Guernsey netball squads heading to Jersey with ‘strong ambitions’

Guernsey will have opportunities to show their improvements across all eight categories on Jersey soil, including the U19 and veteran teams that have tasted victory within the last two editions.

Now in her third year as head coach, Sally Carns admitted that the recently released ‘inters’ squads came with more selection headaches than ever before.

‘The decision-making that Bridget [Yabsley] and I had was the most difficult I’ve had in my three years,’ she said.

‘Bridget said it’s one of the most difficult she can remember. All those girls are playing and pushing each other for spots.’

Like last year, the youngsters have shown their ability to run with the island’s best, leading to six current or recent U19 Panthers making the Senior A team.

Seasoned player Charlotte Hill is stepping up to captain the team, which the head coach describes as a ‘nice blend of experience and our youth’.

‘If they are good enough, regardless of age, they get into that senior squad,’ Carns added.

Carns hopes the scoreline will be tighter than the 65-29 defeat they endured at home last year.

‘Closing the gap is the goal and it always will be the goal.

‘We have got quite strong ambitions this year.

‘I’m not saying we’re going out to get the win. We don’t know who Jersey will put out, but we know they play at a much higher level in the regional leagues, and we are using it as a bit of a benchmark for us.’

Guernsey’s strong Senior B team will be looking to put up a real fight, having lost a competitive match 52-38 last year.

The U16 and U19 squads enter off a busy winter of south league fixtures, making them particularly well-prepared for the occasion.

The veterans hold the unique position of being defending champions.

But they are an almost entirely different side to the one that secured Guernsey’s sole victory last year, making for an unpredictable clash.

GUERNSEY SQUADS

Saturday

U11s: Aoife Marie Manning, Evie Bourgaize (VC), Lois Woods, Megan Blumsom, Maddie Crouse, Mimi Bachmann, Orla Saunders, Rosie Le Page (C), Jasmine Felbalel, Isla Sebire.

Over 30s: Adrienne Rushent, Gemma Roberts, Helen Dobell, Holly Meagher (C), Jo Jehan (VC), Kayleigh Knight, Kristina Griffin, Kyra Butcher, Maria Dorfner, Claire Jennings.

U14s: Caitlin Lee, Daisy Le Page, Ellie Roger (C), Holly Lavin, Charlotte Mullins, Millie Burchell, Marcie Elliott (VC), Gracie Guille, Amity Horton, Sophia Bailey.

Senior B: Abbie Greening (VC), Sophie Pontin, Holly Langlois, Kerys Chamberlain, Sophie Taylor, Clare Henry, Ella Staples, Viviane Kamworth (C), Savannah Goddard, Shannon Jordan.

Sunday

U19s: Lola Wakefield, Sophia Roger, Eva Bourgaize, Poppy Bisson, Frankie Savident, Demi Young (C), Mariella Groulef, Emelia Mullins, McKenzie Rich (VC), Erin Le Huray, Emma Feist.

U16s: Ella Burchell (C), Sophie Elliott (VC), Elle Harris, Belle Otty, Sophie Jehan, Macy Le Vallee, Matilda Bachmann, Orla Montgomery, Iren Heaume, Izzy Richmond.

U12s: Bella Marriott (C), Amelie Hervouet, Charlotte Miller, Evalyn Saunders, Ciara Shaw, Rose Timberlake (VC), Alena Elliott, Caletta Hern, Katrine Tonnes Svejstrup, Emily Wood.

Senior A: Tillie Graham (VC), Charlotte Hill (C), Erin Sullivan, Abby McCracken, Bryony de Garis, Vicky Yabsley, Donna Brehaut, Evie Robinson, McKenzie Rich, Demi Young, Eva Bourgaize.