More shocks in Elliot as semi-finals are decided

THREE Northern Bowling Association men and one from Vale Rec will contest the semi-finals of Bowls Guernsey's premium singles and the British Isles qualifying competition. Don Batiste, Sid Le Maitre and Ricky Nash all won their respective Elliot Singles quarter-final against the much-fancied Matt Le Ber, Steve Machon and Paul Wakeham respectively at Delancey Park.

Le Ber was 5-15 up on his opponent at 11 ends, but scored only three more points over the next 12 as Batiste took complete control over the latter half of the game and won 21-18.

Le Maitre won a very close game against Machon after 25 ends, 21-19 while Nash had a relatively comfortable win over Wakeham 21-11.

Meanwhile, Dan de la Mare was 9-0 up but then went 17-18 down to Collins before closing the match with four superbly drawn close bowls to win 21-18.

In the women's De Putron singles quarter-finals played at the Vale Rec Corbet Field green, Pauline Leadbeater beat Anne Simon in a close encounter.

They were tied at 5-5 at seven ends, 16-16 after 22 and 18-18 at 25 before Leadbeater scored a double and a single on the next two to claim a place in the semis.

Doreen Batiste matched her husband Don's achievement by beating Sally Tranter 21-14 to keep their double title chances alive.

Alison Merrien was always in control as she beat Jackie Nicole 21-10 and Angela Bartie eased past Lyn Small 21-7 in 13 ends.

An exciting Dot Foley Singles competition for players with up to four years' bowling experience - all from Vale Rec - was played at GBC's Beau Sejour green.

Andrew Lucas beat Alan Gibson 21-7, Matt Solway defeated Wes Baker 21-13, Don Ogier overcame Ivan Donaldson 21-16 and Brent Blondel beat Alan Hamilton in a very close contest, 21-19.

Gwen and Dan de la Mare beat Jean Simon and Nigel Collins in the Nicole Mixed Pairs 19-16 after winning only seven of the 18 ends match distance.

Carol Besnard and Nash overcame Sally and Peter Tranter comfortably 22-6, the latter pair conceding the match with two ends to play.

John and Jean Martel beat Stan Simon and Sally Paul 22-11 in a match dominated from the start by the Northern pair and Ellie Collins and Gary Pitschou defeated Alison and Ian Merrien in a tough contest. Initially behind after four ends, they picked up a count of seven to put them ahead only to go behind again by dropping a five to go 11-12 down at 11 ends. But nine shots scored over four ends put them safely into the semi-finals 20-15.

Fours and triples to follow