ISLAND PADEL is set to host the fourth edition of the Corcuera Cup padel inter-insular this weekend.
Having hosted the event in 2022, the St Clement-based facility once again sets the stage for a contest in which the home team has won on each occasion.
With Guernsey having hosted the event twice, they currently hold a 2-1 advantage overall.
With home soil proving critical thus far in the short life of the Corcuera Cup, Jersey will be eager to even up the score.
Jersey co-captain Emma Devenport was optimistic ahead of the clash against Guernsey: “Having the opportunity to compete against different people is something we don’t often have the opportunity to do on Jersey, so the inter-insular is hugely important in that sense.
“Especially with the Guernsey lot, we play on the same team as them for the county events, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to foster a good relationship with them.
“It’s going to be competitive, but it’s also going to be very social.
“I think it’s going to be a great weekend and hopefully we can walk away with victory as well.”
The Corcuera Cup has been expanded for 2023 as a total of 64 matches are set to be played across the weekend in four categories: Men’s Open, Ladies’ Open, Men’s Veterans and Ladies’ Veterans.
Each category team consists of four pairs that will play the other islands’ pairs in that respective category, with four individual trophies available for each.
However, the overall Corcuera Cup will be awarded to the island with the most points on Sunday afternoon.
Jersey require at least 33 points to reclaim the cup, whereas Guernsey only need to tie at 32-32 to retain their crown.
Play will be throughout the weekend, from Saturday morning through to Sunday afternoon and the event will be fully catered for both players and spectators alike.
Phil Bain, deputy managing director at Island Padel’s sponsor Rathbones, said: “We love supporting padel because it’s a great combination of sporting activity and wellbeing, alongside inclusivity, accessibility and community.
“The inter-insular is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the highest level of local talent against Guernsey.
“With the fantastic infrastructure and environment Island Padel have created, it will be a great event for anyone to come down and watch.”
Jersey squad
Men’s Open: Aaran Higgins/Scott Clayton, Jon Southern/Bero Bobus, James Faudemer/Reuben Legge, Peter Ahier/Tom Middleton
Ladies’ Open: Emma Devenport/Jolien Borrenberghs, Sonia Smith/Sarah Barnes, Suzy Cornic/Emma Sterry, Emily Brown/Jane Jenkins
Men’s Veterans: Morgan Jubb/Ian Furness, Chris Fancourt/Steve Watson, Craig Stewart/David Lawrenson, David Jenkins/Ed Fletcher/Franck Matthews
Ladies’ Veterans: Clare Clarke/Kerry Coombs-Goodfellow, Jo Barnes/Gemma Le Sueur, Lindi Lawrenson/Claire Jubb, Liz Casely/Nikki Faux
