The men’s match will be the sole big senior showdown at Beau Sejour for this year’s ‘inters’, given the sister isle’s inability to field a women’s team.
At the same time, emotions will still be running high following the tragic collapse and subsequent death of Jersey stalwart Guillaume Hoareau during last year’s match, which was abandoned.
The essence of Guernsey’s squad is the same as 2024. Young and developing players make up a substantial portion of the team, including debutants Kaine Hyde, Matt McKenna and Harry Heaume, and so the coach is not taking anything for granted.
‘I am sure Jersey will come in with the passion and drive to do the best they can in Guillaume's name,’ Farish said in reference to a fallen basketball star who is to be commemorated during the occasion.
‘From our perspective, we are still very much going through a rebuild.
‘It’s a young, developing squad, lots of people to step up and take leadership roles.
‘It will be a good contest. We know from last year that it will be tighter than previous games.’
Guernsey go in having not lost the headline men’s match since 2012.
The hosts will once again be able to call on the proven leadership of Aaron Walden, while Jason Hooper will fulfill the role of vice-captain.
Meanwhile, former stalwart Andy Stephens returns to representative action after a decade-long hiatus.
The debuts of Hyde and Heaume have also been long-awaited, with both being unfortunate to just miss out on selection last year, though the latter starred for the U17s and U21s instead.
The squad are missing out on a couple of other young prospects, as Blake Carre is long-term injured and Saul Falla is away travelling.
Three-point terror Max Hamon’s unavailability is another significant blow for the Guernsey squad, but he is set to return for July’s alternative Island Games in Ynys Mon, switching places with Dan Marriott.
The senior men’s last big run-out before Ynys Mon will take place at 12.30pm on Saturday 24 May, within a busy weekend that also includes various matches in the younger age groups, ranging from Future Stars Years Five and Six to Sunday’s U21 face-off.
‘We’re looking forward to getting back out and getting the guys together for a good run-out,’ Farish added.
‘Hopefully we get a good turnout from the Green Army to come and support us.’
Guernsey men’s squad (Saturday 24 May, 12.30pm - Beau Sejour)
Aaron Walden (captain), Jason Hooper (vice-captain), Dan Marriott, Nico Robinson, Ciaran Hamilton, Dan Naftel, Kaine Hyde, Matt McKenna, Andy Stephens, Harry Gent, Harry Heaume, James Alderton.
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