VETERAN players from Jersey and Guernsey will renew one of the island’s long-standing sporting rivalries this weekend when the Over-55 tennis inter-insular returns at Caesarean Tennis Club.
The fixture, which runs from 9am to 3pm on Sunday, was postponed last year after Guernsey struggled to raise a team, making this weekend’s meeting a rearranged clash in the annual calendar.
Guernsey won the last contest 9-3 when the sides met two years ago across the water, but Jersey’s captain Ian Morgan says predicting the outcome is rarely straightforward.
“Generally it’s on the day,” he said. “It just depends which players show up and who’s available. It’s the same for both sides – you never quite know who’s coming over – but we’ll give it a good go on Sunday and see what happens.”
While the fixture remains competitive, Morgan says the occasion is equally important for keeping veteran tennis active on the island.
“It’s the sort of one opportunity to play in the year for the veteran players,” he explained. “The main thing is that it gives people the chance to play and keeps the event going. It’s been around for a long time and it’s part of the Jersey and Guernsey tennis calendar.”
Preparation can be difficult, with players balancing travel and other commitments, but Morgan says motivation remains strong.
“You always want to beat Guernsey, even when you get older,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Morgan remains optimistic, stating: “You’re always going to be confident. A bit like a cup final, it’s all decided on the day.”
