IT WAS the dawn of an era – or rather the rebirth of one – when the Muratti returned to its old stomping ground at The Track yesterday.

The biggest football match of the season went right back to its roots at Victoria Avenue after a controversial dalliance since 2003 with Foote’s Lane.

After criticisms from some that the impressive new venue (primarily an athletics facility) was too open, with a running track between the pitch and the supporters creating a lack of atmosphere,

earlier this year the GFA bowed to the wishes of many fans and agreed the fixture could return to its traditional site at Bels’ home ground.

It’s a move that seems to have gone down well with spectators, many of whom earlier this year contacted the Guernsey Press calling for the change.

As the scene of scores of past glories and the place were local legends have been made, it retains a special place in many local fans’ hearts,

Indeed, emotions were running high back in February with one fan announcing: ‘Everything to do with The Track is good. It’s our proverbial home.’

While keeping the spectators happy is obviously key – and Sunday’s good weather and smooth policing operation all helped make the day a success – sadly, this alone was not enough to win us the match, though we put up a strong fight.

And despite the result, as our page one story reveals, fans still believe that moving the fixture  back to ‘Viccie Ave’ has been the right game plan for the 104-year-old football competition.

Yesterday marked the latest chapter in the history of this proud tournament – the name of which has become an unofficial byword for most inter-island clashes, from cricket to badminton.

Its story has been through many twists and turns, including surviving a threat from proposed anti-smoking laws in Jersey banning the advertising of cigarette products – Muratti being the brand name of a tobacco manufacturer.

Soon after, in a sign of the current difficult economic times, came the news that the competition had also lost its latest sponsor.

Yet of course no one knows for sure what will happen in the future. While some accept that Foote’s Lane has prestige but is not quite right for the Muratti, others remain unconvinced that The Track is a long-term option.

Either way, Guernsey will now have to wait until 2011 to see if the Greens can lift the much- treasured silverware once again on home turf.