Donaldson's four edged out in last-end thriller

NICKY DONALDSON'S battling four came within one shot of beating England in the British Lions test match at Grainville, Jersey, on saturday. The team of Neal Mollet, Steve Desperques, Craig Dorey and Donaldson were holding game at 22-22 in the final end.

But England skip Graham Shadwell fired successfully with his last bowl to not only take out the Guernsey bowl closest to the jack, but replace it with an English one.

The other three Guernsey fours were beaten by teams from Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

Terry Boreham, Kris Bichard, Ricky Brehaut and Paul Ingrouille lost 10-33 to Wales, while the four of Dave Lock, Steve Le Noury, Chris Dyer and Ian Merrien went down 13-32 to Scotland.

Merrien's team were in the hunt when 7-6 ahead after nine ends, but the Sarnians then dropped two threes and a six to let it slip.

Richard Hill, Matt Le Ber, Dan de la Mare and Paul Merrien lost 15-24 to the Irish combination.

'It was what we wanted, four tough games,' said team manager Garry Collins.