Barlow wins club support

DEREK BARLOW'S request for support from within the sport as Guernsey attempts to win back the Le Quesne Trophy has been granted. Vale Rec Bowls Club has agreed to make its bowling green available for four warm-up games prior to the first leg of the inter-insular, which will also be played there, on 13 June.

And the clubs and the Guernsey Women's Bowling Association have lined up to play matches against Barlow's island squad to give it valuable practice.

'A squad of about 30 players will be selected for the trial matches and these will be selected from those who have returned their CVs,' said Barlow.

'Several have already demonstrated their commitment to the association by returning their CVs.

With the probability that the NBA green at Delancey Park will not open until the middle of May, he has contacted the Vale Rec Club and the Guernsey Bowling Club at Beau Sejour and they have confirmed that on Monday-Friday, they will have vacant rinks in the afternoons and evenings.

'So any of the NBA players who are hoping to be selected for Guernsey for the Le Quesne would be welcome to practice at either of the clubs, taking into account that the first 'trial match' is on Sunday 16 May.'

Barlow was grateful to the island's clubs for responding warmly to his suggestion.

'I would like to thank all the clubs and the GWBA for their assistance in the trial matches to be played.

'I have spoken to Dave Trebert and he has agreed to be the captain of the Guernsey team for the 2004 season,' Barlow added.

'He has been the captain before and shows a great deal of enthusiasm which transfers itself to other players in the team.

'I believe this will be a popular choice among the other players and we congratulate him and wish him a successful captaincy.'