2006 Inter Insular
The selectors of the JPA had chosen the following team to attempt to regain the trophy which has been won by Guernsey for the past 5 years:
Team Captain Mick Cotillard
Players Marc Nicol and Chris Romeril
Gordon de Gruchy and Dorothy de Gruchy
Frank Morel and Robert Birch
Ken and Beryl Vibert
Niall Fennessey and Tim Bechelet
Fred Paisnel and Derek Hart
Joy Hart and Elaine Paisnel
Lawrence Rondel and Nancy Welsh
Mick Cotillard and Darren le Brun
Mick Rondel and Pru Vibert
Bernie Birch and Ian Rondel
Louie Bowen and Lol Therin
Reserves Tony Lagadu and Rob Morel
Due to a back injury Frank Morel was unable to play and his brother Robert Morel partnered Robert Birch in his place. Tony Lagadu, Jersey’s other reserve player was not required to play but provided support and encouragement to the team.
The teams each played 4 games and after round one was completed Guernsey took an early lead of 7 games to 5. Joy Hart and Elaine Paisnel fought a tough battle with Guernsey pair Mick Peat and Ian Haith, losing 11-13 after over an hour of play.
The second round of games was drawn and with Jersey taking 7 games to Guernsey’s 5 in round three the Islands were all square at the start of the last round.
With 8 games completed (5-3 in Jersey’s favour), Jersey needed to win 2 of the remaining 4 in play to ensure victory. This was secured upon the conclusion of Ken and Beryl Vibert’s game to the delight of the Jersey team.
Top Jersey team were Ian Rondel and Bernie Birch who were unbeaten. Each with 3 wins were: Mick Cotillard and Darren le Brun, Lawrence Rondel and Nancy Welsh, Marc Nicol and Chris Romeril and Louie Bowen and Lol Therin.