A SHOWCASE day of hockey at Les Quennevais for the junior boys and girls under-14 and under-16 inter-insular fixtures proved that Channel Island hockey is very much alive and kicking, with the Caesareans retaining three of the four trophies.
Both U16 affairs ended in thrilling draws, while the U14 Boys secured victory, with Guernsey’s U14 Girls taking the win in their respective contests.
The U14 Boys made a nervy start against a physical and well-organised Guernsey team.
Despite that, the hosts remained calm and absorbed the pressure without much threat on goal.
As Jersey began to impose their pattern of play, they were rewarded with an early lead through Rafi Fern from an excellent Lucas McAllister pass.
Guernsey responded strongly though and equalised from a penalty corner to draw level at the break
The Caesareans enjoyed the lion’s share of the second half, with Freddie Harben and Rufus Aston creating a strong platform from the centre of defence. It was not long before Jersey’s pressure was rewarded, with McAllister again starring by flicking firmly past the Guernsey keeper from a well-worked penalty corner.
Kobi Helmholt-Kneisel and Josh Winstanley continued to cause Guernsey problems with their direct attacking play, but the team could not add to the score and reflect their dominance.
Nevertheless, Jersey held firm to secure a deserved 2-1 victory.
Elsewhere, in the U14 Girls fixture, it was the Sarnians who tasted victory, in a tough and well-fought game.
Guernsey, who fielded several older age-group players, made their greater physicality and experience count, forcing the Jersey team onto the back foot for much of the game.
From the off, both sides hassled each other in the midfield, with numerous turnovers of possession pushing each team to-and-fro. Jersey, looking a little nervous, quickly realised they were not going to have an easy time of it but kept pressing the Guernsey players regardless.
Guernsey took the lead after 11 minutes, but the Caesareans did not let their heads drop, working hard for every ball.
As a result they often lost their playing structure, limiting opportunities to get the ball out and up the pitch quickly.
Notwithstanding some forays of their own, Jersey were then mostly on the defensive for the majority of the first half and were relieved to get to the half-time break for the players to catch their breath and re-group.
In the second half, the girls in red held their shape much better and tightened up their marking, breaking down the Guernsey attacks much more readily.
Against the run of play, Guernsey added a second, followed by a fabulous chance created by Jersey a little later. Two superb saves by the Sarnian goalkeeper kept Jersey at bay, as the visitors won 2-0.
The experience gained from playing a wiser team on such an occasion will be valuable.
Despite the loss, Jersey did themselves proud, and battled hard throughout.
Meanwhile the U16 Girls played out a classic inter-insular style game.
Both sides made a solid start, but it was the greens who broke the deadlock. Jersey had plenty of opportunities of their own early on and were finally rewarded after an excellent and incisive pass from Zoe Higgins found Anais McDermott on the post for a simple tap-in.
The game was finely balanced as the two teams headed into the second period. Guernsey were awarded a series of penalty corners with both goalkeepers enjoying a superb game.
With just under 20 minutes to go, Farrah Firby put Jersey in front, although Isla Smith may claim credit via a slight deflection. The hosts continued to press but the Guernsey defence was solid.
At the other end, Clara Ginnis, Molly McKeon and Kate Follain were just as tough. However, Guernsey had obviously not read Jersey’s script and won themselves a penalty corner as the final whistle blew.
Penalty corners have to be played out and Guernsey made the most of this rule, slotting home a last-gasp equaliser for a 2-2 tie to deny Jersey the outright win. As holders of the trophy, Jersey retained the crown for another year.
The day’s finale far from disappointed as the U16 Boys played out a 3-3 classic.
Guernsey came out of the blocks all guns blazing and showed they meant business, within minutes sending an aerial ball into the Jersey circle to open the scoring.
Not to be denied their own bit of theatre, Jersey struck on four minutes when Ben Heelis committed to a reverse stick shot, beating three defenders and the goalkeeper with its power.
As the drama settled down slightly, it was Ed Hodgson who intercepted a ball in the Guernsey half and, like a hot knife through butter, he sprinted to the other end to earn Jersey a penalty corner.
A further infringement from the Guernsey defence gave the home side a penalty flick. Skipper Barney Aston stepped up but, uncharacteristically, put the ball just wide.
As if to rub salt into the wound, Guernsey’s speedy winger, Jake Taylor’s skill earned his side a penalty corner, from which they duly scored to take the lead.
Jersey continued to attack with gusto but Guernsey’s defence were playing well. However, a lapse in concentration saw a ball fired in by Heelis and Oliver Ferguson was on hand to control the ball and fire it emphatically into the Guernsey net.
After the break, both teams came out and produced end-to-end entertainment, Guernsey looked very dangerous on the counter-attack and goalkeeper Wilson was called into action with a string of splendid saves.
A lack of discipline from Guernsey saw several of their team given two-minute green-card warnings. This unsettled the Sarnians and when Jersey were awarded another penalty corner, they were able to take advantage as Hodgson scored from a left-hand slip.
With victory in sight and just five minutes to go, the visitors continued to press for an equaliser, which eventually came in the form of a last-minute penalty corner conversion.
A competitive and enthralling match would end in stalemate, and, much like the girls, the boys retained the trophy for another year.
Jersey Junior Hockey extended their gratitude to sponsors Walkers for their continued outstanding support, which enables events such as the junior inter-insulars to take place.
