Guernsey badminton team not at full-strength as they chase promotion

GUERNSEY have travelled this weekend with 'more hope than expectation' of holding on to top spot in Division Three South-West and earning county promotion.

The Sarnians have enjoyed an excellent season thus far in winning all four of their matches to put themselves ahead of Cornwall on games difference at the top of the table.

However, with only the champions earning promotion, Guernsey are in a real battle to hold onto that position as the season draws to a close in Bristol.

Games against West Glamorgan, Dorset Two and Gloucestershire Two await and although the form guide suggests a good opportunity, Guernsey are taking a far from full strength squad.

Much of the cream of island badminton – Paul Le Tocq, Kevin Le Moigne, Sarah Garbutt, Elena Johnson, Ove Svejstrup and Stuart Hardy – are all absent, meaning a dip into the reserve pool and a debut for teenager Nazri Rouillard.

• Full story in Saturday's Guernsey Press.