Guernsey stick to tried and trusted
GUERNSEY will be making very few changes to their proven formula as they attempt to defend their Island Games title out in Gibraltar.
Seven of the eight members who lifted the island to gold in Gotland will be returning this year, with the sole change coming from Paula Le Ber stepping back in to replace Charlotte Casey.
Success would mean a fourth consecutive title, with Guernsey having won gold at the last three Games in which table tennis was played – Gotland 2017, Jersey 2015 and Isle of Wight 2011.
‘We are the No. 1 side and we will be looking to defend our gold medal,’ said team manager and GTTA president Derek Webb.
‘The team has hardly changed. We have won three gold medals on the trot and we will be the team everybody wants to beat, but hopefully they won’t.’
The Guernsey side is a team that mixes youth with experience.
Garry Dodd leads the charge in the men’s event, playing in his sixth Games and looking to add to his five gold medals previously earned. Also selected are recent Island men’s singles champion Lawrence Stacey and twin brother Josh as well as 17-year old Ben Foss, playing in his second Games after an impressive debut in Gotland.
For the women, veteran Dawn Morgan will look to set more records as she competes in her 11th Games, having so far racked up 27 medals including seven golds.
She is joined by Le Ber, who has been in fine form in the league this season and is playing in her first Island Games since 2011.
The mother-daughter combination of Sam and Daisy Kershaw are also due to compete, with Daisy earning an excellent silver medal in the women’s doubles two years ago.
Guernsey Team
Men: Garry Dodd, Lawrence Stacey, Joshua Stacey, Ben Foss.
Women: Dawn Morgan, Paula Le Ber, Sam Kershaw, Daisy Kershaw.
Non-Playing captain: Alex Robinson. Team Manager: Derek Webb.
