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Guernsey’s archers heading to Orkney with high hopes

Guernsey’s archery team will be well-equipped to target another big medal haul at next month’s Island Games in Orkney.

Guernsey are taking 15 archers to Orkney next month.
Guernsey are taking 15 archers to Orkney next month. / Supplied

Headlined by the return of sisters Lisa and Zoe Gray, who both won individual medals at the home Island Games in 2023, the large team of 15 competitors includes several other members who will be pushing for podium places.

Games veteran Steve Yates will be serving as team manager, having fulfilled that role twice previously, served as Guernsey 2023 tournament organiser, and competed at 10 previous editions.

Yates, who will for the first time be assisted by the ever-enthusiastic Adam Bonner, has highlighted Guernsey’s strong history at this level.

‘Guernsey archers have always performed well at Island Games and usually bring back medals,’ he said.

That included eight total medals at the home Games, although unfortunately none were gold, and the island placed second in the table with their three wins and 13 total podiums at the next most-recent archery tournament at Gotland 2017.

The overall squad contains a real mix of experience – and age.

Mike Burrows is in his mid-70s and therefore Guernsey’s oldest representative, while home Games debutante Ellen Bonner returns at the age of 16 and so is again the squad youngster.

The five most experienced members will all be competing at their fifth Games, while three are making their debut.

‘The team this year has some very experienced archers and also a few debutants, with previous medal winners in abundance,’ Yates added.

‘Many islands struggle to produce women archers, but Guernsey is blessed with many of these, and we will definitely have the most female archers on the range.’

Aside from Lisa Gray, who anticipates her fifth Games, having won three silvers at Guernsey 2023, the women’s recurve quartet is the ‘greenest’ portion of the squad.

Monika Komla has not competed in Games archery since 2011 – where she was in Sark colours – and so will be a debutant for Guernsey, alongside Mary Hurrell and Sharon Watchorn.

Zoe Gray also has four Games already under her belt and won four medals in Guernsey.

She goes in the women’s compound alongside fellow medal prospect Gen Witham, for whom it will be a fourth Games, and young second-timer Bonner.

Medal contender Jason Le Page, who will be contesting his fifth Games, heads the men’s recurve squad.

Jason Clarke and Jon Davey will be returning to the Games fold as the hard-working Anthony Griffiths makes his debut.

Meanwhile, the men’s compound will be brimming with experience.

Mike Marquand and Kieran Kelly will both be heading to their fifth Games and are solid team players.

Oliver Coupe is heading to his second Games, as is team veteran Burrows, who threatens to surprise the youngsters.

Thursday marks a month to go until the Games get under way, with the opening ceremony on 12 July and competition concluding on 18 July.

Guernsey archery team for Orkney 2025

Lisa Gray, Monika Komla, Mary Hurrell, Sharon Watchorn, Zoe Gray, Gen Witham, Ellen Bonner, Jason Le Page, Jason Clarke, Jon Davey, Anthony Griffiths, Mike Marquand, Kieran Kelly, Oliver Coupe, Mike Burrows.

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