THE Channel Islands are out to maintain their impressive record against Hampshire this weekend as the annual match is held at L’Ancresse for the first time.

‘This is only the third time the match has been played and it is a bit of a season warm-up for the Hampshire team, but one they will take very seriously, even more so because they have not won it yet,’ said Dave Rowlinson, the CI team captain.

The CI won the inaugural clash held at Grouville two years ago and last year held their hosts to a 6-6 draw at Blackmoor GC.

Hampshire have signalled their intent to end their hosts’ unbeaten run this weekend by naming an extremely strong side, including Ryan Henley, the winner of the county championship when it was last held at L’Ancresse two years ago.

He is joined by a further five plus handicap players, one scratch and captain Andy Bow, who is off one.

The Guernsey Junior team will caddy for the visitors.

‘We are all looking forward to the match this coming weekend… hopefully my team this year will avenge the defeat at Royal Jersey in 2007 and the draw at Blackmoor last year,’ Bow said.

‘Ryan Henley [pictured], Martin Young and Neil Raymond were all members of the Hants team that came runners-up in the 2008 EGU County Finals,’ he added, to emphasise his team’s capabilities.