McKane and Mackay go for win No. 4
LED by Tyler McKane, Guernsey aim to turn three successive Ambassadeur Bowl wins into four when the islands meet in tomorrow’s lunchtime U21s ‘Muratti’ kick off at the Track.
McKane, these days a fixture in the Rovers first team at right wing-back, was a natural choice, said Guernsey coach Angus Mackay who has, to date, a perfect record with three U21s wins on the bounce.
‘He’s the best man for the job and he started the last three [U21] games; the only player who has,’ said the coach.
‘His attitude in and around training and commitment levels have also played a part,’ said Mackay, who will name his starting XI after a final training session this afternoon but is likely to include a number of the Guernsey FC squad.
Even without the likes of Robbie Legg (injured), Louis Graham, Fin Whitmore and Chris de Carteret (all away), Mackay is happy with what he has at his disposal.
‘We’ve still got a strong group. We’re in a good place and been training regularly.’
Jersey arrive tomorrow playing under the banner of the JFA Centre of Excellence for the first time.
The Centre have had their squad together working on the plans for a couple of months and team manager Steve Coutanche says it’s now down to the players to perform.
Coutanche said: ‘A big pitch will suit us nicely, we’ve got some very good ball players and pace in the side.
‘It’s the first time the U21s have been at the Centre and that has allowed us more time to work with the players in terms of the structure and how we want them to play.
‘Eight weeks together is massively beneficial and the players know what we expect from them on the day.
‘Many of the players have come through the Centre over the years, they’re all very talented and they’ve been enthusiastic to be involved in this opportunity.’
Coutanche added: ‘Guernsey have clearly been very strong in the last few years and they will start as strong favourites.
‘That’s not a concern for me, the pressure will be on Guernsey to keep their good run going and that will put added pressure on their players.
‘We are prepared, we have a game plan and if we perform to the level that I know that we are capable of, then we have every chance of returning home with the cup.’
SQUADS
Guernsey: Jordan Kelly (Guernsey FC), Nick Batiste (St Martin’s), Ben Bullock (North), Tom Dodds (Guernsey FC), Louis Falla (Rovers), Jacob Fallaize (Guernsey FC), Will Fazakerley (Rovers), Colton Fletcher (Rovers), Charlton Gauvain (Guernsey FC), Louis Hunter (St Martin’s), Charlie Laine (St Martin’s), Ben Le Tocq (Rovers), Tyler McKane (Rovers), Aidan McKay (Rovers), Ben Relph (Rovers), Max Robin (Rovers), Seb Smeed (Sylvans), Kyle Smith (St Martin’s).
Jersey: Dan Birrell (Wanderers), Matt Donaldson (St Peter); Sammy Kermin (St Clement); Harry Curtis (St Paul’s); Charlie Batty (Trinity); Shay Miley (St Paul’s); Declan O’Connell (Wanderers); Evan Nobes (St Ouen); Kyle Devenish (Trinity); Joe Kilshaw (St Paul’s); Jake Prince (St Peter); Jake Huckerby (St Ouen); Francis Lekimamati (St Ouen); Harrison Moon (Wanderers); Charlie Breese (Grouville); Jody Byrne (St John) and Sol Solomon (St Peter).
