After celebrating their 30th year in the sport, RWB will be looking to win their sixth title in a row and are joined by Jersey Ladies, Quackers and Nomads.
They will face opposition at Foote’s Lane in Guernsey from Sarnian teams including the Guernsey league champions Cubs, who are yet to record a win this season, and Dolphins, a side that features many Island players.
In form teams Panthers and Puffins are stronger this season and could pose more of a threat.
Reigning champions RWB welcome back captain Becky Darts from injury while the experienced Sally MacDowall, who has been at the club 28 years, is joined in attack by Sarah Heelis, Chrissie Hefford and Nina Driscoll.
The defence isn’t without experience either as keeper Sylvia Spinola is in goal supported by defenders Kelly Cutting and Zoe Smart.
This will be the first big tournament for new girls Jackie Chrichton, Jen Brankin and Catherine Hargreaves who will no doubt step up for the occasion under the eye of new coach Raydene Stracey.
RWB, who are currently top of the Investec JHA Ladies’ Division I league, are sponsored by MacInvest Financial Services.
Nomads, now in their fourth season, should go into the tournament full of confidence as they welcome back Janet Hall and Clare Pettit from injury, and Lauren Jéhan and Nicky Anderson from the UK.
The club, which is sponsored by JExpress, certainly have a team capable of winning the tournament and will look to go one better than last year when they lost in the final to RWB.
With a young squad this season Jersey Ladies, who finished bottom of the league last season, go into this event as the underdogs.
However, they are able to field an almost full first XI squad with an exciting addition in the shape of Elizabeth Murfin who has moved to the Island from the UK.
She joins forces with Kerry Warwick and Sarah Kerley as an attacking midfield while the defence is back to full force with the return of Louise Hotton and Tracey Vallois from injury.
With experience coming from Shelagh Herbert and the versatile Becky Slater there is no reason why E&Y Quackers can’t do well in this tournament either.
Other key players for the team are Fiona Anderson, Jamey Herbert, Sarah Trachy, Shelagh Legg and Sarah Anderson.
Young Connie Taylor Cox is improving every season and this young keeper should give any attack problems while new player Harriet Simon is also one to watch.
Groups I: Cubs, Dolphins, Jersey Ladies, Nomads.
Group II: Panthers, Puffins, Quackers, RWB.
