Cheery Warriors

THE Guernsey Open Fours Bowls Tournament is keen to promote itself as an international event and has found mainstays from Cardiff. Celtic Warriors are always near the top of the pile, but they are drawn as much by the hospitality as they are by the competition.

And they were too relaxed to declare they wanted revenge for last year's close defeat at the hands of Alison Merrien's Chancers team, who eventually stole the title from under their noses.

'It's just nice to get away from the missus for nine days,' joked Paul Simpson, of the Cardiff four.

'But no, it's an excellent holiday really, it's a good competitive event and we get to know people over a few beers.'

'We have a great time, we aren't playing that well but it's not about winning. We're here to enjoy it.'

The £1,500 top prize is only part of the attraction.

'Once you start chasing the money, you've lost already,' said Simpson who, with the rest of the Welsh team, was staying at the nearby Wayside Cheer Hotel.

'We all have full-time jobs and book to come here every year and we couldn't ask for anything else in the hotel,' said Simpson.

The prestigious event is the indoor highlight for Simpson and his team-mates, Nick Davies, Graham Laing and Ryan Mountstephen.

'We all play for the same team in Wales and always look forward to coming here.'

True to form, the Welsh unwind with a game of snooker on the balcony of the Hougue du Pommier after tense matches.

Steve Edwards from fellow Welsh team Alcopops had just lost against his fellow countrymen.

'It's a friendly tournament: everyone gets on and we don't worry too much about it.'

England international Lucy Beere raised the profile of this year's tournament.

Unfortunately the Isle of Wight star's team failed to get into the top five and Lucy's Lads were left to battle it out for just £80 in prize money.