FOLLOWING on from the heroics of Jersey’s junior and senior golfers last weekend, the men’s and ladies’ teams travel to Guernsey tomorrow, desperate to hold onto the inter-insular crowns they won at La Moye last year.
However, as the Caesareans fully know, L’Ancresse Links has proved a fortress for the Sarnians, and returning with the spoils is no easy feat on enemy soil.
Both scorelines from 2023 read remarkably similar, with the men winning 15-5, while the women stole an extra 1/2 point to finish 15½-4½.
Keeping with the mirror theme, both team captains are entering the weekend with a shared mindset.
Men’s captain Chris Young is “quietly confident,” while ladies’ captain Nicola Mollin is “confident, without being complacent.”
Who can blame them both after a pair of convincing victories last year on home soil?
However, as both the red and green sides of the Channel Islands have displayed in yesteryear, the desire to reclaim an inter-insular provides a fuel like no other.
On the men’s side, there is a clear standout name back in the fold.
Recent graduate Jo Hacker has returned to Jersey after four years of collegiate golf, and also returns to the site he took Island Games gold at in 2023.
The 2021 Hampshire county champion adds real star quality to Young’s charges.
There is a fresh face in Kealan Quigg, who has recently moved to the Island and joined Royal Jersey.
The Irish native brings a stout golfing pedigree from his home in Ballyliffin and is an exciting addition to the men in red.
On the other end of the spectrum comes Matthew Parkman, whose remarkable longevity sees the recently crowned order of merit champion selected for a 22nd inter-insular.
“I think the manner in which we won last year surprised some people,” said Young.
“Guernsey are a strong side and to win by that margin was a testament to how well the lads played.
“We are quietly confident heading into the weekend, but we know how strong they are in their backyard.
“We haven’t managed to win over there since 2015. We got a half in 2017, but it’s been a good while since we put in a performance over there to take the trophy home.”
Meanwhile, for Mollin, her ladies’ side are equally buoyant heading into the contest.
Anabelle Lucas-Villar has been in fine fettle and returns to the venue she claimed her maiden ladies’ Channel Island crown in late July.
The teenager was also part of the winning Jersey junior side last weekend, with Iman Hamid-Wilkinson, who too makes the ladies’ squad.
Fellow youngsters Chloe Cadoret and Lily Buckley have also been selected, along with host of experience including Helen Gray and Juanita Adlington.
Mollin’s ten-strong team looks well balanced and primed for the Sarnian test.
“I’m really enjoying being captain,” she said.
“They are such a great group and that really shows in the team bond they have.
“I’m confident, without being complacent.
“Looking at the players that we have, there is lots of ability there and the desire to succeed, but we know that Guernsey will want it just as much.
“Even our younger players have a lot of experience in the short time they have been around the squad, so they know what to expect.
“I haven’t been captain for an inter-insular in Guernsey before, so it’s something I am really looking forward to.”
Action gets underway from L’Ancresse tomorrow morning with the men’s and ladies’ formats mirroring each other.
Five foursomes matches in the morning are followed by five fourballs contests in the afternoon.
Action will conclude Sunday with ten singles matches taking place in the morning, with a total of 20 points available for both sides.
As defending champions in both the men’s and ladies’ matches, a 10-10 tie would see the Caesareans retain the crown.
Inter-insular squads
Jersey Men: Andy Clarke, James Draisey, Alex Guelpa, Jo Hacker, Charlie Kiberd, Josh Ozard, Matthew Parkman, Jeremy Phillips, Sam Quail, Kealan Quigg
Guernsey men: Conor McKenna, Daniel Griggs, Danny Bisson, Danny Blondel, Jamie Blondel, Tom Pattimore, Jayden Tucknott, , Lewis Marley, Steve Mahy, Tom Le Huray
Jersey Women: Juanita Adlington, Lily Buckley, Chloe Cadoret, Suzy Cornic, Helen Gray, Iman Hamid-Wilkinson, Abi Harris, Brona Lambert, Anabelle Lucas-Villar, Hannah Scriven
Guernsey Women: Chloe Domaille, Chloe Gaudion, Di Aitchison, Di Stenner, Jennie Ballay, Kay Mapley, Lily McNeela, Mary Bate, Sally Ingrouille, Veronica Bougourd
