There was disappointment for the Island badminton team as both Matthew Wilkinson and Andy Fairhurst were beaten in the last 32 of the men’s singles at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Fairhurst was defeated by Sri Lankan, Niluka Karunaratme, in straight sets, 21-7, 21-14, while Matthew Wilkinson –squaring up to the Indian, Chetan Anand - was also beaten 21-7, 21-10. However, Island number one Wilkinson gave the competition's fourth seed - ranked among the top 25 players in the world – a real test, taking 17 points off a player considered one of the leading medal contenders. In shooting, bronze medallists David Walton and Trevor Boyles were in action on day two of the individual trap competition and finished in 14th and 31st places respectively. Harry Creevy and Phil Glover tackled the men’s 50 metres individual prone rifle and gained some encouraging scores. Only the top eight qualified for the final but Glover finished in a creditable 15th position with Creevy just a place behind. Meanwhile, Suzanne Cubbon and Lara Ward can also be pleased with their efforts in the women’s competition. They finished 17th and 22nd. Finally, as far as local involvement is concerned today (Wednesday), in lawn bowls, Pauline Kelly – hampered by injury - and Maurine Payne, put on another brave showing before going down in straight matches to South Africa, in the play-off for 13th/14th place in the women’s pairs. They were beaten 13-4, 10-7. (Pictured - games team departing the Island earlier this month)