GUERNSEY hockey fans have been denied the chance to watch their HA Trophy heroes in action tomorrow because Richmond have refused to travel to the island.

This despite the carrot of having all their travel expenses paid for.

Guernsey won the national cup for the first time in their history after they defeated Old Loughtonians 4-3 in a tense final in Essex last April.

They were then blessed with a home tie against Richmond in the first round of this season’s competition.

Going by the rules, Guernsey are obliged to pay for their opponents’ flying costs. But the rules also state that a team can refuse to travel which Richmond have done.

‘It’s hugely disappointing,’ said Guernsey captain Damian Wallen (pictured).

‘For whatever reason, they didn’t want to come. They wanted to play at theirs, but now we’re playing on a sand based [Astroturf pitch] in Southampton.’

If a team does refuse to travel, Guernsey can choose a pitch in the UK to play on.

The Greens have decided to have the match on the University of Southampton’s ground which is next door to the city’s airport.