Guernsey 'played their hearts out'

GUERNSEY'S women bowlers completed their programme in the world outdoor championships in Royal Leamington Spa with a disappointing 20-8 fours defeat at the hands of an improving India side to finish in overall 22nd place. Along with singles player Jacqueline Nicolle and team manager June Finigan, the Guernsey quartet found a space in the stands and egged on fellow Channel Islanders from Jersey, who powered their way into the fours final.

'Of course there's a certain amount of rivalry between the two islands, but we do respect each other and enjoy each other's success,' said Jersey team manager Liz Cole. 'But it's still nice to have their support.'

Finigan said her squad had 'all played their hearts out'.

'It's still a marvellous festival of bowls,' added Finigan.

'Our hosts, England, have worked hard to make the event happen and deserve a lot of praise for the organisation.'

The English Women's Bowling Association came to the rescue when, for political and security reasons, Malaysia were unable to host the championships in Kuala Lumpur as planned.

With only 10 months to organise the event, the EWBA, which failed in its bid to receive funding from Sport England and UK Sport, have put its neck on the block and may well be in serious financial trouble as a result.

'I think we can say we are very grateful to the EWBA,' said the Sarnian manager.

'Without them, the event just would not have happened and although the weather wasn't good in week two, it would have been unbearably hot in Malaysia,' she said.