Seven-year slump ends in triumph

WITHOUT a win in seven years, Guernsey's inter-insular men's bowls team returned from Westmount in Jersey cock-a-hoop after a glorious and unexpected first-leg Le Quesne Trophy lead. Against the odds Guernsey triumphed by seven shots, a small but important advantage going into the second and concluding leg at the Corbet Field in September.

Selector Derek Barlow said it was a brilliant team performance.

'Collectively, everybody did the job.

'The enthusiasm was great and you could see the determination on their faces,' added the selector.

On a day when thunder and lightning forced the players off the green for a short while, the Guernsey squad recovered from an early deficit to win on four of the six rinks.

Jersey led 30-22 after five ends, but through 10 the Sarnians were 61-47 to the good and sensing victory.

Through 15, Jersey were back in front by 80 shots to 76, but that was the last time the visitors were adrift.

After 18 ends Guernsey led 97-94 and by the end it 112 to 105 to the greens.

Ricky Brehaut's four were the last rink alive and members of both squads crowded around the rink to see the final throes of that match.

Brehaut's four held on to win 19-17 and a huge cheer went up when the final bowl was delivered.

Arguably, the performance of the day came from Dave Trebert's four who trounced the much-fancied Caesarean four led by Lee Nixon.

Gary Pitschou and Simon Masterton's fours also triumphed.

Barlow praised the way the Guernsey team held on.

'In past games all too often shots have been lost on the last three ends, but not on this occasion. Hopefully, this bogey has been laid to rest.'

Barlow also announced that the team would be unchanged for the return leg.