ALISON MERRIEN topped off a fantastic 2008 by being named Guernsey’s outstanding sports performer of the year.

The highlight of the last 12 months for the bowler was defeating the world number one, Val Smith of New Zealand, in the final of the World Cup in Australia.

The Sarnian (pictured) also claimed the women’s British Isles singles title for the second year running and saw her world ranking jump from fourth to second.

Merrien was not present at last night’s swish Carey Olsen Sporting Achievement Awards night at Beau Sejour as she is in Norfolk for the Potter’s Holiday World Indoor Bowls Championships, but her husband Ian was there to collect the award and say a few appreciative words on her behalf.

‘Ali puts in the hours on the green to keep her standard up and she fortunate enough that her standard is now mixing with the best in the world,’ said Ian.

‘Like so many people around here, what keeps her going is the drive to compete, to meet a target, whether it is to win this game or that tournament,’ he added.