Rovers 0, Belgraves 3

BELGRAVES’ mixture of youth and experience paid dividends yesterday afternoon at Blanche Pierre Lane as they comfortably retained the Collins Cup final in the last game of the season at Blanche Pierre Lane. Two strikes from goal-machine Marc McGrath and another from his junior island team-mate, Joby Bourgaize, sealed a fine victory for Ray Queripel’s team.

Rovers played their part in a passionate and highly-charged game, which was superbly controlled by veteran referee Geoff Ogier.

Bels took an early lead in the 14th minute when the fleet-footed McGrath pounced in the area and coolly stroked the ball past Jason Oliveira.

The experienced Micky Ogier, Leighton Chainey and Mick de la Haye complemented the vast array of talented youngsters at Bels’ disposal and it was ex-Muratti man Ogier who nullified Rovers dangerman, Matt Drillot, with a terrific man-marking display.

Bels Darragh Duffy was in scintillating form and must have impressed the watching island coach, Steve Ogier.

It was the gifted Irishman who set up the second strike for McGrath as he cleverly teased the ball to his strike partner, who cheekily back-heeled it into an empty net.

Rovers’ top scorer Jamie Ferbrache went close on a couple occasions but Andy Priaulx, who was standing in for an injured Rhys Gower, was equal to both efforts.

Duffy went close to increasing Bels’ lead just before half-time when he turned brilliantly in the box, but Oliveira pulled off the save of the match to deny him.

Rovers were never really allowed to stamp their authority on the game as Bels limited their supply to their front men Ferbrache and George Prow.

Bourgaize put the game out of the yellows’ reach in the second period when he pulled the ball down in a crowded area and despatched a low shot past Olivera to make it 3-0.

Referee Ogier let a tense match flow and used a great deal of common sense in a game which could have quite easily boiled over.