It will come down to fine margins

In a first for the event, the men’s and women’s matches will be played out simultaneously at the same venue.

The Sarnian men head to Jersey as the Challenge Trophy holders and captain Dave Jeffery will emphasise to his side that staying in their matches for as long as possible and taking opportunities down the closing stretch could prove pivotal.

‘I think we’ve seen over the years, home and away, the last three or four holes determine most matches,’ he said.

‘Two years ago we were very close to winning it at Royal Jersey. We probably should have had a good lead going into the foursomes after session one but we let some holes slip, and the same story on the Saturday afternoon in the foursomes, and although we lost it pretty heavy, we lost it on the last three or four holes.

'So the important message would be to finish strong. If you are ahead or close with a few holes to go, just stick in there and hopefully get a result.’

Jeffery added that morale within the group is high as they integrate three teenagers – brothers Rory and Conor McKenna, and Jayden Tucknott – in the 10-strong team. Another junior, Tanner Austin, is first reserve.

‘For the last few years I’ve said we’re the strongest we’ve been for a while and I think that’s the case.

‘We are bringing in three juniors – Rory, Conor and Jayden – but they are probably three of our lowest [handicap] players, so I’ve got no worries about how they are going to perform.

‘I think they are looking forward to it. But you’ve got to remember these guys now go away and play a lot of tournaments in the UK, Conor and Rory have played a lot for Hampshire, as has Jayden, so I think in terms of playing against opponents at this level, they’ve all been there and done it before. Even though it’s their first [inter-insular], it’s not as if they are stepping up a level.’

Jeffery’s final message to his troops before they take on the old enemy should resonate with both the Guernsey teams in action this weekend.

‘Go out and enjoy it, try and play your best golf. It’s never easy away from home, but I think if we play well we’ve got every chance,’ he said.

‘We don’t seem to play La Moye as much as we play Royal Jersey, but no problems with where we play, we’re confident going into it.’

Guernsey teams

Men: Danny Bisson, Danny Blondel, Jamie Blondel, Tom Le Huray, Steve Mahy, Conor McKenna, Rory McKenna, Jeremy Nicolle, Tom Pattimore, Jayden Tucknott. Reserves: Tanner Austin, Arthur Evans. Captain: Dave Jeffery.

Women: Veronica Bougourd, Di Aitchinson, Chloe Gaudion, Sally Ingrouille, Chloe Domaille, Mary Bate, Mandy Webber, Michaela Stacey-Goldberg, Chloe Gallagher-Brackley, Di Stenner. Reserve: Bonny Hamilton. Captain: Sue Wellfair.