JERSEY’S ambitions of improving on previous performances in the women’s home international bowls series were dashed in Belfast yesterday, when the Island’s 24-strong side were edged out by host country Ireland.
After beating the Irish for the past three years, thus pushing them into fifth place in the league table, the Channel Islanders’ disappointment was understandable – but they still had a lot to be proud of.
‘This team has been a joy to look after,’ said manager Mavis Le Marquand (pictured). ‘Not only has the team spirit been excellent, but their individual performances have been magnificent.’
She added: ‘We did better against Scotland and England than ever before, and, although we lost to Ireland by ten shots, it was a far stronger Irish team than they have fielded in recent years.’
At close of play, Ireland had scored 102 shots compared with Jersey’s 92, but, as Le Marquand pointed out, her team came agonizingly close to recording a famous victory.
