THERE were no shocks as Jeff Stuart named his Guernsey men’s squad to go to Rhodes. The new island coach has pretty much gone with the general consensus as to what the team would be for this summer’s NatWest Island Games.

‘In respect of the selection, I have gone with players who offer strengths across a number of positions and who will complement each other well both on and off the court,’ he said.

‘We have a big task ahead of us and developing team cohesion is as much a key to our success as developing the physical aspects of our game.

‘There are inevitably going to be players who are disappointed not to be selected but I am confident that this team will offer us the best chance of bringing home a medal.’

Nigel Govett holds on to the captaincy role that he has had since the inter-insular in 2000.

Le Mont Saint’s Mark Barnett is his vice-captain.

‘I’m very pleased to be going,’ said Barnett.

‘I think it will be tough because of the fact that we don’t play many teams outside Guernsey but it’s a challenge we need. We’ve got a strong team and at the end of the day it’s going to be down to us as to how well we play.

‘Hopefully we’ll get a favourable draw and not have so many of the big teams in our group, but if we do, we’ll have to rise to the challenge and give it our all.’

Barnett’s Saints teammate and Muratti footballer Jan Renouf also makes the cut.

Renouf contributes to the height of the team that has to be one of the tallest in years.

Stuart, Govett and Mike Beausire, who could play a vital role in the team’s success, have taken up the ‘big men’ positions.

There is also plenty of experience in the guards and small forward positions with the likes of James Tracey, Lee Ogier, Jamie Roussel, Kerry Smyth, Andy Stephens and Paul van Beek in the ranks.

Stuart has also looked to some youth with the inclusion of Jason Hooper.

The under-21 island player has had a solid season with Collins Stewart II showing that he can do a job at shooting or point guard.

‘He’s played excellently this year and he has come on in leaps and bounds,’ said Barnett.

‘He’s shown that he can do it in the Guernsey league but it’s now about whether he can take it to the next level. He deserves to be there.’