JERSEY’S men’s bowlers are in good shape and ready to win British Isles championship titles for the first time ever this year.
That is the opinion of Gus McKinnon, team manager of the Jersey party, less than two weeks before the Island’s under-25 champion and the fours team join up with their Guernsey counterparts to play in their respective championships as Channel Islands champions at singles, pairs, triples, fours and under-25s.The championships are being staged in Perth, Scotland, from Sunday to Tuesday 7 to 9 March, and the draws have been kind to Jersey’s bowlers, as John Lowery has received a bye into the semi-finals of the under-25 singles while the Jersey quartet of Lowery, Thomas Greechan, Jamie MacDonald and Alan Shaw have also avoided a preliminary-round match in the fours section.It is a different story, however, for Guernsey’s representatives, as they have preliminary-round singles and triples challenge, while the doubles pairing of Neal Mollet and Nick Donaldson have drawn Scotland’s Steve Currie and David Peacock in a pairs semi-final - the opening match for the CI.McKinnon, who will also attend the British Isles annual general meeting in Perth, said: ‘Jersey’s men have never won a British Isles indoor title and I believe they will go close this time.
Everyone is bowling well and they are all putting in a lot of practice’Last weekend the fours played on Saturday and Sunday in an Open competition at Grainville - and that comes on top of playing together three or four times a week.’I see no reason why our bowlers cannot win a title.
They’ve all worked very hard in their preparation and John also has the experience of playing in the Under-25s for several years.
It is his last chance in the age-group this time and he has every chance of being crowned champion.
‘We’re in the final stages of the British Isles championship so there are no easy games.
All the bowlers will be up for their games, and if everything goes for them on the day we could have a British Isles champion very soon.’Lowery (24), said: ‘I’ve got a good draw, as my opponents are both young, but they will not be underestimated because they are very good bowlers, having won their respective national championships.’I play Ireland’s Garry Kelly or Wales’s Andrew Hopkins in the semi.
I’ve not played either before, and Andrew must be a big threat because he put out senior world championship bowler John Tomlinson on the way to winning his title.’Since the World Under-25 tournament was played in Jersey last year, my form has picked up.
I’m confident in my ability, I’ve nothing to lose and I’m hoping it will be third time lucky for me.’Guernsey bowlers represent the CI in the singles, pairs and triples events.
Article posted on 26th February, 2004 - 12.00am
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