CIG Jersey Ladies 1st XI battled through relentless wind and rain to secure a hard-fought 2-0 home victory over Blackheath & Elthamians on Saturday.

CIG Jersey Ladies 1st XI – 2

Blackheath & Elthamians – 0

Scorers: Izzy Heelis, Jamey Henderson

HT Score: 1-0
Green Cards: Izzy Heelis, Jamey Henderson, Natacha Kay
Yellow Cards: Izzy Heelis
JEP Player of the Match: Harley Cadoret

The Islanders produced a determined team performance to claim the win, with Izzy Heelis breaking the deadlock in the first half before captain Jamey Henderson added the decisive second after the interval.

“It was a really tough game, especially in the relentless weather, but we played really well and I think deserved the win,” said Henderson.

“It was a great team effort and I think having a real battle in the first round gives us confidence we can dig deep for a result in this competition.”

After a battling opening exchange between two well-matched sides, Heelis opened the scoring after Jersey won a short corner.

The initial effort, smashed towards goal from the edge of the D, was saved, but Heelis reacted quickest to the rebound and tucked the ball home with a reverse-stick finish to give the hosts the advantage.

The forward was highlighted before the match as one to watch, and she continued to pose a threat throughout the contest, earning particular praise from her captain.

“Izzy had a great game in the front line and was a constant threat,” said Henderson.
Jersey then had to show their resilience in the second half as a series of green and yellow cards left them temporarily short-handed.

Heelis received a green card followed by a yellow for stick tackles, before Henderson and Natacha Kay were also shown green cards for similar offences.

For around ten minutes, the Islanders were reduced to ten players, briefly dropping to nine, but they held their nerve before Henderson put the result beyond doubt.

Finding space away from her marker on the edge of the D, the captain struck a firm effort towards the near post. The shot wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the net, sparking an emphatic fist pump from the jubilant skipper as Jersey celebrated a goal that reflected their determination.

Henderson also highlighted the contribution of several teammates, with Harley Cadoret named player of the match after an outstanding defensive display.

“Harley was our player of the match, she was outstanding in defence,” she said. “She communicated brilliantly and was an absolute rock for us back there.”

Also highlighted was some of the incredible efforts shown by the young emerging players in this group, including several teenage stars.

Gabi Knight earned big praise from her captain for a strong debut, while fellow juniors Molly McKeon, Tallulah Spry and Kate Follain all stepped up to the occasion and impressed in challenging circumstances.

Despite the difficult conditions and disciplinary interruptions, Henderson was traditionally professional in her keenness to acknowledge the officials for their handling of the contest.

“It was a really well-officiated game though. Both umpires, Jon Cartmell and Alastair Gordon-Hall, were brilliant, particularly considering the conditions.

“We’re really excited to kick on from this win now. We believe we can go far in this competition and with a win like this behind us, the confidence in this group will continue to grow.

“These young girls are performing so well in league hockey and the more experience they get is only going to benefit them and this team as a whole.”

Jersey Ladies 1st XI: Jamey Henderson (c), Amy Guthrie (GK), Jess Walsh (GK), Fliss Bailey, Harley Cadoret, Fiona Cuddon-Large, Kate Follain, Izzy Heelis, Natacha Kay, Gabi Knight, Molly McKeon, Kerry Rogers, Hannah Scriven, Tallulah Spry, Holly Stearn