Wayne happy to Hogg the limelight at GIBA

WAYNE HOGG from Scotland went one better than he did last year when he beat England's Mark Dawes in the final of WIBC world under-25 men's singles at Guernsey's Hougue du Pommier stadium yesterday. The women's under-25 title was won by England's Gemma Broadhurst, who, in another classic England-Scotland encounter, defeated Michelle Cooper 6-8, 11-3, 2-0.

Hogg notched up a notable double, when he partnered Ireland's Catherine McMillen to a 7-4, 8-8 win in the mixed pairs, because the talented Scottish-Irish duo had taken the title last year in Jersey - when McMillen was Catherine Beattie (she got married last summer).

In both the mixed pairs and men's singles finals, Hogg - who has played for Scotland at senior level - showed his mettle by drawing the shot with the last bowl of the game to avoid going into a tie-break.

Compliments flowed last night as the organisers from the World Indoor Bowls Council praised their Guernsey hosts and local officials marvelled at the skill of the players, and the success of the event.

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'The people of Guernsey could not have done any more to help us,' said Liz Read, chairman of the WIBC executive. 'Those countries who did not allow their youngsters to compete did them a real disservice.'

Paul Ingrouille, the proud president of the Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association, said: 'It's been a fantastic week and it was great to have visitors who were able to produce such a superb standard of bowls.'

He added: 'Everyone seemed very happy at the end and it was an opportunity to make new friends and to renew old friendships.

'We have always had a good relationship with the WIBC and I am personally very grateful to our club members, who have turned scoreboards, acted as markers and umpires and worked so hard in the kitchen.'

The only disappointing aspect was the failure of Guernsey's representatives Daniel de la Mare and Lianna Bichard to reach the knockout stages of the men's and women's singles.

De la Mare was unlucky to be denied a place in the men's semi-finals after he finished level second with England's Mark Dawes in his section, but was adjudged to be third on account of the result of the match between the two players.

The players surprised a blushing Brian Davies, who is retiring as WIBC secretary, presenting the popular Welshman with a retirement watch.

'The success of the event is not limited to the skill of the players on the green,' Davies said. 'It's been marvellous to see how young people of different cultures and backgrounds get on.'

He added: 'As a retired schoolteacher, I see the whole thing as part of their personal development - and the camaraderie and spirit that develop within the group have to be seen to be believed.'