Council reject a ban for Dan

BRITISH champion Dan de la Mare could still yet fulfil his Commonwealth Games dream next year in Melbourne. The 19-year-old has escaped a one-year ban which was the recommendation of Bowls Guernsey chief executive Garry Collins.

But the bowler, who won the British outdoor pairs title with Matt Le Ber this summer, still faces a nervous wait on the issue of his selection.

The Bowls Guernsey council committee might have rejected Collins' plea for a representative ban, but de la Mare still has to win the favour of two sets of selectors.

Collins yesterday confirmed that de la Mare had received a 'warning letter' and was still in the mix for selection.

Asked whether the youngster was still on the shortlist for selection, Collins said: 'At the moment he's still on the shortlist and it's up to the selectors, of which I'm one and we will make our decision.'

Collins added the bowls selectors meet this weekend to finalise the six men's players they are putting forward for consideration.

Even if de la Mare's name still goes forward, the final decision lies with the GCWGA selection panel of Owen Le Vallee, Mike Webber and Francis Quin.

De la Mare said the whole matter leading up to the ban recommendation had been a misunderstanding.

Having been reprieved he still harbours hopes of lining up in Melbourne.

'I'm just kind of glad that it is finished and hopefully I can get back to normal.

'I'd still like to think I can go.'

De la Mare had put his Games place in jeopardy by failing to play in an inter-insular practice match and not showing for the island pairs championship final.

One top bowler who could yet face disciplinary action is de la Mare's cousin, Craig Dorey.

Following this week's Bowls Guernsey meeting he has received a letter asking to attend a council hearing.

'Craig's situation is that he is still on the shortlist. But he's having a hearing on another matter,' said Collins.