I DON’T think that Jersey will ever have a truly great sporting team, simply because of its size and player availability.

However, the Island is capable of producing individuals who are as good as anyone else in their sport, nationwide, which is why the Sports Department is able to list a whole host of current individual stars ranging from Elizabeth Cann and Mariana Agathangelou in badminton to Jamie Stevenson (shot), to Beckie Herbert (hockey), to Lindsey Greechan (bowls), to Matt Banahan (rugby).

The list of Islanders who have been or who are currently successful at national and world level in their sport continues to grow.

And, as someone who obviously enjoys his sport – why else would I be writing this column? – I am conscious of the next generation coming through. For example how about the Duquemin family’s, Zane and Shadine, both of whom can chuck a discus or shot putt further than I could throw an iced lolly. And, alongside them, Felicity Johnson-Deeley is a potential world-class runner whose best is yet to come.

Only one boy beat her in the recent Hash House Harriers’ Great Northern Run, which means that she ran faster than over 50 or 60 boys the same age as her, before she went on to represent the Island at county level.

Felicity, like Shadine and Zane are class acts to follow and make me realise how good some of our children are, and will be, in the sports pages of the JEP in years to come.

So while I know that our football, netball and rugby teams will always do their best to achieve success at a national level, I am under no illusion that if our sporting superstars are to make their mark on the national stage, they have to do so not as part of a team, but as individuals; doing it for themselves.

No Jersey team will ever make an FA Cup Final. But a Jerseyman, or woman, making a big impression on the world stage? – That’s another question. Which is why I’m so pleased for Lindsey Greechan, who’s not much more than a kid in her sport’s terms really, as she won the British Isles women’s outdoor bowls single championship last weekend, 21-20.

She’s 27; and as most lawn green bowlers know, you don’t even think about peaking in the sport until you’re at least in your 30s.

All being well Lindsey has another 30 or so years to ‘perfect’ her sport.

She’s a lovely lady and I’m proud of her title, her championship, and the way she continues to be a great ambassador for Jersey.