Bougourd still firing

UNDERDOGS Collins Stewart are eyeing an impressive IAG Business League and cup double. They have won all their 10 games this season and head into their crunch match with defending champions Specsavers the weekend after next in confident mood.

First they must face Northern Trust at Cambridge Park tomorrow afternoon, with the optical group meeting Close over the wall at Beau Sejour.

Veteran Alan 'Tich' Bougourd continues to shine for Collins Stewart.

While by his own admission he has lost his speed, the way he reads the game and keeps it simple, blended with his touch and finishes, still means he commands the respect of his teammates and the rest of the league's players.

Player-coach Jack Gervaise-Brazier rejected murmurs at the start of the season that Bougourd could hang up his boots.

'A local legend.

'While I am running the side, he will always be involved - even as a sounding board if necessary,' he said.

Other experienced players complement the prolific former island and Vale Rec marksman - with former Blue Devils five-a-side and Island FM XI trio Adie Exall, Colin 'Mushy' Gilbert and John 'Crusher' McGrath continuing to be a potent combination.

The side is balanced with some talented younger players, including Chris Parrott, Wayne Cicmic, Damian Le Tocq, Ryan O'Neill, Richard Hann, Gavin Bougourd and Tom Le Prevost.

'What is most impressive about this collection of players is their discipline and will to win every single game.

'I have never been involved with such a self-critical team who, even when winning, always want more,' said Gervaise-Brazier.

'We take nothing for granted and our desire to win all games is unrelenting.'

Collins Stewart made it 10 on the trot at the weekend with a 6-0 win over Gattuso's Revenge.

McGrath grabbed a hat-trick, with Le Tocq, Exall and Bougourd also on target.

In the cup, Exall struck six times as Collins Stewart beat Close Bank 6-3 after extra time.

'The main thing about this side is that nobody takes themselves too seriously. There are some great personalities and we enjoy it. The league is not the Priaulx League and we appreciate that, but at the same time we are playing to win. We are keeping our fingers crossed and staying focused,' said Gervaise-Brazier.

Promoted Gattuso's Revenge eased their relegation worries with a victory against PwC the previous week.

Hit-man Jon Press gave them the lead before Mike Pickard equalised from close range.

With the game heading towards a draw, substitute Paul van Beek struck the winner - his first goal of the season - with a quality drive past Sam Arlotte's despairing dive.

Bristol & West have secured the second division title in style and their latest victory saw them beat Guernsey Press 6-3.

Stuart Hardy struck a hat-trick, Richard Moore netted a brace and Ray Gacio added the other.

Richard 'Dicky' McKenzie scored a hat-trick for the Press side.

Goals from Dave Sarre and Danny Martel could not prevent second-placed Bordeaux Services going down 3-2 to Core Focus.

The previous week they had beaten Carnaby's Old Boys 2-0 thanks to a Lee Matthews effort and own goal.

* The IAG Business League Cup final will be played at St Peter's at 2pm on Saturday 29 March.

It will be followed by the league's annual awards ceremony in the clubhouse.