Mascherucci cannot wait

Owen Watton would have been a strong contender in Rhodes, says his coach, but he is unable to travel. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0229900)

Mascherucci cannot wait
Judo
by Aaron Scoones
THE revitalised Guernsey Judo Club have named their team for the 2007 Island Games in Rhodes and are raring to go.

The Japanese martial art has not featured in the Games for more than 10 years.

It was a regular event in the Island Games from 1989 until Gibraltar in 1995.

Also, locally, the sport experienced a slump for a few years before the club was relaunched last year.

‘I can’t wait,’ said Guernsey’s player-coach Roberto Mascherucci.

‘I really can’t wait to hold them hold down and prove it. It’s my first time but I know a lot about international tournaments.‘I’m just pleased that judo is back on the island. My main goal is not just the Island Games. ‘It’s a starting point.’

In Mascherucci, the Sarnians have a competitor of real quality.

The 35-year-old Italian has represented his country at the European Championships.

Alex Mann, Angelo Dorey, Colin Sampson and Ben Chapple join him in the men’s team.

Sarah Martel is the sole Sarnian woman competitor.

Mascherucci believes they are capable of picking up some honours.

‘If they keep working hard, then I think there will be some medals coming home,’ he said.

‘I’m going to get a medal and I’m sure another two or three will get one as well.

‘It’s determination more than anything else.’According to Mascherucci, no one is more determined than Martel.She is looking to go to Italy with Mascherucci next month to train at his former club in Frascati just outside Rome as she prepares to fight it out in the 52kg or 57kg class.‘I think Sarah will be the surprise of the team,’ said Mascherucci.

‘She’s going to do extremely well. She’s extremely determined and she’s as strong as a bulldog.

‘I’m very happy with all the team. They do me very proud.’A notable absentee from the squad is Owen Watton.

The fire-fighter has competed at county level in the UK and would have been one of Guernsey’s best hopes of a medal.Reportedly work commitments have curtailed the amount of time he can spend on the mat.

‘It’s his own choice,’ said Mascherucci.‘He can’t train as much as he’d liked to.

‘We were hoping he would come to training and be part of the team.‘We’re very sorry he can’t come.’

The Royal Navy judo team will provide some competition for the squad on Friday 19 January.Mascherucci is also planning to bring the Frascati club to the island in February or March for a week of training sessions, which will culminate in a mini tournament. In addition, the squad are looking at attending a national grading competition at the Budokwai Club in London early next year.Mascherucci says a lot of hard work is going to be done before the squad travel to Rhodes in late June.

‘It’s not like a team sport: you can’t get away with not playing well,’ he said.

‘In judo it’s you against the other guy and if you don’t give 100 per cent, you’re not going to get anywhere. It takes a lot of sacrifice.’With regard to the opposition, Mascherucci is in the dark as the participating islands have not yet had to name their teams.

He believes Jersey will send a side and he is certain that the Rhodes outfit will be strong.

‘The Greeks will have a good team,’ he said. ‘They are always good.

‘Firstly they are hosting it and secondly I’ve been looking at their website and they will be quite well prepared.‘It will be like a derby for me.’

Published 28/12/2006