ONCE again the Channel After collecting eight points against Canada last Wednesday, and seven against England on Friday, the three Jersey and three Guernsey players took on the might of the New Zealanders – and did well to earn another seven points.So, no wins yet, but a third successive gritty display that earned praise from spectators at the headquarters of the English Women’s Bowling Association.Alan Shaw, who really has impressed in the opening three matches, and Tim Murphy kicked off with a superb 21-5 win over world-ranked Rowan Brassey and Gary Lawson, while Guernsey duo Daniel de la Mare and Craig Dorey added an 18-14 win against Kiwis Jamie Hill and Mike Kernaghan.In the afternoon triples session, the Jersey trio of Shaw, Peter Le Long and Murphy were always in the hunt against Hill, Brassey and Lawson but were pipped by four shots, 18-14.Then in the singles, as the sun warmed the greens, it was Le Long’s turn to shine, hitting top form to beat Russell Meyer 21-15 – sadly the only winning singles card returned by a Channel Islander.Shaw came close to adding a second victory but had to give best to Rowan Brassey, 21-20, while Murphy pushed Kernaghan, who represented New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, before losing 21-17.The Channel Islanders seem to have lost their chance of a place in the knockout stage, but could still spring a surprise – if they can beat Ireland in Gateshead tomorrow.
