Inter-insular is put in jeopardy after 87 years

Jersey had confirmed their arrangements for flying here on Saturday week – 9 July – but have now cancelled after what they claim is a misunderstanding over the cost of return travel.

'Clearly this is a very disappointing development, especially at this late stage, having all the arrangements in place to host Jersey on 9 July in Guernsey,' said Bowls Guernsey secretary Garry Collins.

'In fact Guernsey have held both 9 and 10 July free in our busy calendar to ensure if necessary we could host the men's or ladies' matches on either day or time.

'We will work with Jersey to ensure the future of Channel Islands bowls fixtures, but with the boat times and now expensive flight costs, we cannot at this stage confirm if either the inter-insular or Channel Island Championships will continue.'

Greg Davis, president of Bowls Jersey, said they apologised for the late withdrawal and agreed the Le Quesne, event which dates back to 1929 and has only previously been sidelined by the Occupation years, is now in jeopardy.

'I am afraid due to a misunderstanding with the quote that was offered – the flight costs were double what we were expecting,' said Davis in notifying Bowls Guernsey of its decision.

'I appreciate that this is an unprecedented step and unfortunately I think proves that the astronomical cost of travel between the islands, particularly in the absence of a regular day returning ferry at weekends, puts this fixture in jeopardy.'

• More in Wednesday’s Guernsey Press.