Merrien edged out by ex-pat

ALISON MERRIEN suffered a shock defeat, but Guernsey's bowlers still enjoyed a very decent second day at the European Championships at Athena Beach in Paphos.

It was the former England international Linda Ryan, now retired to the host country Cyprus, who put a spoke in Merrien's chances of overall singles success, winning 7-5, 6-2.

But that was the solitary defeat out of eight matches for the Sarnians on the day.

Matt Le Ber had a particularly good day, winning three out of three.

With Lucy Beere he beat Jim Bridge and Joanne Pietsch (Turkey) 16-1, 7-3.