U19 Panthers progress from qualifier

They qualified through a splendid second-place finish at last weekend’s regional trials in Crowthorne, where they came back from an opening loss to Berkshire’s all-consuming Bs and won their remaining four matches against sturdy opposition.

A young Guernsey team had gone in seemingly requiring a top-two finish to make the grade – but as they learned later in the day, logistics with other league sides meant that three would qualify.

In any case, it was a job well done.

They faced a shock awakening against Bs, who had warmed up with a comfortable win and seemed all the better for it as they defeated Panthers 15-7.

But coach Heidi Rosamund called her girls ‘brilliant’ for what came after that.

‘If we were going to lose to anybody, we are happy it was to them,’ she said.

‘The rest of the day went swimmingly. Everybody did really well and nothing went wrong, and all the ladies took to court and did court time.

‘They showed maturity, they really did.’

The Guernsey players were at least one year young, and the vast majority will be available for a full campaign without university commitments. Two of them played for Panthers U16s this season.

But they played beyond their years as they sailed through their remaining matches, trumping both Marlow Kites and Trinity 15-7 and battling through to four-goal victories against CD Phoenix and London Falcons.

Bs topped the table as Guernsey and London Falcons landed the remaining qualifying positions.

The presence of Panthers in the U19 leagues next year is not a given, though.

Rosamund admits that they need to consider the logistics of playing at league level, not least gaining sponsorship for what promises to be an expensive affair.

‘From a coach’s perspective, I would love them to compete next year – but, as always, it comes down to money,’ she added.