THE 108th Muratti Vase is set for a 12.30pm kick-off at Springfield Stadium tomorrow, as Jersey look to reclaim Channel Islands football’s most coveted prize on home soil.
As always, a sizeable crowd is expected at Janvrin Road for one of the biggest occasions on the local sporting calendar – a rivalry dating back to 1905 and one that rarely lacks drama.
Jersey head into the contest with extra motivation following last year’s 3-1 defeat in Guernsey.
Led by Muratti record-appearance holder Jack Cannon, the Caesareans travelled to Victoria Park with a youthful side, but were ultimately punished for costly lapses in concentration.
Captain James Querée (left) believes the fixture still carries a special feeling for local players, regardless of experience or level.
“Coming from Jersey, you grow up watching Murattis,” he said. “The rivalry between the two islands is always great. It’s the end of the football season so it’s our last chance for silverware . It’s not going to be easy by any means, but these big games are what it’s all about and playing in front of a home crowd is going to be fantastic.”
To listen to the full interview with captain Querée on the bailiwick Sports Podcast, scan the QR code.
Now, with home advantage and another year of experience behind many of those players, Jersey will hope the pendulum swings back in their favour.
Querée also believes both sides arrive with confidence after successful domestic campaigns, setting up what could be another close contest.
“When you look at the squad, the majority have come from that Bulls squad. One thing I’ve been saying from a neutral point of view, both Jersey and Guernsey are coming from successful seasons where they’re used to getting results,” he said.
“It will be a good game for the neutral, it will be a tight game like Murattis always are, and we’re hoping to win it back this year.”
There is also reason for optimism within the camp. Jersey’s under-16, under-18 and under-21 sides have all recorded victories over Guernsey in recent months, leaving the senior side with the opportunity to complete a clean sweep and secure a Muratti quadruple.
Querée said those results reflected the work being done throughout the island game.
“It’s always a bit of pride, I want Jersey to do well in everything,” he added. “It’s a credit to the players themselves, but also the coaches and volunteers that contribute towards that one-off game. We’ll be looking to complete the sweep.”
He also highlighted several young players pushing through the ranks.
“The youngsters get better every year, we’ve got some very good young players as well. Will Yates is a talented lad, Stan Dunne is a very complete footballer at such a young age, and Casey Nixon has barrels of enthusiasm and talent. Jamie Watling is only young and he has all the attributes.”
Cannon has handed the captain’s armband to Querée, who will lead a squad blending experienced heads with emerging talent.
The Jersey captain spoke highly of the coaching setup and believes the experience within the group could prove vital.
“There’s a lot of respect for Jack, his playing pedigree speaks for itself. He’s got the respect of the players. We’ve got two players in charge and players can relate to players. For games like this you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, I think it’s just leaning on some of that experience.”
Reflecting on last year’s defeat, Querée also stressed the importance of avoiding mistakes in such a tightly contested fixture.
“Jack Cannon and Peter Vincenti are certainly hoping to put that wrong to right. But it’s a game of fine margins, you can’t afford to give teams with the quality they’ve got chances.”
Despite the increasing experience of players competing in front of larger crowds through the Jersey Bulls and Guernsey FC pathways, Querée believes home support will remain a major factor.
“The home support is massive, it’s an occasion,” the experienced centre-back noted. “Having friends and family there is great and through the success of the Bulls we’re getting that on a regular basis. This Saturday will be no different.”
Guernsey will arrive determined to retain the trophy, while Jersey will be equally focused on ensuring Muratti silverware returns to Springfield.
Historically, Jersey lead the overall standings with 57 victories to Guernsey’s 47, while Alderney claimed the trophy just once, back in 1920.
The long-standing rivalry is back in full flow, with two in-form sides going head-to-head and toe-to-toe, Springfield is expecting to be as vibrant as ever tomorrow afternoon.
Jersey FA provisional squad: Euan Van Der Vliet, Harry Gladdish, Jonny Le Quesne, Tom Goncalves, James Querée (c), Harry Curtis, Jamie Watling, Jay Giles, Robert Martins-Figueira, Joe Kilshaw, Adam Trotter, Stan Dunne, Will Yates, Toby Ritzema, James Sunley, Karl Hinds, Connor Maher, Seaney McColgan, Casey Nixon, Fraser Barlow, Miguel Carvalho, Lorne Bickley, Harrison Moon
