Select a region
Guernsey are up for the challenge as they look to reclaim the Ambassadeur Bowl against a strong Jersey side.
The U21s clash at Footes Lane today [Sunday 12 November] in a fixture moved from The Track after a spate of bad weather.
The game returns to its original November scheduling for the first time since 1999 and just seven months after Jersey dominated to claim the 33rd Ambassadeur Bowl at Springfield with a 4-2 win.
Guernsey manager Jordan Kelly fields a squad that ranges in age from 16 upwards, but one that has some players with plenty of experience of big environments thanks to their time with GFC.
“It's a really good technical group that have a real desire to want to win and improve,” he said.
Preparations began five weeks ago and Kelly is happy with where the players have got to in that period.
“For me, the biggest element is just having a group that wants to play for each other and play for the badge.”
He kept his cards close to his chest on how he will send the side out, but the crowd can expect a hybrid between retaining the ball and being a bit more ruthless and playing for territory.
“Ultimately, the players are out there, they’re the ones playing and with the experience of the group, they're clever enough to read the game.”
For Jersey, half of last season’s winning squad return and head coach Paul Renton believes that will play in their favour.
“The big thing for us, is that we know the players really well. We have had them for a long time through the age groups and they feel very comfortable playing together,’ he said.
Renton said it was always a great occasion against Guernsey.
“We know what sort of game it will be and going away is always a great opportunity and challenge,” he added.
“There are no easy games and, from our perspective, it is all about outworking your opposite number and winning those individual battles on the park.”
Like last season, Renton is lucky to be able to count on the return of university-based players such as Jack Lumsden, Rai dos Santos and Darryl Mvalo, who scored the opener in the April contest. Miguel Carvalho, James Sunley and Leandro Vieira are all missing due to footballing commitments elsewhere.
Carvalho is having trials at League Two side Crawley Town, Vieira is now based at Portuguese club Maritimo and Sunley is turning out for Southern League side Bishop’s Cleeve.
Meanwhile, another star of last season’s winning side, Sammy Henia-Kamau, is on the books at Swansea City.
Entry to Footes Lane is £3 or £1 for concessions.
Guernsey: Alex Roussel, Alex Ward, Archie Drillot, Benjamin Solway, Brandon Wallace, Charlie Platt, Finley Du Port, George McNeela, Jack Griffin, Jacques Cauvin, Keene Domaille, Oliver Harrison, Oliver Miller, Owen Wallbridge, Saul Falla, Sebastian Vance, Simon Arnold, Zac Batiste.
Jersey: Pierce Roche, JJ Lloyd, Fergus Boyle, Jamie Watling, Sammy Sutcliffe, Jack Lumsden, Barry Beatson, Rai dos Santos, Seaney McColgan, Luke Coutanche, Darryl Mvalo, Patrick O’Toole, Harry Gladdish, Conor O’Keeffe, Damon Huckerby, Charlie Brennan.
History
The U21 Muratti began life in 1988.
Guernsey have lifted the trophy 18 times, compared to 15 by Jersey.
Pictured top: Last season's U21 match at Springfield when Jersey won 4-2. (Picture by Dan Andrade)
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.