Rezzers welcome back top shooter

Although the 2022-2023 Premier Division runners-up have gained and lost some players this season, including previous captain Tiff Gervaise-Brazier taking time out, they will be able to capitalise on one of the island’s all-time shooting greats after her extended period of injury.

Seasoned Rezzers player Anna Trump knows just how much a boost her long-term teammate’s comeback is.

‘She provides a lot, both on and off court,’ she said in the second week of a new Deloitte Winter League season.

‘Off-court last season, she was really helpful. It’s just that extra confidence it gives the teams to have her on board.

‘We have got a balance of experienced and less-experienced players. She adds that experience, that competitive edge and a lot of strategy with game plans.’

The Rezzers club as a whole have welcomed back a few former players, such as Hannah Green and Liz Mills, together with U19 Lola Wakefield making a foray into the Prem.

Yet they have also taken a haircut as several youngsters head to university.

Trump has called this year ‘transitional’, with the focus on developing new players as she and a few other seniors consider stepping down next season.

But make no mistake, Rezzers will be competing with the same hunger as ever.

‘We are absolutely going for the title this season,’ she said.

‘You would not expect anything less from us.

‘With the change in the top three [teams], I think it will be a really interesting and exciting season, even more so than the last few seasons.’

The season will offer two different prizes, with a main league title making its return alongside the play-offs – stressing the importance of performing all season.

‘It’s important for us week in, week out, to show up and do the best we can.’

Speaking about their B team, Rezzers Black, she added: ‘Because of the squad changes we have got, we have got a really strong second team and I think they have the potential to upset some results.’

The Blacks even gave their A team a mild scare on Tuesday night.

Both teams opened their seasons with a squad match at St Sampson’s High and a few absences were felt, with both teams fielding six players and leaving out the WD, but Black started very strongly to end quarter one 11-all.

Green stepped their game up from there.

The title-pushing team, who are now led from the back by new captain Abby McCracken, began getting the ball into the shooting circle more effectively and made it 28-20 at half-time.

The real difference was made in quarter three, though, as they blew out the gap to 51-28.

Green then saw out the game strongly to win 72-35.

Trump nevertheless called Black’s start ‘really impressive’ and highlighted their player-of-the-match, GD Tracey Lock.

Lock produced a great defensive performance as a relative newcomer – she joined Rezzers less than a year ago.

U19 Evie Robinson earned POM for Green after continuing her rise as a highly-capable centre option for the first team.