JERSEY’S women’s bowls team shocked Ireland over the weekend by beating them just five weeks before the World Championships.
With both teams in the final stages of preparation ahead of September’s tournament in Royal Leamington Spa, Jersey won by 12 points to four against a top Ireland team that included former world champion Margaret Johnston.
Held at Les Creux on Saturday and Westmount yesterday, the Jersey team of Alison Camacho, Karina Bisson, Gean O’Neil, Suzie Dingle and Chris Grimes won the singles, pairs and triples games on Saturday with Ireland taking the fours; while yesterday the visitors only victory was in the pairs.
Describing the victory as a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Championships, team manager Liz Cole said that Jersey put in a ‘wonderful’ performance.
‘We were delighted to be able to host Ireland as both teams were keen to play a Test match before the World Championships,’ she said.
‘They are a strong team, especially with someone like Margaret Johnston playing, and I think the result shocked them quite a bit.
‘The girls played to their very best and if they can match that performance in Royal Leamington Spa, then we can expect to be in the top three at the very least.’ Despite the inspiring performance, King said it was a shame that more spectators didn’t witness the Jersey victory.
‘I know it was a busy weekend of bowling but there was very little support for this Test, which considering the standard of play was a bit disappointing,’ she said.
‘But this a learning experience for me and I’ll make sure that we advertise more next time.’ King added that the players too had taken a lot from the match and the team would now meet to discuss if any changes were needed ahead off the World’s, which begin on 3 September.
But singles victor Camacho was in no doubt what she had gleaned from the game.
‘This has been a massive confidence boost for me,’ she said.
‘Last week I played in the Champion of Champions tournament and didn’t play very well so this weekend was important.
I was very focused and determined and beating former world champion Margaret Johnston on both days was the icing on the cake.
‘With just five weeks to Leamington Spa, this result proves that I can beat the very best.’
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