Eight debutants have been named by team manager Jim Le Lion as the sport makes its return to the Games for the first time since Gotland 1999, and the octet appreciate they may not get another opportunity given tenpin’s status alongside a lengthy list of core disciplines.
Each host island has the option to pick 14 sports from a list of 18 for the biennial event, with it being common for tenpin, squash, lawn bowls, gymnastics and judo to be rotated in and out depending on popularity and facilities.
Jersey’s women won bronze in the team event in 1999 – the only year tenpin has ever been included – and Le Lion is understandably hopeful of seeing his team claim further medals.
‘I would like to think we’ll do reasonably well, but it’s difficult to sort out where we are with regards to playing abilities against sides because it’s such a long time since we played against them,’ he said.
‘We have been told that ten other islands will be taking part with another two yet to decide, so I think it’s going to be quite competitive.
‘We have been excluded for such a long time … it’s a great opportunity for us to do this and everything is looking more positive.’
Mark Russell, who finished 43rd at the 2018 World Cup in Las Vegas, is joined by Mike High, Ajay Taylor and Shaun Monet in the men’s squad, with June High, Elaine Huggins, Sharon Le Louarn and Sarah Edwards making up Team Jersey’s women’s team.
The Islanders are set to bowl in singles, pairs, mixed triples and mixed team events on a completely revamped 14-lane tenpin facility at the Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. The facility is due to close in March to have new approaches, machines, computers and seating installed.
