Savident carries British singles title hopes

ALICE LOVERIDGE is now a double British champion. THE Channel Islands may have lost their place in the men's home international series which started yesterday, but Guernsey bowlers will have their chance of glory in the British Isles men's outdoor championships.

In a departure from tradition, these will be held separately this year, from 14 to 16 July, and the venue is the home club of the legendary David Bryant - Clevedon, in Somerset.

Since the Channel Islands have been excluded from the team event, the champions of Jersey and Guernsey both have an opportunity to challenge for British titles and no longer have to play off for the privilege.

Guernsey will be represented in the singles by Geoff Savident, of the Guernsey Bowling Club, and in the junior singles by Vale Recreation's Matt Le Ber, who skipped Daniel de la Mare to the pairs title last year.

Vale duo Dave Lucas and the vastly-experienced Gary Pitschou, who go for glory in the pairs, have a chance of doing the double because they are also challenging in the triples, where they are joined by Matt's dad, Len.

In the fours, Guernsey's hopes will be carried by Northern BA quartet of Sid Le Maitre, Roy Queripel, Ralph Deakin and Paul Merrien.

The luck of the draw has given Savident and young Le Ber a clear road into the semi-finals in the two singles competitions, but the Vale teams in pairs and triples and the Northern quartet have tough quarter-final obstacles to overcome.