League is the way four-ward

GUERNSEY bowls have embarked on a new initiative in a bid to end their miserable run of defeats in the Le Quesne Trophy men's inter-insular. Thanks to the generous support of Guernsey Glass & Window Co., the newly-formed Bowls Guernsey have introduce a men's fours league featuring all the island's best players.

'The idea was to create a new men's league and encourage the best players to play together in fours,' said BG chief executive Garry Collins.

With a £500 first prize for the winning four, it is hoped the best combinations will play together on a regular basis and therefore help the island's chances of avoiding a ninth straight Le Quesne defeat.

Early contenders for the big cash prize are Falcons who have won their first three matches against Geomarine, Northern Nomads and Sarnians.

Meanwhile, the opening exchanges have been seen in the island's men's singles championship for the Elliott Trophy.

In the preliminary round, defending champion Gary Pitschou showed his intentions by defeating Frank Rowe 21-2.

Nicky Donaldson's return to outdoor bowling saw him beat Len Le Ber 21-6.

Ricky Nash and Sid Le Maitre enjoyed a good tussle, with the latter opening an 18-11 lead.

Nash hit back with a two-one, but Le Maitre held his nerve and with three singles took his place in the next round.

Ian Merrien had a struggle against relative newcomer Paul Wakeham, who led 11-7.

But a 2-1-4 sequence saw Merrien take control and eventually win 21-15.

Other winners were Ralph Deakin, Don Batiste, Dan de la Mare and Geoff Savident.

In the Press Singles, Dan Le Cheminant edged past Alan Hamilton in an exciting preliminary round tie.

Le Cheminant started slowly and trailed 5-10 before taking control with 10 shots on the next four ends.

Hamilton recovered to 15-15 after 20 ends, but after another six of nip-and-tuck bowls, Le Cheminant scraped through 21-20.

In the Travers Pairs, Paul Merrien redeemed himself for his Elliott Singles defeat by playing well in partnership with Deakin.

Together they beat Ian Merrien and Welsh coach Steve Crockett.

Mike Rose and Keith de la Mare beat Donaldson and newcomer Paul Clark.

The most popular of all the island knockouts is the Nicolle Mixed Pairs.

Preliminary round winners were Jan Cleal and Don Batiste, Dan and Pat Le Cheminant and Sally Paul and Stan Simon.

There was just one preliminary round tie in the Sandman Fours and it featured Falcons, the defending champions.

Dave Trebert, Len Le Ber, Matt Le Ber and Gary Pitschou found the Brats too hot to handle, losing 25-14 to the four of Paul Merrien, Ralph Deakin, Roy Queripel and Sid Le Maitre.