and Laura Bygraves.
With a win essential after their slip-up, Panthers captain Copperwaite is confident that the personnel is still there to get the five points.
'We played Swan at the end of last season in the play-off tournament and beat them 21-20 in a really tough game, so we know we can beat them,' she said.
'Our squad is stronger than previous years and there are different combinations we can try out, which means that if things aren't going so well, the options are also there on the bench.'
Guernsey Panthers squad
Nena Copperwaite (captain), Steph Batiste, Laura Bygraves, Hannah Dunnell, Amy Fallaize, Claire Green, Jemma Green, Charlotte Hill, Shelley Jager, Cassie Le Page, Isla Murdoch.
More in today's Guernsey Press.
