Football: It's time for action
The new captain of Guernsey champions Bels, Sam Cochrane, holds the Priaulx Cup, which the six other top flight clubs are aiming to get their hands on by the end of the season. They are represented by (from left to right) Matt Warren (St Martin's), Aaron Ferbrache (Sylvans), Luis de Jesus (Rovers), Darren Martin (North), Mark Ramsden (Vale Rec) and Dave Parrott (Rangers). (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0631175) GUERNSEY football enters a new era this afternoon.
GUERNSEY football enters a new era this afternoon.
After a summer of change and controversy, the renamed Senior County League Division One kicks off with a full set of fixtures.
The most intriguing of the day sees last year's runners-up North, who were decimated by injuries, travel to St Andrew's to play Rangers (2pm kick-off).
Mac Gallienne's home side may have a strong bearing on the title race, depending on what points they can take off the top teams, and they will be aided by what he believes is a strong squad.
'This is the best squad of players we have had at Rangers in 20 years. We are at full strength for today's game and we are as confident as they will be,' Gallienne said.
If North remain injury-free, they will undoubtedly be closer to winning the title than last year and a two-horse race with Bels is likely.
Coach Mick Le Prevost, who may field a new-look team compared to the Rawlinson Cup final on Wednesday, has no doubt as to where his side need to improve.
'At the end of the day, we need to put the ball in the back of the net more often,' he said.
The opening day's other two games see other possible title contenders St Martin's host a very young Rovers side, from which Colin Fallaize's home team will expect to pick up three points.
The final game of the day is at St Peter's, where Sylvans and Vale Rec face one another in a game that is more difficult to call.
A young home side will feature many of last year's Youth One winners, while Rec do not have the same injury concerns as they did for most of last season.
Also in action in the new CI Champions League quarter-final are champions Bels, who play host to Jersey's St Peter.
Bels will start as favourites against the side who lost their opening league game 3-1 versus Grouville and who are also without holidaying Muratti striker Marco Vieira.
However, Bels coach Micky Ogier is not taking anything for granted.
'It comes down to who performs on the day,' he said.
The weekend also sees the beginning of Division Two, as well as the start of the women's season.
