JERSEY Men’s hockey team face what has been described as their “biggest game in recent history” tomorrow when they travel to Kent to take on Tunbridge Wells in the semi-final of the England Hockey Men’s Tier 2 Trophy.
It is a familiar stage for the Islanders, led by captain Tom Millar and player-coach Robbie Forrest, who are contesting their third semi-final since 2019. But despite previous near misses, the door to a first-ever final appearance remains firmly ajar — and belief is growing that this could finally be their year.
For Millar, the occasion carries both history and heart. The Jersey skipper, whose family name is woven into the fabric of island hockey, will lead out a side featuring brother Peter at Tonbridge School — just as he has done in various forms of this competition for two decades.
“I’ve been playing in this competition since 2006,” said Millar. “This is the third semi-final we’ve reached since 2019 and unfortunately we fell short on the two previous occasions. We’ve not reached a final in my time, so this is an incredible opportunity.
“This is a huge weekend and the guys are all really excited for another opportunity. I think the group is in great shape and we’re ready to go one step further this year.”
Opposition Tunbridge Wells will provide a formidable test. Well known across regional sport — including their rugby side competing alongside Jersey in Regional 1 South Central — the Kent outfit are no strangers to success.
Their men’s hockey section rose to the England Hockey League for the first time in 2023/24 after winning the South East Premier by a commanding 14-point margin, and they also boast recent cup pedigree, having lifted the Tier 2 Trophy in 2023 thanks to a hat-trick from Connor Poulain in a dramatic 4-3 final win over Leek HC.
Despite the scars of past semi-final exits, skipper Millar’s tone remains measured and confident — and with good reason. Jersey arrive in strong form following a composed 2-0 Inter-Insular victory over Guernsey, a result that helped retain the “Big Stick”.
“We’ve grown through those experiences,” Millar added. “I believe this is the strongest squad we’ve taken to a semi-final. We’re pretty much at full strength and we’re travelling with confidence.”
At the heart of the side’s most recent evolution is Robbie Forrest — still only 23, but already pulling double duty as player and coach in his first season in charge. A regular fixture in the starting XI, Forrest has quickly made his mark off the pitch as well as on it.
“This is a super exciting weekend, both personally and for the group,” the young coach said. “This is definitely Jersey men’s hockey’s biggest game in recent years. Although we’ve been here before, this year feels like our best chance.”
Forrest’s side booked their place in the last four after a gripping quarter-final win over Woking at Les Quennevais. After falling behind early, the Islanders responded through captain Millar and Jamie Bolton-Grange to lead at the break, before Woking levelled late on.
But it was teenager Ben Heelis who produced the decisive moment — his late winner sparking jubilant scenes on home turf.
Heelis is one of several emerging talents in the squad, alongside fellow Victoria College students Barney Aston and Ed Hodgson, who continue to inject youthful energy into the group.
That blend of youth and experience is key. The Millar brothers are supported by seasoned campaigners including former captain Tom Sibley, Joel Dudley, Simon Hurry and Jamie Bolton-Grange, while new arrival Alex Spencer adds further steel following his recent move to the Island.
One particularly timely boost comes in the form of Jamie Watling, whose inclusion Forrest believes could prove decisive.
“Having Watto in the squad is a massive boost for us,” he said. “Unfortunately we’re missing Sam Habin this weekend, but Jamie coming in is huge, he’s a crucial player and someone who can make a difference in big matches like this.”
Watling, who has established himself as a first team regular for the Jersey Bulls this season, will play for the island’s premier football team on Saturday in their away clash at Beckenham Town, before meeting up with the island’s premier hockey team on the Sunday.
Forrest concluded with a personal touch, adding: “From a personal perspective, I’m just so excited to play. We’re incredibly proud of where we are as a group and now we just want to get out there and go for it.”
Action from Tonbridge School tomorrow is set for a 2pm start.
Jersey squad: Tom Millar (c), Tyler McGlinchey (GK), Joel Dudley, Peter Millar, Tom Sibley, Barney Aston, Jamie Watling, Simon Hurry, Alex Anthoine, Tom Bolton, Ben Heelis, Ed Hodgson, Jamie Bolton-Grange, Alex Spencer
Player/coach: Robbie Forrest
Manager: Richard Gilpin
