Collins plan fails to spark green revival

ISLAND supremo Garry Collins put a brave face on Guernsey's resounding 132-67 defeat in the first leg of this year's Le Quesne Trophy inter-insular on the Vale Rec rinks. Collins had hoped his controversial new selection policy might produce a turnaround in Guernsey's fortunes, but despite home advantage, they lost all six rinks, two of them very heavily.

'We've had some good results. Gary Pitschou's team lost by just four, Stan Simon's by three and Dave Trebert's by five,' said a grim-faced Collins, who was quick to make excuses for another loss.

'We've got only half of last year's squad. Six are on holiday, three are not playing bowls any more, we've lost two to injuries and me, who as a selector, can't play.

'We are missing depth and experience.

'Jersey have got 600 bowlers to choose from, we've got 150.

'Individually, we do very well but on a 24-man squad basis it's very difficult for us,' he said.

Collins' words may well be totally valid but there were tales of Guernsey woe wherever you looked across the immaculately kept green, already showing signs of a long, hot summer.

On rink one, Derek Barlow's four never recovered from losing a six on the third end and crashed 34-8.

Gary Pitschou's team conceded a five on the second end, caught up to lead 8-7 after eight, only to fail to score more than just one single over the last five ends.

Stan Simon's team were 0-7 down after four ends and, despite a strong finish, lost narrowly.

Paul Merrien's four scored four on the opener but only one single over the last eight in a nine-shot defeat, while Dave Trebert's men lost the first four ends and the final three.

Ricky Brehaut had little to smile about. His team scored a single on the first end but thereafter just four ones.

Collins maintains there is 'something to build on'.

'We can also possibly change a few things around for the second leg.'