Former finalists get chance of free entry

VETERANS of Muratti finals will be able to watch the centenary showpiece for free. Match sponsors Cherry Godfrey have made the offer of a complimentary ticket to anyone who has played in a final as part of their plans to mark 100 years of the Channel Islands biggest highlight on the sporting calendar in a memorable way.

'One of the aims of the match was to make it a celebration of the Muratti's rich history as well as making it a party atmosphere,' said organiser Darren Duquemin.

'We have been keen all along to find a way of involving past players and this is a way of congratulating them on playing their part in Muratti folklore.'

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday at 8.30am.

In Guernsey, they can be purchased at the Cherry Godfrey offices at Les Echelons in the South Esplanade and St Julian's Avenue or at the Checkers superstore in Admiral Park.

Supporters in Jersey can buy tickets at the island's two Checkers superstores, or at the Cherry Godfrey office in St Helier.

Prices are set at £8 for a seat behind the goal, £10 for the stand opposite the grandstand and £12 to be in the Garenne Stand.

To claim their free ticket, past final players will have to go to one of the sponsor's offices with proof of identification and fill out a form.

At the same time, they will be able to purchase tickets for family and friends so that they can sit together.

'We are anticipating a huge rush for tickets,' said Duquemin.

'We have already been inundated with telephone calls about them and if we use that interest as a gauge, it is likely that the match will sell out in days.

'With this in mind, we would urge people who do want tickets to purchase them early to avoid disappointment.'

Meanwhile, Duquemin has rubbished suggestions that final tickets had been printed before last Saturday's semi-final.

'We never took it for granted that Guernsey would beat Alderney because stranger things have happened in football,' he said.

'Needless to say, Guernsey have played Jersey in every final since the Second World War, so it was the most-likely scenario, but we would not be so disrespectful to Alderney.

'They are a huge part of Muratti tradition, we are keen for them to be part of the day as well and, despite rumours to the contrary, tickets are still being printed now,' he added yesterday afternoon.

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* North won the Cable & Wireless Youth Two League last night with a 6-0 win over Vale Rec.