Lions on prowl

HISTORY could be made next winter with a British Lions bowls team set to visit the Channel Islands. The proposal emerged after the British Isles Indoor Championships were completed in Belfast last weekend.

Although the details have to be finalised, Jersey's Gus McKinnon is confident that the proposals made at the annual general meeting of the British Isles Indoor Bowls Council (BIIBC) will come to fruition.

'We have been trying for some years to break into the home international series and the BIIBC are keen to help develop bowls in Guernsey and Jersey,' Scots-born McKinnon said.

'Although our chances of a place in the series are slim, one of the Welsh representatives suggested that a British team comprising six players from each of the four home countries could be sent to play at Hougue du Pommier or Grainville,' he added.

Brian Davies, the secretary of the BIIBC, confirming that the proposal had been made, said he hoped that the appropriate funding (sponsorship) could be found.

While teams have occasionally represented the British Isles outdoors, it is thought that this will be the first time that a British Lions indoor side has taken to the green.

'We hope they'll spend a weekend with us, playing Jersey on one day and Guernsey the next,' explained McKinnon.

'The idea is that the venue should alternate - say, Jersey next winter, and Guernsey the following year.'