CONGRATS GIRLS... NOW CELEBRATE ON THE PARK
OF course, it is not just about the men this weekend.
We should not forget our award-winning Ladies squad who on Thursday night were awarded with the Guernsey Sports Commission Team of the Year Trophy for their brilliant 2016-17 season.
After two previous nominations and near misses, this year the girls finally won it, cue great celebrations at Beau Sejour on Thursday night.
In terms of selection for this Sunday’s home game (Kick off is at 1pm, Garenne Stand) against title-chasing Reading Abbey coach Chris Griffiths considers it ‘a real mixed bag’.
He said:
‘We have what I would probably see as our strongest pack available who will start together as an eight for the first time in a long while.
‘The back line however has once again needed to be totally reshuffled due to the lack of availability of key players in Fi Ashworth, Justeen Baker, Chelsie Blondel and Hannah Guilbert.
‘It is a backline that has real potential though with a lot of pace, but it is fair to say that most players are playing out of their usual positions, so it will be challenging for them but I hope they can enjoy the novelty.’
The absences allow for Lucy Pratt, 17, to make her debut on the wing, while there is a welcome return for the pacy Carly Duchemin who starts her first game since becoming a mum, albeit at an unfamiliar inside centre position.
Griffiths knows full well it will be hard to get that elusive first win this weekend, but remains hopeful, as always.
‘We played really well against Reading Abbey away at their place despite the final result that day. We defended strongly for much of the match but a couple of their real quality players made the difference, if we can manage to keep them quiet on Sunday and stick to our game plan I am hopeful we can perform well and get a result.
‘Our forwards more than matched theirs and it is an area we can possibly get some real advantage, so the set piece will be crucial and keeping our discipline will also be key.
‘As ever at this level it will take everything we have in the tank and maybe just a slice of luck now and again, that hasn’t been happening for us so far, to get the win, we will certainly be giving it everything we have.’
Starting XV:
Andrea Harris, Michelle Schofield, Heidi Mahy, Ellie Whittles, Kristine Vavere, Tanya Scholtz, Fiona Power, Rachel Merrien; Jemma Crouse (captain), Vicki Rang, Lucy Pratt, Carly Duchemin, Aimee Gaudion, Sophie Ferbrache, Lael Hollingworth.
Replacements: Janelly Le Maitre, Sophie O'Connell, Rebecca Drury, Chloe Williams, Fiona Drape.