Ali brings Ian’s winning run to an end
AFTER weeks at the top, Ian Merrien’s squad were pipped at the post by wife Ali as the Sarnian Roofing Superleague regular season ended at the GIBA Stadium.
After 10 straight wins the trio of Ian Merrien, Martyn Queripel and Ean Sarahs were sure of their spot in the playoffs going into the 11th and final round against a team of Ali Merrien, Mark Wadley and Randolph Ogier, who had won nine and drawn one of their previous 10.
It was always likely to be a tight contest, but after the league leaders had made a confident start – 8-2 up after six of the mandatory 18 ends – they fell apart, winning just two more ends as the Ali-skipped side took control to win 19-12.
In the playoff semis Ali will now play the Gwen de la Mare triple, who got through despite finishing their regular season with a 20-13 loss to Roy Queripel’s team.
Phil Walters was the other qualifier and he, too, lost in the final round, which produced two particularly tight matches.
The playoffs are on Tuesday evening ahead of a second Superleague campaign in the new year.
More in Thursday's Guernsey Press.
