Merriens find 'circus' results unamusing

WITH the World Bowls Tour play-offs moving around like a travelling circus, Guernsey's husband-and-wife duo Ian and Ali Merrien were in Carlisle at the weekend, hoping to clinch places in the world indoor singles or pairs championships.

'The first thing we noticed was that the Cumbria club, which was flooded recently, has been re-laid with a Dales carpet - similar to the one that will be used in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year,' said Ali. 'That made things interesting, and it was quite encouraging that, although we didn't win through, both of us played well on the surface. In fact, with a bit more luck we could have made more progress.'

Ali was delighted with the way she matched Trevor Taylor, one of the top players at the club, and an experienced international, in the first round, which she won, 6-5, 7-7 and she took a 7-5 lead over 21-year-old prospect Kevin Harrison in her next game.

Harrison drew two bowls to within an inch of the jack to tie the first set and was on song in the second set, when Ali's brave attempts to save did not come off.

Ian hit good form to beat Stuart Irwin, a very slow and methodical player, 10-3, 2-7, 2-0, in his first game, but lost a humdinger of a second round battle to Stewart Douglas, who is well known for his accurate firing.

'We both fired quite a bit and had mixed results,' said Ian. 'But, to be fair, we both drew well, too. On the last end of the tiebreak, I drew a close shot twice, only to see Stewart drive it away - but he drew the winner with the last bowl of the match.'