IN a match filled with passion, drama, and no shortage of skill, St Brelade emerged victorious in the Men’s Inter-Parish Hockey Cup, defeating reigning champions St Clement 5-4 in a nail-biting shootout.
Played before a large crowd at Les Quennevais, the final was a showcase of top-tier local hockey and festive camaraderie, with St Brelade claiming their first title in the competition’s short history.
Reflecting on the victory, St Brelade co-captain Sam Dunstan praised his team’s determination and resilience.
“It’s absolutely brilliant,” he said. “Last year, we felt hard done by in the final, but to win it this year, especially in such dramatic circumstances after nine shuffles, is phenomenal.
“I’ve never played with a group of lads who wanted it as much as this team did.”
The game started with St Brelade on the front foot, dominating possession and creating chances from the off.
Their early short corners tested St Clement’s defence, but the reigning champions held firm.
Rhys Thomas found the net for Brelade in the opening exchanges, only for his effort to be disallowed as it came from outside the D.
“We controlled the game early on and scored some really high-quality goals,” Dunstan explained.
“Tom Heelis’ finish was just exceptional, and Rhys’ opener was top class too. But credit to St Clement—they’re well-organised and they made it tough for us.”
St Clement struggled to break out of their half for much of the opening quarter but began to find their rhythm as the experienced Tom Millar’s clever positioning sparked a series of counter attacks.
Despite their growing confidence, Brelade broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, with Rhys Thomas converting a short corner to make it 1-0.
Moments later, Dunstan’s backhand pass into the D and onto the path of a diving Sam Habin set up Heelis for a sensational goal, doubling the lead.
“At that point, we looked like we were in complete control,” Dunstan said.
“But we let them back in by losing our discipline and overcommitting at times. That allowed them to punish us.”
St Clement pulled one back before half-time, with Pete Millar’s run and shot setting up his brother Tom for a vital goal to make it 2-1 going into the break.
The second half began with Brelade reasserting their authority.
Massimo Furness was perfectly positioned to prod home a third goal, restoring their two-goal cushion.
St Clement, however, refused to fold.
A short corner saw Tom Millar redirect Pete’s drag flick to narrow the gap to 3-2.
As time ran out, Pete Millar unleashed a stunning strike into the bottom corner to level the match at 3-3, sending the crowd into raptures and the game into shuffles.
“It was frustrating to see them equalise,” Dunstan admitted.
“We had chances to kill the game, but they showed their quality and capitalised. We’ve got to give them credit—they made it a real battle.”
The shuffles provided a fittingly dramatic conclusion. Both teams showcased nerves of steel, with goalkeeper Adrian Noon emerging as St Brelade’s hero.
His crucial saves, including one on the final attempt, sealed the victory and rightfully earned him the Man of the Tournament honours.
“Noon was phenomenal,” Dunstan said.
“He was immense in the semi-final and delivered again in the final. That last save—it’s what sealed it for us, he deserves every bit of praise.”
The victory marked a turning point for St Brelade after last year’s heartbreak.
“This tournament is special, huge credit to Tom [Millar] for organising it” Dunstan added.
“It’s not just about the hockey—it’s about the passion, the community, and the memories we create. To win it this year after everything is absolutely brilliant. Up the Fish!”
Earlier in the day, St Helier secured the Plate with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Combined Parishes.
Ben Tait’s hat-trick alongside a goal from James Le Cuirot capped a strong performance.
As the crowd dispersed after a thrilling day of hockey, the significance of the Inter-Parish Cup was clear.
For Dunstan and his team, this victory was not just about lifting the trophy, but about showcasing the incredible spirit of Jersey Hockey.
“It was really dramatic,” Dunstan concluded.
“The lads gave everything, and to come out on top after such an incredible final is something we’ll never forget.”
St Brelade: Adrian Noon, Sam Dunstan, Jonny Heward, Louis Kelly, Adrian Heelis, Rhys Thomas, Ben Heelis, Joe Gower, Will Smith, Pierre Sangan, Cian Ridgard, Mark Boarer.
St Clement: Paul Duckworth, Tom Walker, Peter Millar, Robyn Carnegie, John Carnegie, Tom Bolton, Chris Carnegie, Patrick Filleul, Peter Taylor, Louis Bell, Andy Brown, Tom Millar.
