First victory can be a catalyst for Rangers

Chris Tardif’s men looked a much-improved side during the Rawlinson Cup back in August, but failed to pick up a point in their first two domestic outings.

However, goals from Kyle Fossey, Zac Batiste and Jacques Cauvin at the weekend handed them a comfortable win at the KGV.

‘It’s a big three points for us and will hopefully help us get back to our best,’ said Rangers boss Tardif.

‘It will be great for the confidence of the lads, especially since we are a young team.

‘We had quite a makeshift team – there were a number of lads from the “Jacko” and Railway who featured and some other U18s came into the fold, too, and I’m very pleased for all the guys.

‘I would not say that one individual was a standout, because everybody contributed for us.

‘I’d rather have it that way instead of just relying on a certain player to get us something.

‘Our target going into this season of pushing into the top half remains the same and I hope that the youngsters get a lift from this win and get that belief back after a tough start.

‘We have had good conversations after the game about how we were a bit disappointed with some aspects of the game despite getting the win, because I know what this group is capable of.’

Jon Collenette was taking charge of his first game as Sylvans boss on Saturday afternoon and he marked his debut in the hot seat with three points away at Bels.

A brace from forward Elliot Tart was enough for the St Peter’s side to see off Chris Le Friec’s men, moving them up to sixth in the Priaulx standings.

‘I am really chuffed that we got the win – we have played well this season and dominated games but just have not managed to get over the line, so to do it this weekend was really nice,’ said the new Sylvans manager.

‘We went into this game hoping to beat Bels as we’ve beaten them in the cup already this season, and we’re all very glad that we could do it on the day.

‘Bels had a good start to the game in the first 20 minutes or so, and they put us under a lot of pressure but luckily we got the first goal against the run of play.

‘Both of Elliot’s goals were excellent – he had a very good game.

‘I was also impressed by young Harvey Migasuik – he stepped up after we got a few injuries in the first half.

‘I think consistency is still a bit of an issue for us, as we had spells where we really took our foot off the gas.’

Up next for Sylvans is Jersey side Grouville in the Jeremie Cup and Collenette hopes that his team can build on their victory at the Track.

In the Wheway Cup this weekend, both St Martin’s and North were eliminated despite battling performances against St Paul’s and St Clement.

Ed Adams’ Saints side went a goal down to St Paul’s but soon responded thanks to young forward Rio Bowditch.

They were edged out in the end, though, with the Jersey side finding a winning goal midway through the second period.

North were leading at half-time against St Clement, who are hotly tipped to be one of the strongest teams in Jersey this year thanks to the return of Island forward Karl Hinds.

Archie Drillot and Chris Le Cheminant got on the scoresheet for the chocolate-and-blues, but it was not enough for them to advance to the semi-final stage as Hinds scored a hat-trick to help his team complete a 4-2 comeback win.