AFTER a five-year wait, Jersey’s netballers will finally get to cross the waters to face local rivals Guernsey on their home patch in the inter-insular competition this weekend.
Featuring teams across all age groups, from under-11s through to over-30s, the inter-insular is a celebration of Channel Islands netball, friendly rivalry and a bit of neighbourhood bragging rights as well.
Jersey have enjoyed the rub of the green in recent history. Last year’s event, hosted in Jersey, saw the Caesareans win seven out of their eight age-group fixtures and retain the overall bragging rights for the 15th consecutive inter-insular series, a record that dates all the way back to 2006.
Linda Andrews, president of the Jersey Netball Association, said: “We’re really excited to be heading back to Guernsey for the first time since before the pandemic.
“The inter-insular is always the big date on both ours and Guernsey’s calendars.
“Our girls across all age groups are so excited. We have a great chance to give some of our younger players an opportunity to step up and play a higher age group.
“With the Jets success, our junior players have a clear pathway to work towards and we’re delighted we can offer them that opportunity.
“One of our key strengths is the culture we have created. Our younger players are welcomed into the senior ranks with open arms and all players learn off each other.
“Since Serena [Kersten] came in, we have gone from strength to strength and that is seen in the depth of talent we have.
“For our juniors, it’s about them handling the occasion.
“Travelling away is always a challenge, but we want them to be super excited to represent their island and enjoy the experience as much as possible.
“I’m sure they will do us all and themselves proud.”
Jersey captain Rosie Tonner is no stranger to the inter-insular scene and is yet to suffer a defeat.
The experienced attacker said: “All the girls are really pumped for this one.
“It’s come at a great time for us, having a month’s break in our Jets programme.
“It’s allowing us to stay sharp and match fit, while also resting the likes of Lauren Devine and Jacy Brown.
“But that opens the door for some other younger players to step back into the fold, which we’re really excited about.”
This weekend could also see the potential return of star shooter Leah Griffin, after being sidelined since January with an ankle injury.
“Having Leah [Griffin] back in the squad is great for us,” continued Tonner.
“She’s worked really hard on her rehab, so hopefully she can get some crucial minutes into her body.
“Across the board, our strength in depth is outstanding. From the youngsters through to the over-30s we have some excellent players and we are hoping we can put on another excellent weekend.
“Captaining Team Jets and Jersey has a slightly different feel to it.
“The rivalry is always intense. We have had the upper hand in recent history, but we never take them lightly.
“We played them twice last year, but we know their squad will be much changed this time around.
“They always get a big crowd and, considering it’s been a long time since we were last there, we can expect some excellent home support.
“The senior girls will be travelling over on Sunday, but we will be cheering on our juniors as well for what is such an amazing experience for them, I’m sure they’ll be amazing.”
