Edging out the powerful Scots at the Athena Beach Hotel crowned a tremendous performance for the Island quartet of Cyril Renouf, Gus Hodgetts, Scott Ruderham and Greg Davis.
Beating Scotland’s high-flying Stewart Anderson, Neil Speirs, Paul Foster and Alex Marshalland was easily the biggest shock of the tournament’s final day.
But the Jersey four had already sent massive shockwaves through the Championships on Friday evening by beating the mighty England 18-9, to finish third in their section, behind Scotland and Wales.
Providing one of the shocks of the tournament to eliminate England’s Ridout, Knapper, Shadwell and Newman, the result booked a quarter-final play-off spot against Zimbabwe on Saturday afternoon.
The African nation’s Terry Bowes, Mike Eaton, Tom Craven and Denis Streak rallied well after going 14-7 behind to the Islanders, but the Jersey four made it into the last four with a 19-17 final scoreline.
The Jersey side’s fine form continued into the semi-final proper where they edged out the Ireland quartet of Aaron Tennant, Neil Mulholland, Ian McClure and Marty McHugh 16-14 to set up their final heroics.
In the singles, Malcolm De Sousa was still in contention for a knockout place on Saturday but, despite beating Ireland star and pairs gold medallist Gary Kelly 21-18, could only finish fourth in his section, due to other results. This did, however, earn him World Bowls qualification.
Lindsey Greechan’s singles hopes vanished with a section two defeat to Saskia Schaft of the Netherlands on Friday. Greechan had seemed in control, but a rally from the Dutch girl, had her lose out 21-17 and finish fourth. However, there was the significant consolation of qualification to the World Bowls event next year.
The ladies fours of Joan Renouf, Rachel MacDonald, Doreen Moon and Pat De Gruchy also lost out on Friday, for the second time in two days by a couple of shots, this time to one of the tournament favourites, South Africa.
The ladies fours have had some tight matches, but unfortunately will not be competing next year at World Bowls.
Men’s singles semi-finals: Jamie Walker (England) bt Todd Priaulx (Guernsey) 21-18; Darren Burnett (Scotland) bt Gary Kelly (Ireland) 21-13.
Final: Jamie Walker (England) bt Darren Burnett (Scotland) 21-15.
Women’s singles semi-final: Catherine Beattie (Ireland) bt Lucy Beere (Guernsey) 21-13; Saskia Schaft (Netherlands) bt Sophie Tolchard (England) 21-12. Final: Catherine Beattie (Ireland) bt Saskia Schaft (Netherlands) 21-10.
Men’s fours semi-final: Scotland beat Wales 14-12; Jersey bt Ireland) 16-14.
Final: Jersey beat Scotland 15-14.
Women’s fours semi-finals: Scotland beat England 16-11; Wales beat South Africa 18-9.
Final: Scotland beat Wales 18-14.
Overall men’s team title: Scotland.
Overall women’s team title: England.
