Testing time ahead in Ireland for top Sarnians

TWELVE members of the Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association face Ireland in a test match in Belfast this weekend. The match is a combination of four triples - men's or women's teams - six mixed pairs and 12 singles, so everyone will have three matches at this high level of play.

The Guernsey team comprises Terry Boreham, Dan de la Mare, Craig Dorey, Richard Hill, Paul Ingrouille, Ian Merrien, Shirley Petit, Margery Yates, Angela Bartie, Gwen de la Mare, Lianna Bichard and Mavis Richards, with team manager Garry Collins also travelling.

'Paul Merrien had to withdraw from the squad, as his wife, Julie, has just given birth to a baby boy, Joshua,' said Collins.

'We wish him and his family the very best. However, this is a golden opportunity for Terry Boreham to show that he should have his place.'

This is the last international event before the selection of the team for the 2005 Island Games in Shetland next year, so all the players will be looking to produce the goods and to impress the selection committee.

There are 23 players in the Games squad; only 12 are off to Ireland and just 14 will be at the 2005 event.

'I guess I am also on trial for the position of manager for the Island Games,' said Collins.

'I have withdrawn from the Games squad, because I am currently taking a break from bowling and looking at the administration side of things.

'So I was delighted when asked to become the manager for this test.'

The squad includes the two young stars, Dan de la Mare and Lianna Bichard, who demonstrated their talent at the World Under-25 singles a few weeks ago.

Both are now internationals who have played in many events, including other tests against Ireland, Wales and England. De la Mare was also the runner-up at the 2003 British Isles Under-25 singles championships.

The Ireland side boasts some top players - Christine Young, Sally McGarel, Jennifer Dowds, Davina Knocher, Dessa Baird, Wilma Adair, Jon Millar, Paul McEwan, Neil Mulholland, Andrew Kyle, Barrie Brown and Brendon Thompson.

There are two points for a win and one for a draw, with the winner taking home the trophy donated by the host nation.