Venezuela selection is reward for GYDC helpers

THE Guernsey Youth Bowling Club has produced its first World Cup competitor. Next week, 18-year-old Lauren Hurford, with established senior Dave Baker, are off to Venezuela for the 42nd Qubica AMF Tenpin Bowling World Cup. Hurford came up through the ranks to win the qualifying competition for the opportunity to represent Guernsey.

'It did surprise me as I wasn't expecting to win it,' she said.

'I'm really excited about going. You get the chance of playing with professional players.

'Realistically, I'd like to get through the first stage, but I won't be disappointed if I don't. You're up against some of the best bowlers in the world.'

The former Grammar School student will do battle with bowlers from more than 95 nations. The tournament is taking place at the Mampote in a 40-lane centre just outside the capital Caracas.

For the president of the GYBC, Mick Ward, Hurford going to the World Cup is a proud moment. The junior club was set up four years ago.

'It's not thanks to me but to those helpers who came down over the years,' he said.

'Certainly with Lauren going away to the world championships, it's a really good thing for us. It's the culmination of a number of years of hard work and I'm chuffed to bits for those who helped her.'

The Bowl is currently under refurbishment and under the new ownership of Harry O'Neill and his partner Hazel. It is due to re-open in early December.

Irishman O'Neill has spent more than 20 years running tenpin centres. Ward believes O'Neill is going to be good news for developing the sport in the island.

'I'm excited by the prospect of the new owners,' he said.

'They know a lot about bowling. They are going to look after the junior leagues and hopefully they will take things further forward.'

However the refurbishments and temporary closing down of the centre have seriously hampered preparations for Hurford and Baker.

The latter has had to go to the UK and to Jersey to get in valuable time on the lanes.

The 49-year-old cannot wait to get to Venezuela to take on the best bowlers on the planet.

'It's what you bowl for, to bowl against the best,' he said.

'Realistically I want to finish in the top 75 out of 100 because you're talking about the best bowlers in the world.

Baker will be proudly wearing his Guernsey shirt at the tournament that is labelled with his nickname, 'Cakey'.

'They reckon that 90pc of my strikes are cakey,' he said.

'I don't care how they go over but I'm going to be up against some of the best bowlers in the world so I'm going to need more than cake.'

A send off is being held for the pair at 6.30pm this evening at the Vale Rec Club. All tenpin bowlers are welcome.