Mahy’s sixth sense

By Aaron Scoones

Guernsey captain Damian Wallen and last year’s match-winner Andy Alford join forces in midfield again today. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0419479)

GUERNSEY men’s team have a fight on their hands in Jersey today as they look to make it six inter-insulars wins in a row.

‘It’s going to be the toughest contest that we’ve had for a few years,’ said coach Nick Mahy. ‘But I’m quite confident. We’ve got a good bunch of lads and when you’re on a winning streak, you’re more confident.’

The Investec-sponsored side are taking on their Jersey counterparts at Les Quennevais this afternoon.

And for the last five years, the Stranger Cup has been decorated with the green ribbons.

Last year’s inter-insular at Foote’s Lane was a close affair that was settled only by a second-half strike from Guernsey’s midfield maestro Andy Alford.

But Jersey did get the better of the island side in the Four Islands Hockey Tournament in September and have had more success in the national HA Trophy, reaching the quarter-finals.

Guernsey were knocked out in the fourth round by Banbury.

‘We’re certainly going to try [to make it six in a row],’ said Guernsey captain Damian Wallen.

‘I don’t know if we go in the game as favourites or not. We lost to them in the pre-season tournament in Jersey and they have had a good run in the HA Cup.

‘It’s not going to be an easy game.’

The Guernsey women are also prepared for a tough time as they come up against a Jersey team that has dominated the fixture in recent years.

Last year the Sarnians went down 6-0.

In total, three women’s teams and six men’s sides are travelling for inter-insular matches.