Superstar Merrien first to receive a life membership

IN RECOGNITION of her amazing successes, Alison Merrien (pictured) became the first life member of the Bowls Guernsey Association at its recent annual meeting.

The association was formed in 2004 replacing the Guernsey Bowls Association (men) and Guernsey Bowling Women's Association.

Merrien won her fourth world title this year, the 2008 World Cup Women's Singles in Australia, beating the number-one-ranked Val Smith of New Zealand.

She also claimed the British Isles women's singles title for a second consecutive year, defeating England's Sarah Seymour in the final.

To top off her outstanding 2008, Merrien was inducted into the Guernsey Sporting Heroes Hall of Fame.

After her performances over the year, she was promoted by World Bowls from fourth to second in the world ranking list.