Guernsey squads step up inter-insular preparations with Cheshire test

Preparations for the inter-insulars will gather momentum this weekend as some very worthy opponents fly in from the north to challenge the Guernsey hopefuls.

Cheshire last visited two years ago, just before the pandemic. They return to the island this coming weekend as part of Guernsey's inter-insular preparations. (Picture by Ben Fiore, 30603745)

With the long-awaited competitive reunion with Jersey now just over two months away, Guernsey organisers have penned in six matches against teams from Cheshire – who have a strong link to Superleague franchise Manchester Thunder – at St Sampson’s High across the weekend.

Guernsey will have representation in various age groups from U14s to seniors and, as they found out in February 2020, their opponents are no pushovers.

Cheshire made their first visit before the initial Covid lockdown two years ago, achieving a clean sweep against Guernsey’s U14, U16, U18 and over-30 teams but passing on plenty of experience in doing so.

Guernsey’s Heidi Rosamund, who now serves on the Netball South board, has been instrumental in organising this repeat trip and expects it will be a ‘good learning experience’ for the players.

‘The standard of netball that they bring to Guernsey is definitely something we aspire to meet,’ she said.

LISTEN TO A FULL INTERVIEW WITH TIFF GERVAISE-BRAZIER AND DONNA BREHAUT ON THE LATEST GP SPORT PODCAST:

‘It gives us a really good run-out.

‘Last time when they came over, we did not have the seniors or U19s.

‘We had never seen them play before, so we did not know what we were up against. I knew it would not be a walk in the park, but when they came over it was a good opportunity.

‘It’s good for us to spread up the age groups and give more of our teams the experience.’

With the exception of the opening U14 duel, each Guernsey team will be facing a Cheshire side at least one age group down in a potential leveller for the competition.

It will be a welcome challenge for the hosts after a long spell of being restricted to domestic competition, especially with the Guernsey Netball Association now setting their sights on building a clear performance pathway for promising players.

Although viewing space is limited, spectators are welcome provided they produce negative LFTs beforehand.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE - ALL AT ST SAMPSON'S HIGH SCHOOL

Saturday 19 March

9.30am – Cheshire U14s v. Guernsey U14s

11.30am – Cheshire U15s v. Guernsey U16s

1.30pm – Cheshire U17s v. Guernsey U19s.

Sunday 20 March

9.30am – Cheshire U14s v. Guernsey U16s

12noon – Cheshire U15s v. Guernsey U19s

1.30pm – Cheshire U17s V Guernsey seniors.