JERSEY HOCKEY stand on the brink of history tomorrow as they charge into their first-ever England Hockey Men’s Tier 2 Trophy final, taking on Sheffield University Bankers in a high-stakes showdown at the iconic Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
The showpiece match, which is set to start at 12pm, is set to take place in a venue fit for the occasion. Based north of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Lee Valley boasts a capacity of 15,000 and Jersey’s attendance marks a landmark moment for the island side, who are competing in their first final after falling at the semi-final stage twice in the past seven seasons.
Their eventual route to the final this season has been hard-earned.
Jersey were forced to come from behind to secure a 2–1 away victory over Tunbridge Wells in the semi-final, with player/coach Robbie Forrest levelling the scores before captain Tom Millar struck a dramatic late winner to seal their place in the decider.
For Millar himself, it is a particularly special occasion, leading the side out two decades after making his own debut in the competition.
Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “We’re super excited – it’s going to be a great occasion, we’ve prepared well at training and we can’t wait to get going now.”
Standing in their way, however, is a formidable Sheffield University Bankers outfit. The Yorkshire side arrive in strong form, having been crowned champions of the Yorkshire & North East Men’s Premier Division this season.
Their semi-final success was equally dramatic, edging past Preston via a penalty shootout after an enthralling 4–4 draw in normal time.
Bankers boast quality across the pitch, not least in captain and goalkeeper Aidan Friskney, who will present a significant challenge for Jersey’s attackers. Up front, Will Hearne is also a key threat after scoring twice in the semi-final.
Despite the unknowns, Jersey are approaching the occasion with confidence and a clear mindset.
“The day should be great,” said Forrest, still just 23 years of age and in his first season as player/coach. “We don’t know too much about Bankers, but they’re going to be a good side if they’ve made it this far in the competition. Our main message is that we really want to enjoy the day and leave nothing out there.
“We’ve got this far and we deserve to be in the final. We know if we play our best hockey it’ll give us every opportunity of bringing home the trophy. We’re at full strength squad-wise, and we’ve got a great contingent of fans coming over to support us, which is amazing. Hopefully we can repay that support with a great performance.”
With this match bringing the curtain down on the season, Jersey now have the chance to cap an already successful campaign in perfect fashion — by writing a new chapter in the club’s history and bringing home some much deserved silverware.
Jersey squad: Tom Millar (c), Alex Anthoine, Barney Aston, Tom Bolton, Jamie Bolton-Grange, Joel Dudley, Sam Habin, Ben Heelis, Ed Hodgson, Simon Hurry, Tyler McGlinchey, Pete Millar, Tom Sibley, Alex Spencer, Jamie Watling
Player/coach: Robbie Forrest
Manager: Richard Gilpin
Assistant: Phil Cuming
Doctor: Adrian Noon
