Wanderers and St Lawrence take titles after JFA settle season on points-per-game

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Jersey
Jersey FA
Football
Thursday 23 April 2020 at 3:53pm

JTC Jersey Wanderers and St Lawrence have been crowned as men's and women's champions in Jersey after final league placings were decided on a points-per-game basis.

Local clubs were asked by the Jersey FA to decide between that and voiding the campaign, following a decision by the national football association to end all grassroots leagues due to coronavirus.

The confirmed Jacksons Premiership table sees Wanderers claim their first title in 30 years ahead of St Ouen, with St Paul's - winners for the last six seasons - in third place.

The decision in Jersey is in contrast to what has happened in Guernsey, where the Guernsey Football League Management board last month agreed to null and void their competitions, including the Priaulx League.

St Lawrence Women also lifted this season's Zenith Cup. Credit: St Lawrence

St Lawrence, meanwhile, are champions for the first time in their history after finishing top of the Condor Ferries Women's CI League.

The JFA announced the decision, which it said was backed by a "clear majority" of clubs, alongside a package of financial support for local sides during the current crisis.

Headline sponsors Jacksons will continue to provide support for the JFA Combination League for the 2020-21 season
Further funding of clubs will be provided by the JFA
Club Affiliation fees for the 2020-21 season will be waived
Team entry into cups and leagues will be free of charge for the 2020-21 season

Elswhere, St Ouen will take the Championship title, while St Clement (U18), Wanderers (U16), and St Paul's (U15) have been crowned champions in their respective age-groups.

The JFA says it is still hopeful that outstanding cup competitions can be completed, if football resumes by 1 July.

It was important to consult clubs and there were understandably passionate views on both sides. Generally, clubs have been extremely positive throughout this process and several reported back after healthy internal debates before reaching consolidated views. There is no perfect solution to suit all in this unprecedented situation and it is only right that we listen to the majority. Congratulations to the teams who will be crowned champions of their respective divisions. The JFA hope this outcome will provide many of the island’s footballers and volunteers with something to cheer about in their homes during lock-down. We will plan a trophy and awards presentation event at an appropriate time, once the island has successfully navigated its way through the worst of the pandemic.