Pitschou on track to retain Elliott Singles

GARY PITSCHOU is looking in irresistible form for the Elliott Singles crown once again. The timber worker has won the title for the last three years running and he easily overcame Ian Merrien 21-7 to ensure his place in the last 16.

'It's all about on the day,' said Pitschou.

'Myself and Ian don't play at Beau Sejour, so it was a neutral green for both of us. You're playing not only against your opponent, but the green as well.

'I caught the green and he didn't.'

In the other matches Ralph Deakin impressed his mark against Stan Simon to win 21-3 and Sid Le Maitre beat Dan de la Mare.

Two young stars had to fight it out as Craig Dorey faced Matt Le Ber. Dorey took a 14-2 lead after 11 ends and, despite a little wobble, he won 21-9.

Three tough matches saw Dave Trebert win over Mike Rose, Don Batiste conquer Keith de la Mare and Geoff Savident victorious over Nicky Donaldson to book a meeting with Pitschou in the next round.

'It's going to be close,' said Pitschou.

'He's playing really well at the moment. He'll up his game when he plays me and I will ensure that I up mine.

'But, as I say, it's all about on the day.'

In the other bowls, a win over Sorted left the Falcons flying high at the top of the Guernsey Glass & Windows Men's Fours League. Brats also won to get their hands on the number two spot.

The defending champion of the De Putron singles, Eunice Trebert, looks the one to beat this season as she overcame Gwen de la Mare 21-10. Trebert is off to New Zealand later in the year to compete in the World Champion of Champions.

There were wins also for Ellie Collins, Angie Bartie, Jackie Nicolle, Lyn Small, Wilma Le Feuvre, Alison Merrien and Anne Simon to ensure that they go through to the quarter-finals.

Pitschou also registered a victory in the Press singles, this time over Derek Barlow and in the Smithard Singles (men's over-60s) Ralph Deakin, Sid Le Maitre, Don Batiste, Stan Simon and Mike Rose were all victorious. Wilma Le Feuvre and Pauline Leadbeater were also successful in the women's equivalent Carre singles.

Before going off to compete in the men's British Isles championships, Matt Le Ber and Dan de la Mare had a close call going to an extra end against Mick Merrien and Tish Duquemin as they look to defend their Travers Pairs title.

The other highlights were Derek Wakeham with son Paul beating Dave Trebert and Len Le Ber and Stan Simon with Roy Mechem playing an aggressive game to overcome Paul Merrien and Ralph Deakin by three shots.

In the Brookman Pairs, Mavis Richards partnering granddaughter Lianna Bichard took control of the game against Anne and Jean Simon to win and Wilma Le Feuvre partnering Pauline Leadbeater went on to beat Kath Mahe and Anna Brehaut.

In the Nicolle mixed pairs second round, defending champions Alison and Ian Merrien had a tough start trailing 13-7 at halfway against Sally Paul and Stan Simon, but they pulled it back to win 20-18.

Ellie Collins partnering Gary Pitschou come up against her husband, Nigel, who was with Sally Tranter. The former pair came out with the win.

The Tostevin triples saw Locals and White Harts have a tussle after Locals started with 10 shots in the first three ends, then White Harts picked up 5-2-1 to follow by two shots and trail behind for the rest of the game by the same amount.

Geomarine were trailing behind Phoenix when they scored continually until the finish to win 27-12.

Mafia started slow then stepped up a gear to beat Sarnians 23-12.

In the Woodhard women's triples, there was only one game, which was between Anne Simon, Peggy Fish and Jean Simon against Sally Tranter, Shirley Petit and Gwen de la Mare.

It was all level at the halfway mark but the Simon-Fish-Simon team came through to win 17-14.

The open senior triples had Eagles beating Police, The Cave Men victorious over Beaters and the Westerners winning over Raiders.

n The Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association is holding an open evening tomorrow (Friday 1 July).

All necessary equipment will be provided and experienced bowlers will be on hand to coach and explain the game.

Anyone one interested in having a go at the sport is invited to the Guernsey Bowls Stadium, Hougue du Pommier, at 7.30pm.