Sarnians lie third in table

GUERNSEY'S top men had a successful start to their British League Division Three South campaign. The team of Phil Ogier, Peter Bretel, Phil Hunkin and Mark Pipet lie third in the table, two points behind leaders York Gardens, after the opening weekend of fixtures.

Guernsey were victorious 5-3 in their opener against hosts Ashford Two with Ogier, playing at number one, particularly impressive in winning his two games and Pipet, making his debut at number four, also contributing two.

The following match, against Waterside from Southampton, ended in a decisive 6-2 win for the Sarnians with Ogier again picking up two and being well supported by an unwell Bretel, who also took two.

Unfortunately, on the second day of matches, Guernsey had to play with one man short as Bretel finally succumbed to illness.

However, despite giving away two games, they still triumphed 5-3 over Hastings with Hunkin and Pipet gaining two wins.

The only blot on the trip was a 5-3 reverse against Horsham where giving away two games proved too much.

There were two wins for Hunkin and one for Pipet but, unusually, Ogier was unable to contribute.

He lost both his games by the narrowest margins in the fifth sets.

Despite the loss, if Guernsey continue to play in this vein they will be serious promotion contenders this season.