Donaldson heads Ramblers collection in Perth

GUERNSEY'S leading men's bowlers travel up to Perth in Scotland this weekend for the annual dabble at beating the home countries' big boys. The Sarnians dominate the Channel Islands representation at the British Isles Championships being staged at the Dewar's Rinks from Sunday to Tuesday.

Guernsey won three of the four qualifying competitions and Jersey's sole chance to shine will be in the fours.

Nicky Donaldson is the island's main hope of success and like team-mate Neal Mollet doubles up for the three-day event which features many of the best indoor bowlers in the world game.

'The opposition is getting stronger each year,' said Eddie Robins, team manager.

Among the celebrated opposition will be Scotland's former world under-25 champion, Darren Burnett, fellow countryman Graham Robertson, England's Les Gillett and Stephen Rees of Wales.

Robins remains hopeful, despite the quality of opposition.

He quite fancies the Donaldson-Mollet doubles pairing to do well.

In an under stated fashion he said: 'the pairing could be good'.

Indeed, they need win only two matches to claim the title and the Gilliland Trophy.

The CI representatives have avoided the preliminary round and go straight into the semis where they take on Scotland's Steven Currie and David Peacock.

In the other half of the draw Ireland's Trevor Robinson and Andrew Kyle await the winners of the Wales-England clash.

In the singles Donaldson takes on England's Billy Jackson, the national champion and full international in the opening round on Sunday afternoon.

'I wouldn't write Nicky off either,' said Robins, who explained that Donaldson was denied a place in the triples event because competition rules prevented bowlers trebling up.

Donaldson's place in the triple goes to fellow Ramblers fours colleague Steve Desperques, who joins forces with Mollet and Darren Setters.

For this event Guernsey have drawn Scotland's Eric Milne, Darren Burnett and Doug Farquharson in the preliminary round with England awaiting the winners in the semis.

For the fours, Jersey's Jamie McDonald, Alan Shaw, John Lowery and Thomas Greechan tackle England for a place in the final.