As the hockey inter insular comes to Jersey tomorrow afternoon Dan sat down with men’s captain Tom Millar to preview the big day!
How has preparation gone ahead of the game?
We’re well prepared. We’ve had a good run in the National England Hockey Championships and still have a quarterfinal to come. Winning matches in that competition really helps in terms of preparation for the inter insular. If you’re knocked out early, typically the intensity at training drops off, but when you’ve put together a run in that competition, then the quality of the training sessions naturally follows. We’ve got a big squad this season, too, which has led to fierce competition at training as players battle for selection.
You’ve played in many, but just how important is this game on the calendar?
It’s huge. I’ve said it before, but there is nothing quite like an inter insular match. It’s always the biggest crowd we play in front of and with three ladies and three men’s matches all on the one day, there is always vocal support from both islands. For anyone who has represented either Jersey or Guernsey in an inter insular in any sport, I’m sure they’ll agree that there’s an added level of excitement in the build up, which doesn’t come around for just any old game.
Describe games against Guernsey in three words
Tough. Intense. Brilliant.
Huge day for hockey on island with plenty of games – why should people come down and support?
Firstly, all players would love to have some home support on the touch line. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it really does help in tight matches when you can hear the crowd cheering you on. It should also be a great occasion. If you’re a Jersey sports fan in general, then I’d encourage you to head to Les Quennevais for the ladies and men’s 1st XI games – they’re both usually fast-paced, competitive and a good watch. The matches are free to watch and there’s plenty of space in the clubhouse and stand. I also believe the ground staff have put the two temporary stands up on the surrounding banks.
Women’s game just before yours, how confident are you in their team to get the win?
The Jersey women have had great results in inter insulars over the last few years. They’re looking strong again and I’m sure will be confident.
How confident are you that you can lead the men to a home win too?
We’ve always had extremely close matches against Guernsey, which are often decided by the odd goal, and I expect this year to be no different. I’m very confident in the squad we have selected and so hopefully we can produce a good performance and I’m sure the result will follow.
Head to Jersey Hockey’s socials for more information about start times! Good luck to all sides in action!
