Sponsor on target

SHOULD any of the competing teams in the Guernsey Open Fours be in need of an urgent replacement over the coming days, they might wish to call on one of the sponsors. HSBC Bank Plc's area manager Steve Hogg was on hand to deliver the opening bowl of the tournament and deposited it within 18in. of the jack.

'It was a great achievement for a first-ever bowl,' said Giba president, Paul Ingrouille.

Meanwhile, the 2005 champions, Islanders, continued their winning start on day one with a fine 29-9 win over Pistol Knights.

From as early as the second end, Paul and Carol Ingrouille and Ian and Alison Merrien had the better of Shaun and Steve Bichard, Keith de La Mare and young skip Kris Bichard and ran out comfortable winners.

Head Hunters got the better of the fancied Shy Talk with Sheila and Len Bretel, young Todd Priaulx and Terry Dowinton opening up a good lead which Ricky Brehaut's Shy Talk team of Frank Richards, Phil Schofield and Wilma Le Feuvre just could not peg back.

Shy Talk finished very strongly over the last six ends, but still went down 22-19.

The Chancers team of Dan de la Mare, Matt Le Ber, Craig Dorey and Nick Donaldson also collected a second win, this over Isle of Wight side Lucy's Lads.

Lucy Beere skipped the rink of Ian Morie, Alan Best and Peter Furnidge to great effect, but Donaldson and his team were in inspired form and swept to a 23-14 win.

However, the game of the opening day was undoubtedly that between Celtic Warriors and Alcopops.

Lianna Bichard guested for Alcopops, filling in for Nick Davies who had been taken ill overnight, and led very well for her teammates of Paul Simpson, Graham Laing and Ryan Mountstephen.

Alcopops found themselves trailing by three on the last end to John Hagan, Peter Axon and Steve Edwards, skipped by Michael Merritt. Edwards had played superbly throughout the game which had produced ever-changing heads of a very high quality.

However, the Alcopops three-shot lead evaporated on the last end and a draw saw the teams finish with a point apiece.

Alcopops could justifiably feel a little aggrieved as Celtic Warriors' Mount-stephen had enjoyed a slice of good fortune to narrow the margin on the 17th end when Alcopops looked to be in a strong position.

* THE tournament has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of HSBC Bank plc, Randall's Brewery and Guernsey Annandale Tile Company Ltd.

With support also coming from SportsGuernsey the organisers have been able to offer £3,000 in prizemoney.