Merrien squeezes through opener

A REVAMP of one of the island's oldest and most prestigious bowls competitions will unearth Guernsey's top bowler, man or woman.

This year's Open Press Singles features women's world number one Alison Merrien and European Championship star Lucy Beere vying for the title of island number one alongside current Press Singles men's champion Gary Pitschou and Matthew Le Ber, the 2009 men's singles British Championships qualifier.

The move has resulted in a near doubling of the entries and in the first round there was nearly a major shock with a defeat for Alison Merrien.

She needed to show all her class in coming from 17-11 down against Alan Gibson to claim victory by a single point at 21-20.

Meanwhile, Beere came through the first round far more comfortably, beating Stephen Merrien 21-6 in 14 ends.

Other results saw Gary Pitschou beat Dan Le Cheminant 21-8, Matt Le Ber beat Peter Whales 21-12, Gwen de la Mare beat Ricky Nash 21-11, Rob Batiste beat Keith de la Mare 21-7, Don Batiste beat Andy Lucas 21-7, Paul Sargeant beat Todd Priaulx 21-8, Sid Le Maitre beat Nigel Collins 21-19, Paul Wakeham beat Mick Hullock 21-19, Garry Collins beat Dan de la Mare 21-16, Don Ogier beat Wes Baker 21-16, Matt Solway beat Doreen Batiste 21-17, and Mac Timms beat Jackie Nicolle 21-14.

Vale Rec.'s Len Le Ber received a walkover.