Huge step forward' as Scotland are beaten

GUERNSEY'S women's team has beaten Scotland for the first time. Island Games gold medallists Dawn Morgan and Kay Chivers scored an impressive victory over their illustrious opponents at the Six Nations table tennis championships held in Inverclyde, Scotland.

The pair went 0-2 down after the opening legs but stormed back to beat the Scots 3-2 in a nail-biting finale.

'Beating Scotland was a first for us; we played really well. It's a very good achievement,' said Chivers.

'This is a huge step forward. It shows we're catching up with the stronger nations.'

Team captain Maurice James said: 'The performance was first class. They are playing against people who train for several hours every day and who play all the time at a high level.

'Our players only get to experience this level of competition when they go across the water. It is a real achievement to beat the Scots.'

The duo had already trounced the Isle of Man 5-0. But they came unstuck against the Welsh, surrendering a 2-1 lead to the team that eventually claimed second place.

In the men's event, debutants James Lesbirel and Jez Powell faced tough competition but claimed a victory over the Isle of Man and took legs off top-class players from Scotland and Ireland.

'We were not able to put in our top men but those that played presented themselves well. We have quality players to fall back on and now they have gained experience,' said James.

'Overall, we are becoming a presence in the competition. We are no longer seen as the underdog. They are beginning to put forward good players against us.

'The other nations now recognise that Guernsey is a force to be reckoned with.

'It is a great time to be involved with Guernsey table tennis.

'We now have our own venue at the Hougue du Pommier where there are 10 tables.

'We want to hold as many events as possible and get people over. We have one of the finest arenas in the British Isles and we will get better with more competition.'

Guernsey will be hosting the Six Nations table tennis event in 2006.