Netball Inter-Insular: “We want to play hard and fulfil our potential”

Friday 08 March 2024

Guernsey’s netballers are out to show the strides that they have made this season in this weekend’s Inter-Insulars.

A series of clashes across the age groups begins on Saturday at 09:00 and the first day culminates with the U19s, a fixture Guernsey have hopes to repeat previous success in.

On Sunday, many of those U19s will be in action again with the senior side for the headline match at 13:15 where Guernsey will be looking to again narrow the gap against what has been a ruthless Jersey side. 

In their clash last year, Jersey A came away with a 74-27 victory, and in the Inter Island Games earlier this season they beat Guernsey 79-28.

Guernsey will have an experienced spine in their side passing on their expertise to the younger players who have gone from strength-to-strength in their debut regional U19 campaign.

“They've really benefited from the coaching set up, the tactical work that we've been doing on court, as well as the strength and conditioning, and it's really good to see them flourish,” said Guernsey co-captain Donna Brehaut.

Brehaut is looking forward to having home advantage again after a long break since the pandemic intervened in the fixture.

“We've played Jersey twice in 12 months and we've improved every time. We're setting ourselves targets. 

“We just want to show that we're putting into practice everything that we've learned in the camps. We've come a long way and we'd like to show everybody that we are improving and looking ultimately to close that gap.”

She said that the morale in the camp was really high.

“I think everybody's really looking forward to the weekend. We've worked really hard and we want to go out there, play hard and fulfil our potential.”

Jersey captain Rosie Tonner is no stranger to the inter-insular scene and is yet to suffer a defeat.

“All the girls are really pumped for this one," she told the Jersey Evening Post.

“It’s come at a great time for us, having a month’s break in our Jets programme.

“It’s allowing us to stay sharp and match fit, while also resting the likes of Lauren Devine and Jacy Brown.

“But that opens the door for some other younger players to step back into the fold, which we’re really excited about.”

This weekend could also see the return of star shooter Leah Griffin, after being sidelined since January with an ankle injury.

“Across the board, our strength in depth is outstanding. From the youngsters through to the over-30s we have some excellent players and we are hoping we can put on another excellent weekend.

“The rivalry is always intense. We have had the upper hand in recent history, but we never take them lightly."

Timetable 

Saturday 9 March

09:00 Guernsey Exhibition match for Future Panthers

10:00 U11s

11:00 U14s

12:15 U12s

13:30 U19s

Sunday 10 March

09:15 U16s

10:45 Open B

12:15 O30s

13:45 Open A

Pictured top: Guernsey's Donna Brehaut in action at last year's Inter-Insular in Jersey.