JERSEY hockey superstar Jamey Henderson scored a hat-trick as the Jersey Ladies O35s claimed the ladies vets inter-insular crown on away soil last weekend.
In the first fixture since 2017, Jersey Ladies travelled to Footes Lane, prepared for a battle, and walked away 5-3 victors.
Guernsey had the lion’s share of the early possession and were unlucky not to take the lead when a penalty corner narrowly missed the left post.
Against the run of play, it was Jersey who broke the deadlock, going 1-0 up through Jamey Henderson, who was able to evade several tackles before slipping it past the approaching Guernsey goalkeeper.
After 19 minutes, the Sarnians were awarded a penalty stroke which Becky Hubbard duly converted to level the scoreline. Both teams produced some excellent hockey, passing the ball well and putting both goalies to work.
Jersey’s Sarah Kerly was outstanding on the left flank, with Kelly Cutting and Trudy Dillon-Nugent steadfast in defence thwarting several attacks from Guernsey’s Lucy Waldron.
Sarah Heelis and Zoe Smart worked tirelessly upfront and after 28 minutes, Henderson scored hers and Jersey’s second goal at a well-worked penalty corner, with Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel the provider.
Ciara Millar showed her class in midfield, distributing the ball well and setting Jersey on the attack.
Just before the half-time whistle, and what looked like a solid lead, the visitors were nearly forced to concede a late equaliser, if not for an outstanding save from the Caesarean keeper, Laura Besnard, meaning Jersey took into half time a 2-1 lead.
As the second half commenced, Jersey continued to look forwards and attack. This paid dividends, as Helmholt-Kneisel converted a Penalty stroke to open a two-goal cushion for the away side.
Guernsey continued to press hard, and Caryn Reiger scored from a penalty corner, tightening the score line with twenty minutes go.
Just as it looked like the Sarnian’s might be getting their noses up again, Jersey’s Henderson responded for her hat-trick on 55 minutes at a well-worked penalty corner, bringing the score to 4-2 and giving Jersey back their two-goal cushion.
Not to be silenced, Guernsey got their third shortly after with another carbon-copy short corner strike from Caryn Reiger.
Guernsey rallied, but once again the magnificent Laura Besnard in the Jersey goal was forced to be a hero with a fine double save.
Helmholt-Kneisel then bagged her brace after an outstanding assist from Aleisha Stilwell to finish the game with a 5-3 victory and Jersey securing the trophy.
Jersey captain Trudy Dillon-Nugent said of the game: “Whilst a number of individuals from both the Jersey and Guernsey teams also represent their respective Ladies first XI Island team, it was fantastic to get this 035 Inter-Insular game back in the fixtures this year.
“I was really proud with the work rate that each and every member of the Jersey team gave until the final whistle.
“Guernsey fought hard until the very end but the drive to win from our team never faltered.
“We are utterly delighted with the result and look forward to continuing the annual competition next year.”
Jersey over 35 squad: Trudy Dillon-Nugent (c), Sarah Heelis, Laura Besnard, Charlotte Maltby, Zoe Smart, Janoun Dunleavy, Kelly Cutting, Aleisha Stilwell, Ciara Millar, Jamey Henderson, Chrissie Helmholt-Kneisel, Gemma Appleton, Sarah Jenkins, Claire De La Haye
Coach: Shelagh Herbert
