“If we play our best hockey, I know we can beat anyone in this cup.”
The rousing words of newly appointed Island Men’s player/coach Robbie Forrest are sure to stir the appetite for his side’s trip to take on Epsom tomorrow in Round 2 of the England Hockey Open Men’s Tier 2 Trophy.
After receiving a bye in round 1, newly appointed player/coach Robbie Forrest admits his side are “absolutely buzzing” for this clash.
Epsom HC are a new prospect to the men’s senior side. However, keen observers of Jersey hockey will note that the island girls U16 side recently thumped Epsom’s U16s 7–2 earlier this month.
The 2024/25 edition of this competition saw Jersey Men claim a thrilling 4–3 win in their opening round over Sunbury & Walton Hawks 1 at home in October last year. However, the visit from South Berkshire 1 in the following round early in the new year saw the islanders fall to a disappointing 2–4 home defeat.
Jersey Men’s trip to City of London Freemen’s School tomorrow, however, sees a chance for a Jersey side blessed with exciting youth and cool experience to make their mark on the competition.
Forrest, who has taken the coaching reins from Tom Sibley this season, says he is excited by the challenge of leading his island. “This is just my first year in this new role,” said Forrest, “coming back from Uni and having been in and around the squad for a while, I’m really excited to have been offered the chance and have been thoroughly enjoying it so far.”
Forrest is no stranger to the coaching world, studying it at university as well as being a regular junior coach in his other love of cricket. Coaching friends and fellow teammates is no easy gig, but Forrest believes his time away from the island is making that transition smoother for him.
“I feel like since being at uni, I’ve personally excelled as a player and also my knowledge of the game of hockey. I haven’t really been involved in the Jersey stuff too much, having been off island for the last few years, but the shift back into that mode has been really good. All the players have been great and have taken my ideas on really nicely and I think we’ve made good progress so far.
“Knowing all the lads personally makes it easier, but having been away, me not necessarily knowing how this team has operated from a tactical perspective I think has given me an advantage in regards to bringing my own ideas and seeing things with a fresh perspective.”
Tomorrow’s squad features teenagers Barney Aston and Ed Hodgson, who are currently benefitting from their experiences in the Guildford Talent Academy.
Both players, along with fellow young stars Ben Heelis and Tyler McGlinchey, are now Island senior team regulars, have been dominating domestic hockey for their respective clubs and coach Forrest believes this is the time for them to shine.
Forrest believes the squad he has inherited is “really exciting,” with a “good mix of youth and experience.”
Highlighting his young stars, Forrest added: “Having those young stars (regarding Aston, Hodgson, Heelis, and McGlinchey) is really exciting for Jersey hockey as a whole. They’ve come on so much over the last year or two and having that exposure to such a high level at 15/16 is such a massive bonus for their development.
“You can see the difference in these lads receiving this level at that age rather than being exposed slightly later possibly at university age. They’re coming into those adult years already with top-level hockey experience and we can all see its benefits with our own eyes.
“We also still have our stalwarts of both Pete and Tom Millar whose expertise speaks for themselves. I’ve also been impressed with Simon Hurry, he’s been a really good addition to the midfield after a few years away from the squad.”
One man noted by Forrest as “key” is Jamie Watling. Also applying his trade at the heart of the defence for the Jersey Bulls, Watling’s return to the hockey scene for tomorrow’s clash is something Forrest is particularly pleased about.
“Jamie’s inclusion is key for us, he’s a big player. Obviously with his commitments with the Bulls, we’re not always sure if he will be available, but he’s made himself available and that’s a seriously good position for us. He’s been away playing a really good level at Loughborough Uni so he’s a great addition.
“The pathway through Jersey hockey is clearly working wonders with so many good players coming through. These young players, both boys and girls, are getting so many opportunities to play good level senior hockey from a young age, they’re learning what it takes to compete at senior level young and it’s showing in their capabilities still at such young ages.”
Regarding tomorrow’s opponents Epsom, Forrest continued: “We haven’t played Epsom before so they’ll be a new entity for us. But we have played sides from their level before and have competed well so we can make a fair assumption of the sort of level to expect. I believe we have a strong chance this season and we know that if we play our best hockey, we can beat anyone in this cup.”
Action from the City of London Freemen’s School tomorrow is scheduled for a 1pm start.
Jersey Island Men’s squad to face Epsom: Tyler McGlinchey, Barney Aston, Pete Millar, Joel Dudley, Tom Louwe, Jamie Watling, Simon Hurry, Alex Anthoine, Tom Millar, Ben Heelis, Ed Hodgson, Tiaan Kruger, Jamie Bolton
Player/Coach: Robbie Forrest
Manager: Richard Gilpin
