Six local footballers formed the mainstay of the Northern Ireland Under-18 Schools' team which recently claimed victory in the tri-nation Schools' tournament at the Springfield Stadium in Jersey.

North West Regional College students, Andy Devlin, Damien McNulty, Conor Deane, Dean McInnes and Darren Henderson along with St. Columb's College student, Darren McCauley all featured in the Irish squad which collected the Lynn Nicholson Memorial Trophy following victories over Republic of Ireland and host nation, Jersey.

Having defeated the Republic Under-18s 2-1 in their opening game of the tournament, the Irish boys went on to record an emphatic victory over Jersey in their final fixture to top the table.

Institute defender Deane, who scored against Jersey in the final game, and Derry City defender Devlin - both currently undertaking National Diplomas in Sport at the Strand Road campus - joined fellow Derry based defender, Damien McNulty, in making their first competitive appearances for the Northern Ireland squad in the competition.

Goalkeeper McInnes and striker Henderson, who both hail from Limavady and are classmates on the National Diploma in Sports (Outdoor) course, were also making their international debuts, however, 'Candy Stripes' midfielder, McCauley, had already represented at Under-18 level last year and was chosen to captain the team by manager, Bob Ramsey.

Despite making several changes to the side that impressed in  victory over the Republic, the Northern Ireland Under-18s produced another outstanding display to record an impressive 6-0 win over the hosts.

Northern Ireland failed to breach the Jersey rearguard until the 25th minute when Jimmy Callacher guided Ryan Burns' free kick into the net to open the scoring.

Five minutes later Callacher doubled the lead, ghosting in at the far post to slide the ball home. The midfielder then turned provider as Burns converted his low cross from the left with his shot finding the back of the net.

With 20 minutes remaining the visitors pushed on and Callacher diverted Burns' low drive past Jersey keeper Curtis Hinault for goal number four. Hinault then saved well from Deane, but the Institute defender finally got himself on the scoresheet when he managed to turn well following Callacher's low cross into the box and direct his shot past the keeper as N. Ireland raced into a 5-0 lead.

Man of the match, Callacher then completed a superb performance with an a powerful 30 yard free-kick which found its way into the top corner of net past Hinault's outstretched hand.

The Memorial trophy was presented to Northern Ireland's tournament captains Craig Hill and Derry City midfielder McCauley by Gary, Katie and Michael Nicholson, husband and children respectively, of the late Lynn Nicholson.

Northern Ireland U18 boss, Ramsey was understandably delighted with his team's performances throughout the tournament: 'I'm very pleased," he said.