Goals from Fraser Barlow, Luke Campbell and Lorne Bickley helped Jersey beat Guernsey 3-2 on Saturday afternoon to lift the Muratti Vase for the fifth time in a row.
Guernsey gave their all, taking the lead through Matt Loaring and then Will Fazakerley equalising very late on to force extra time, but Jersey largely dominated proceedings and deserved their victory.
Elliot Powell had the task of picking up the largely Jersey Bulls dominated squad from the heartbreak of a semi-final loss, and boy did he do it well alongside Peter Vincenti, David Kennedy, Lucas Parker, Glen Johnson and Andy Dewhurst.
The Bulls players were joined by Karl Hinds, Jay Dos Santos and Jack Lumsden of Premiership 1 champions St Clement, and the returning Kieran Lester who has scored for fun with St Brelade again this season.
Much of the talk on podcasts from other media pre match was surrounding the headache Powell had in terms of goalkeeping selection. Should he go with Euan Van Der Vliet who has been Muratti goalkeeper for so many years now, or does he go with Pierce Roche who he knows so well through St Peter and has been playing well for Jersey Bulls whilst Van Der Vliet had been injured? Powell opted for experience, but it was a good headache to have with two top shot stoppers now on island. Van Der Viet played well, despite the commentators worry about his rustiness!
Perhaps the shock of the day was James Queree, captain of the team for so long, being dropped to the bench. In my opinion that was simply down to others having a tremendous season, especially Harry Curtis who was solid at the back on the day alongside Campbell, who is phenomenal. The experience of Queree in the warm up, even on the pitch before extra time and in any drinks breaks was there for everyone to see. A true leader.
Will Karl Hinds play? That was the next question. He quite simply had to, didn’t he. Powell and his coaching team found a place where Hinds linked the team brilliantly. He was not only fantastic on the ball, and very unlucky not to score as he hit the woodwork twice, he also worked tirelessly defensively throughout the match in a role he hadn’t played much of before.
Adam Trotter, Jonny Le Quesne, Luke Watson and Jay Giles. Arguably four of the most reliable players you can have. Trotter’s willingness to run, and run, and run as well as his class in possession of the ball was brilliant again. Le Quesne, arguably an unsung hero of the team in terms of versatility and consistent quality performances was solid at right back. Watson’s return to Muratti action was fantastic. Hard in the tackle, but so elegant on the ball. Another leader of the team. Giles another key member of the squad, and there was a worry with his fitness in the weeks leading up to the game, but he linked with James Carr brilliantly down the left, and battled brilliantly in defence as he always does.
The front three. Carr, Bickley and Barlow. Superb performances on the day. Carr, as he did last year, was a threat throughout down the left with his direct running and quality deliveries. Bickley won his battles. Be that in the air, in the channels and finally in the box for the winner. Barlow had a point to prove after he was left out of the Island Games squad, and he did just that. From the off he drove at his full back, and made an impact throughout.
Powell knew that he had the likes of Miguel Carvalho and Francis Lekimamati to come on late and take the game to Guernsey with their pace. They did just that.
Campbell was named Man of The Match for the second year running. His impact on this team has been massive for so many years, and it just keeps growing. The players all sang his name as he went up to collect his award, and that shows how much he means to them. A colossal at the back for the beans.
This is a purple patch for Jersey in the Men’s Muratti. Guernsey will be wanting revenge, but the winning feeling will continue to give this squad all the motivation needed come next May.
Powell will now be heavily linked to the Jersey Bulls managerial role, but in the meantime I think he and all the players deserve a good few weeks break, that is after some of them are involved in the St Peter vs St Clement Wheway Cup Final tomorrow of course!
Well done to all involved! Five in a row…
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