Barlow lays down law

DEREK BARLOW has come out fighting in his quest to win back the Le Quesne Trophy. The newly-elected Guernsey Bowls Association team manager has outlined his plans to beat Jersey and has left no one in any doubt that he expects the highest level of commitment from those chosen to wear the green of Guernsey.

'If players want to represent their island, they are going to have to show me and the other selectors that they have the right spirit to want to achieve a positive result and also to become a member of the team who can be relied upon to produce a determined attitude to succeed,' he said.

'My fellow selectors and I will be looking for a positive attitude from all players who should expect to be substituted if they do not have the right attitude.

'It is true that we do not have any more players to choose from this year. However, on the sidelines are players who are equal to the task and I would not want any of last year's team to feel too comfortable.'

He has written to all members detailing his plans for this season's clashes. He aims to get the team together early and have them play against select squads from each of the island's clubs and from the GWBA.

And he wants all these matches to take place on the green where Guernsey will face the old enemy.

'I have written to the presidents of the clubs and to the president of the Guernsey Women's Bowls Association requesting their help in selecting teams to play against the probable island team during May and early June. I have also requested in my letter to the Vale Rec club that all of the four matches be played on their green on Sunday afternoons and further that the home leg of the Le Quesne Trophy be played there also.

Training and team matches can take place only with the co-operation of the three clubs, he said.

He added that their support of the association had been greatly appreciated in the past and it was hoped that the GBA and the clubs would continue to enjoy a good relationship.

He also left the door open to all players, even those who felt they could have ruled themselves out.

'During the past two seasons there have been times when players have withdrawn from the selected teams. As far as I am concerned, that is history and all players will be considered and without any bias.

'Over the past two seasons, the selectors have chosen some of our younger players to represent Guernsey in high-profile tournaments. These players should be mixed with mature and experienced players to try to improve their techniques.

'When I was elected, I advised the council of my objectives - the most obvious of these is to bring the inter-island Le Quesne Trophy back to Guernsey and in future years the successful defence and retention of the trophy.

'There is absolutely no reason why we cannot be successful this coming season.'