ISLAND coach Steve Ogier is almost certain of his Muratti team. His only injury concern remains Bels wide man Dave Rihoy after the Greens went down 3-1 at the weekend to England Colleges.
If Rihoy is deemed fit, it would be hard to see him not making the starting XI for Monday’s big game at Springfield. Darren Martin, the other main injury concern before the weekend, came through 45 minutes unscathed and Glyn Dyer, who went off with a knock against England Universities, also featured.
‘Tony [Vance] and I are very close and we will have a debrief tomorrow,’ said Ogier (pictured) yesterday. ‘The weekend has helped us sort out which side we are going to pick and how we are going to play.’
Rihoy did not feature in Saturday’s game, but he had a one-on-one session with Guernsey physio Mike Thomas on Sunday and impressed the coaching set-up with how he fared.
‘Mike was pleased with what Dave did and he did more than he thought he was going to do. It just depends on what sort of reaction he has had today.
‘Wednesday will be the time we will know if he is anywhere near ready.’
Saturday’s game got off to the worst possible start for Guernsey as they found themselves 1-0 down in the opening two minutes.
But Ogier’s team, captained by Kevin Graham, rallied and could easily have been on level terms or ahead by half-time as they created three very good opportunities.
Unfortunately, Jon Veron was unable to convert the best of them when he was sent clear of the defence on two occasions.
Ogier made three changes at half-time and although England Colleges had much more of the play, Guernsey were still creating chances at the other end.
Ross Allen had a couple of efforts blocked and scrambled away before the colleges added goals two and three either side of the hour-mark.
Simon Tostevin hit the crossbar with a header from an Alex Le Prevost cross before Guernsey finally got the goal their hard work had deserved.
Veron capitalised on some dithering in the England Colleges defence and burst through with 10 minutes to play.
His shot across goal was parried by the keeper, but Allen was there to follow up and his scuffed effort was turned in by Tostevin.
‘They caused us some problems but they play at a higher level than us. Some of them are attached to pro clubs.
‘But in saying that, I thought we caused them problems as well, particularly in the first half when Jonny had a couple of very good chances.
‘In the second half we were a little weary after our game last Wednesday against England Universities.
‘But for the last five days or so we are very happy with the players and how things have gone.’
The Greens now have two more training sessions before travelling to Jersey on Sunday, when they will have a further one ahead of the Muratti final on Monday.
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