This Is Guernsey

By Aaron Scoones

The Rovers minis, coaches and supporters who went to the Sussex Cup. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0572792)

ROVERS’ juniors did themselves proud at the recent Sussex Cup.

A large contingent of 186 people from the Port Soif club went to Selsey for the tournament with eight teams consisting of 97 players competing in under-eight, U-9, U-10, U-11 and U-12 competitions.

Geomarine supported the trip. ‘[It was the] third trip that we have organised and definitely the biggest and best so far,’ said trip organiser Jez Robin.

‘All the Rovers coaches were very proud of their players as they were a credit to Guernsey in respect of their behaviour, attitude and determination to succeed. [It was a] very good standard of opposition and an excellent opportunity for the lads to test themselves against different and stronger opposition.’

A total of 37 teams took part in the tournament. Rover’s biggest success story were their U-10 A team which won their age group.

They remained undefeated and conceded only one goal in the competition.

This is the second UK tournament they have won in the last three years.

The U-9 A side got to the final before coming unstuck against the Hertfordshire county champions.

They were the only team Rovers lost to all weekend but they did pick up the fair play award, which was decided by the referees.

The U-10 B team also won their fair play award.

Former England player Ray Wilkins gave out the trophies.

‘The presentation evening was a superb experience with the build-up,’ said Robin.

‘The fact that Ray Wilkins was presenting the trophies and the fact that there were so many Guernsey people there, the lads will remember this for the rest of their lives. We definitely had the biggest cheers of the evening and there were Guernsey flags everywhere.

‘A massive amount of work goes into organising a trip of this size but when you see how much the boys enjoy their weekend, it makes it all worthwhile. Every year I say that I won’t be organising another one, but always end up changing my mind because of the fantastic time that everyone has.

‘A huge thank you must go to Geomarine who supported Rovers on this trip and their contribution was much appreciated.’

Article posted on 13th June, 2008 - 2.29pm