CI winners after big prize

GUERNSEY'S Channel Islands champions reap their reward this week when they represent the region in the British Isles Championships. The men are in Belfast with Sarnians competing in the triples and the fours, starting tomorrow.

Paul Merrien skips the former with his father, Mick, at number two. Garry Collins has come into the side as a late replacement for a third Merrien, Alan, who is unable to travel due to business commitments.

They face the Scottish champions skipped by David Peacock in the semi-final on day one.

In the fours, Nick Donaldson skips the rink with Neal Mollet at number three, Mick Setters at two and Dennis Mollet at lead. They meet the Jeremy Henry-skipped Northern Ireland champions in the preliminary round.

Daniel de la Mare, who won the CI under-25 singles title in January, should have been contesting the British event, but is unable to be in Belfast due to work commitments. Jersey champion Scott Ruderham takes his place.

The CI women travel to Prestwick, Scotland, and Guernsey bowlers are involved in three of the five competitions taking place over Sunday and Monday.

Lianna Bichard goes straight into the semi-final of the under-25 singles where she will meet the Ireland representative, who has yet to be confirmed.

Bichard joins forces with Alison Merrien in the pairs competition where they face the England duo of Janet Douglas and Pat Stanley.

The fours team of Wilma Le Feuvre, Sally Paul, Shirley Petit and Gwen de la Mare is also through to the semi-finals and will face the winners of the preliminary round match between England and Wales.

The Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association has further honoured the world mixed indoor championship pairing of Alison Merrien and Neal Mollet.

In recognition of winning both the Total Channel Islands Team of the Year award and the Guernsey Press top team award, the duo received signed framed photographs of themselves from Deputy Stuart Falla, chairman of the Sports Commission, and Rob Batiste, sports editor at the Guernsey Press.

The presentations were made in front of family and friends at the Bowls Stadium.