Guernsey’s three new caps get back on the rink 48 hours after their impressive inter-insular debuts. Connor Rabey (right) and Michael Le Page look on as Tom Mahy delivers. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0563893)
GUERNSEY broke their away-day hoodoo at the indoor bowls inter-insular at the weekend. It was the first time in 19 years that the men’s team had won on Jersey soil.
But what made the triumph even sweeter was that the 119 shots to 106 victory was achieved with a debut being given to three youngsters: Connor Rabey, 11, Tom Mahy, 14, and Michael Le Page, 18.
Rabey, who is the youngest ever to play for Guernsey in the annual clash, was part of Matt Le Ber’s foursome who defeated Gus McKinnon’s Jersey four 23-12, while Mahy played his part in skip Neal Mollet’s team’s 25-11 win over Cyril Renouf’s four.
Le Page was part of Dan de la Mare’s four that unfortunately went down 21-12. Rabey, who recently claimed the under-16s knockout title, said the weekend had been a great experience.
‘It was good. It took me a couple of ends to get used to the rinks but after that it was OK.
‘I think I played quite well and as a team we played well too.’
The St Sampson’s Secondary School student is also a keen cricketer and took up bowls three years ago after attending an open day. He believes the sport is growing in popularity with the younger generation.
‘It’s fun and there are people of the same age who go and you can chat to. It’s a sport most people can play and one you can learn quite quickly.’
Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association president Steve Desperques said it had been a terrific win and that the juniors had done themselves proud in their first senior inter-insular.
‘The selectors decided to put in the three youngsters who hadn’t played in one before and in Connor and Tom’s case they are very young, but they all played really well, to be honest.
‘It’s good for the club and the youngsters. They have something else to go for now that they realise they can play in the main inter-insular. It’s an excellent opportunity for them.
‘There’s a nice group of youngsters coming through and it all bodes well for the future.’
Desperques said it was a big win.
‘We are most pleased to have beaten them on their own ground and what makes it even nicer is that the youngsters were in there as well.’
Skip Paul Ingrouille, whose four-man team tied with Scott Ruderham 21-21, said it had been terrific to win in Jersey as it was also the first time in eight years that any away team had claimed the victory in the annual battle.
‘The youngsters performed extremely well and were well worth their places. They did not let anyone down and should gain a lot from their experience.
‘They all contributed to the overall success.’
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