Angela Goddard, who was the driving force behind the foundation Guernsey Women’s Development Squad and subsequent Girls Into Golf Squad, has taken back the reins of the Island side and she is pleased to see the fruits of her labour, even though it means players of the calibre of multiple Island champion Kay Mapley are missing out this time around.
‘Several years ago the team selected itself and that’s why we created the development squad, so we would be seeing different players coming forward and pushing for a place,’ said Goddard.
‘We are getting that now and I think next year we will have yet more players to choose from.
‘But the worst thing about selecting the team now is having to tell people they are not in and having to leave Kay out was a huge thing. It was a really, really hard decision.’
A year on from defeat at Grouville which saw Jersey retain the trophy they have held for eight editions since the inaugural inter-insular in 2012, Guernsey have been strengthened by the return of the two Chloes – Domaille and Gaudion – as well as Sally Ingrouille, who were unavailable last year.
The fact that Gaudion comes back into the side as the Channel Islands champion following her hard-fought victory over Melissa McMahon last month is a major bonus according to the captain.
‘For Chloe to beat Melissa was huge for her and it has given all of our team a boost to be honest. It gets them believing they can do it this weekend,’ said Goddard, who is glad to have the youthful element to her disposal alongside familiar faces who have been showing good form, too.
‘I think it’s a really good team. We’re very strong with having the likes of Jennie, Lily and the two Chloes available.
‘They have all been playing really well and practising hard, which is great. Most have been in the development squad having Ronnie [Casey] working on different things with them.
‘Working as a team is the thing. We have been getting them together and I have been encouraging them to help each other out.’
Royal Guernsey assistant pro Casey will be one of Goddard’s assistants this weekend along with Mapley and the captain reported that their input will be invaluable as the Sarnians go in search of a maiden victory.
‘Ronnie has been working with the girls for the last few years and Kay has obviously been there, done it and got the T-shirt, so it is a huge help for me to have their knowledge as vice-captains,’ she said.
‘In the foursomes and fourballs I think we’ve got some great pairings.
‘They are all really up for it, especially being on our home course. Last time I was captain of the team here we lost by just one point.
‘The thing is to go out and enjoy it. If they get a win, then that’s absolutely amazing.’
TEAMS
Guernsey: Di Aitchison, Jennie Ballay, Mary Bate, Veronica Bougourd, Chloe Domaille, Chloe Gaudion, Bonny Hamilton, Sally Ingrouille, Lily McNeela, Mandy Webber. Reserve: Di Stenner. Captain: Angela Goddard.
Jersey: Lily Buckley, Chloe Cadoret, Suzy Cornic, Andrea Cunningham, Helen Gray, Abi Harris, Anabelle Lucas-Villar, Melissa McMahon, Gloria Paradiso, Hannah Scriven. Reserve: Sarah Le Boutillier. Captain: Nicola Mollin.
Schedule
Saturday, 8.30am – Foursomes; 1.40pm approx – Fourballs.
Sunday, 7.45am – Singles (starting from the 10th).
