GUERNSEY fields its strongest ever men’s team as they attempt to win the main inter-insular race for the 15th consecutive time at muddy Foote’s Lane on Sunday. Led by Lee Merrien and last year’s winner, Steve Dawes, the GIAAC squad includes eight-times individual CI champion Alan Rowe and multiple Island Games steeplechase gold medallist Lee Garland.

Also in the team are triathlete Dave Holmes and Dave Dyke who, although he has made numerous previous appearances, is arguably in the form of his life.

Mark Mercier, the Hampshire under-20 champion, will be hoping that he can recover from his recent injury problems, although team manager Geoff King is confident that the home squad will have more than enough to cope with what is likely to be a weak Jersey team.

‘Even if Mark is unable to make it, we have an incredibly strong team with some really classy runners possibly not making our counting top six and while you try not to be complacent, given that Jersey distance running has been in the doldrums for some time, it would be a huge shock if Jersey were to beat us.’

King also harbours hope in the veteran races, where traditionally the Caesareans have been strong.

‘With Alan Rowe, Dave Dyke and Paul Ingrouille leading the way, we should be hard to beat,’ he added.

The women’s event should provide a close race, with the home team having won most of the recent contests.

In Hampshire champion Jo McGarry, Jersey have the hot favourite for the individual crown but there is a good chance of GIAAC taking back the team trophy with Louise Perrio and Martine Scholes likely to make up the first three with McGarry.

‘I’m hoping for strong runs from Sara Queripel and Helen Watts and that should see us home,’ said King.

‘Unfortunately, Nikki Neal is unavailable as she is in final training for the London Marathon and Gail Merrien is injured or else Guernsey would be strong favourites.’

As ever, the junior races are harder to predict, although the under-17 boys should be a cracker, as both islands boast some fine athletes.

But following the strong showing at the recent county championships, it is hoped that the white vests will generally be to the fore.