JERSEY’S young footballers enjoyed mixed fortunes in Sunday’s Star Series at Springfield Stadium, with the under-15s producing a stunning 10-4 victory over Guernsey in the Star Trophy after the under-11s had earlier fallen to a 4-1 defeat in the Star Plate.
The under-11s kicked off the afternoon and, after a nervy start, found themselves behind against a well-organised Guernsey side. Jersey were 3-1 down at the break, with Ethan Raymond pulling one back following an excellent through ball from Logan Pereira.
A much-improved second-half display saw Jersey grow in confidence, creating a number of chances and forcing several impressive saves from the visiting goalkeeper. However, as the hosts pushed forward in search of a comeback, Guernsey struck again against the run of play to secure a 4-1 victory.
If the opening fixture proved challenging, the under-15s provided a remarkable response in the Star Trophy clash, producing an outstanding attacking display to defeat Guernsey 10-4 in front of a lively home crowd.
Head coach Mark Logue praised his side’s forward play, admitting he had been eager to see their attacking quality translate into goals.
“Our attack was really strong this year, so we were excited to see what they could do in the game,” he said. “Every time we went forward we looked like we could open them up. It was great to see and the boys absolutely loved it.”
Jersey shared the goals around, with captain Ethan Crompton and Kaden Le Cornu both helping themselves to hat-tricks. However, a proud Logue singled out Craig Chimwaza for special praise after an influential all-round display.
“Craig Chimwaza was absolutely brilliant,” Logue added. “He was one of the standouts and he managed to get himself a goal as well. Along with the two hat-tricks, he was probably the main player in the game for us.”
Beyond the scoreline, Logue emphasised the importance of occasions such as the Star Trophy for players at this age group, particularly those not involved in other representative pathways.
“For most of them this is one of the biggest games they’ll probably ever play in,” he explained. “Some of them aren’t involved with the Jersey Bulls, so this is their opportunity to represent Jersey. Playing in front of a crowd, with that atmosphere, it’s a great experience and opportunity for them.”
The result also reflected the progress the group has made in a relatively short period of time, with the coaching staff only beginning work with the squad earlier in the year.
“We’ve only had them since January,” Logue said. “We went away to Plymouth and got beaten heavily, but the boys reacted really well. Since then we’ve worked on positional sense, team shape and bringing them together. You could see it all come together against Guernsey.”
Having edged last year’s contest on penalties, the comfortable nature of Sunday’s win provided a different but equally satisfying outcome.
“It’s a different feeling this year,” Logue added. “Scoring ten goals is great and it was nice to cruise through rather than sweating it out like last year. The boys really enjoyed it.”
