Those cheeky Jersey chappies

JERSEY'S use of Heather Watson in their promotional pieces for that island's bid to host the 2015 Island Games has been met with amusement in Guernsey.

Watson, who was yesterday named AEGON GB junior tennis player-of-the-year, is featured on a promotional display called Vote for Jersey.

Images of Guernsey's US Junior Open champion have also been splashed all over the Jersey Island Games Association's website.

But Guy Le Maistre of Exposure PR, who worked with the Jersey Island Games Association on their bid, said there was nothing malicious in using Watson's picture and said that they were using images of Island Games sportsmen and women who were not from Jersey.

Watson stood out because she was the most recognisable.

'To be fair, it's a complete coincidence,' he said.

'We're not trying to claim her as one of our own. Guernsey readers would have picked her out as one of their sporting daughters.

'There's no evil intention. If it was anybody else, no one would have noticed.'

But local PR expert, Jim Delbridge of Langlois, Robertshaw & Delbridge, found it amusing that Jersey were using Watson's image.

He said that if he was helping a Guernsey bid for the Games, he would never use a Jersey sportsperson in promotional items.

'But in saying that, it is flattering to know that the crapauds would want to use her as one of their own,' he said.

Watson is not the only Sarnian to be 'hijacked' by Jersey.

Multiple Island Games tennis gold medallist Patrick Ogier also found pictures of himself, with his trademark dreadlocks in full flow, used on the tennis section of the JIGA's website.

'I don't know whether it is unfortunate or flattering that they need to use Guernsey players to promote their bid,' he said.

'I'm not too fussed.

'I can't speak for Heather, she's an internationally-recognised star and it might be a bit more of an issue for her, but for me all the publicity that I can get is appreciated.

'It's a shame that they feel that the Jersey stars are not striking enough. Heather is there because of her fame and I'm there because I'm strange looking.'

Watson is currently taking part in the prestigious Orange Bowl Championships in Florida where yesterday she reached the quarter-finals with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the 13th seed from China, Saisai Zheng.

Watson now plays Croatia's world No. 10 ranked junior and the current tournament's No. 6 seed, Ajla Tomljanovic, for a place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, her father, Ian, is pleased that the face of his talented daughter can help the Jersey bid.

'Heather is a Guern first and foremost and a Channel Islander second,' he said.

'We're always talking about the two islands working together and this is an example of that. It's flattering in a way.'

Jersey are directly up against Gotland to host the Games.

Watson senior also hopes that Jersey are successful.

'It was superb when it was held in Guernsey and I'd love to see it go to Jersey,' he said.

'Hopefully they can recreate some of that Guernsey magic. If Heather can be helpful in Jersey getting the Island Games, that's marvellous and good luck to them.

'I hope they get it.'