GUERNSEY champions-elect Belgrave Wanderers stand in Rozel Rovers’ way of gaining a place in the WJ Collins Trophy final tomorrow.

Bels are flying high in the Priaulx League title race having moved six points clear of second-placed North on Wednesday after defeating their nearest challengers 2-0.

The leaders also have the cushion of three games in hand as they head towards a first championship in 50 years and fourth in their history.

‘It’s going to be a tough game, there is no doubt about that,’ said Rozel midfielder Jerry O’Shea.

‘We played them in the annual W Paul Memorial Trophy match between the clubs pre-season and they are a young and fit side.

They ran the legs off us that day.

‘I’m sure it will be more competitive tomorrow and hopefully all our bumps and bruises will have cleared up to face them.’ O’Shea, a self-employed carpenter, seems to have been around for ages – and he has because he recently celebrated his 44th birthday.

In March 1994, on his Muratti début, O’Shea scored five goals in a record-breaking 18-0 semi-final victory against Alderney at Springfield.

Jersey’s Simon Petulla also scored five that day matching Dave Parker’s five-goal haul at Springfield in a 7-1 semi success in 1957.

So what keeps him going and how long can he continue to play? ‘How long’s a piece of string?,’ he says, adding: ‘As long as I can; as long as the body allows me.

‘I regularly bump into former players and they are surprised I’m still playing.

I put it down to loving training.

It’s as simple as that.

‘Last January a ruptured an Achilles tendon and people were telling me that’s the end.

I proved them wrong – I caught the tail-end of last season and then had a good rest over the summer before starting another season in July.

‘The tendon actually feels stronger than before so I’m happy.

As I say I love the training and the physical side of the games.

‘You’re a long time finished as a player when the end comes so I’ll keep floating around the midfield as I do, let the young ones do all the running, and continue to play as long as I can.’ Rozel manager Roy Jeanne said: ‘Jerry is an excellent example to footballers of all ages, he is totally committed.

He trains twice a week, plays regularly and he never moans about what ever position you put him in.

‘He is a big influence in the changing room and on the pitch and no matter what system is played he is adaptable to it.

‘Any kid who wants an example should look at Jerry.

He will play until he drops both for himself and the team.’ Bels won the pre-season match 3-2.

Jeanne added: ‘We didn’t play well that day and it was a disappointing results.

Changing afterwards I told my players Bels were a good side and they have gone on to prove that this season when you look at the current position they are in.’ Kick-off at Le Couvent is at 1.30 pm.

Trinity travel to Guernsey tomorrow bidding for a Jeremie Cup final place at AFC St Martin’s expense.

Coca-Cola Combination Division I matches in Jersey tomorrow are a relegation battle at St Saviour between St Paul’s and St Brelade while Grouville will be out consolidate fourth spot at Le Boulivot against First Tower.

Both Combination matches start at 2.30 pm.