Merrien's helping hand

ALISON MERRIEN was among the top bowlers on hand to assist at the Guernsey Indoor Bowls Association's open days for schoolchildren, staged with the help of the Guernsey Sports Commission. The juniors began the morning by having a short coaching session from various island champions, including Merrien, the twice World Bowls mixed pairs winner.

This induction to bowling gave the boys and girls a general guideline of how to play the game.

The morning activities included bowling to the jack, playing a game, being recorded on video camera and bowling to a target.

Sweets could be won by landing on the target and a prize was also given to the best juniors.

Among the coaches was Mavis Richards who runs the GIBA's Tigers section for under-18s.

'It was an excellent weekend, said Garry Collins, chief execxutive of the Guernsey Bowls Association.

'We hope to have six or seven new juniors sign up, which for the sport is great. Among them could be the next Adrian Welch or Alison Merrien' he added.

As the outdoor season came to a close Matt Le Ber won the Warry's under-35s open singles title.

In the final he beat Kris Bichard, one of the outstanding prospects in the GIBA's Tigers section.