Monthly Archives: August 2018
South Ramsey Happy Despite Suffering First Defeat
In Ellan Vannin Fuels division one South Ramsey A suffered their first defeat of the season away to Marown A, with the men from the north anything but disheartened by their 4-6 loss. Leading the way for Marown and first off the green was Dean Kipling winning 21-9 against Stefan Kelly, followed closely by captain Paul Dunn who put in an assured performance to see off Dido Kelly 21-13 with Kelly suffering his first league defeat of the season. South Ramsey hit back with Alan Moore digging in from 14-17 down to eventually win 21-19 against Neil Withers who loses very few games on his own green to show how good a win this was. David Bradford followed soon after with a 21-17 win against Phil Kelly in what was a close game throughout. At the half way point it was 2-2 on games with Marown holding a 14 chalk advantage (78-64). In the second half Marown took the lead again with Colin Kelly disposing of Chas Grills 21-4, with Paul Kelly winning comfortably 21-13 against Peter Collister. This put Marown 4-2 ahead with the chalks now 39 in their favour the aggregate was safe despite John Kennish performing well to win 21-4 against Peter Kelly. Last game off was visiting captain Glynn Hargraves who won 21-12 against Matthew Keggen to level the match on games at 4-4 with the two points for aggregate safely in the home teams pocket. The result pulled two points back on the league leaders with the Crosby men trailing by 14 points with five games left to play.
South Ramsey B continue to pick up the points, following a good 6-4 home win over third placed Peel A. Picking up the wins for the home team were Tony Dugdale and Christian Caley who both won to single figures against Tom Kelly and David Proctor, with James Teare beating Dave Smith 21-13, and George Brew stepping in to win 21-16 against Stevie Kelly. For Peel three of their four wins were close with Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly winning 21-18 against Ben Dugdale, Frank Watson beating Steven Waters 21-19 and Tommy McMeiken sneaking the win 21-20 against Sid Bolton. Gary Smith won comfortably 21-11 against Steve Moore, however the aggregate went to South Ramsey with their losing games scoring highly.
Onchan A missed the opportunity to make up further ground on Peel with their 7-3 away win to Douglas B with the home team securing three wins. Grahem Moore beat Adrian Skinner 21-18, with Andy Cannell winning to the same score against Jordan Cain and Mark Corrin winning 21-3 against Mark Kelly. For Onchan, Kevin Quirk hit back with a 21-5 win over Geoff Mayles, with the other four winners being fairly comfortable from Peter Slinger, Phil Kerruish, Rob Monk and Matthew Quirk.
Port Erin A suffered another home defeat with Castletown A coming away with an 8-2 win. Winning for the home team were captain Bernie Durcan with a good 21-12 win against Jeff Kinley, whilst Derek Cadamy just got over the line to beat the visiting captain Ian Watson 21-20. Winning for the visitors were Peter Oates who had a fine 21-12 win against Dave McCabe, George Peach, Dean Kinley and Mike Hargraves who all won to fairly comfortable scores, along with Jordan Drewett who beat Derek Allen 21-18 and Juan Kermode who beat Peter Addison 21-17. This result leaves Port Erin 10 points from safety with just five games to go and a tough looking away trip to take on South Ramsey B who are the team closest to them in the table.
North Ramsey A finished their run of 11 consecutive home games with a 9-1 win over Marown B in what is their final home fixture of the season. Sparing the blushes of the visitors was Marown captain Harry Barton who won 21-15 against Gary Merrill. For North Ramsey Allan Callow won 21-6 against Bobby Thorne, with Marown just missing out in three close games with John Cannan and Stephen Walmsley winning 21-19 against Brian Kelly and John Kelly, whilst Tony Smart got over the line 21-20 against Steve Bridson. The other three wins for North Ramsey were comfortable from Geoff Porter, Jimmy Moffatt and Steve Parker.
Douglas A travelled to Port St Mary A coming away with a 4-6 loss. Winning four games for the visitors were regular winners captain Andy Kennish, Stuart Garrett, Ian Moore and Mervin Sayle. Replying for the home team were Paul Skelly who sits fourth in his teams merit despite having played just nine games this season, along with Trevor Quayle, Rob Cooil and Wayne Roberts. The home team won the aggregate comfortably thanks to two big wins from Skelly and Quayle.
In division two second placed Castletown B hosted league leaders Noble’s A and helped their cause to close the gap at the top to just three points thanks to a 7-3 home win. Winning for the home team were merit leader Dave Faragher, Ron Williams, Aaron Richardson with Derek Lewney and Alan Phair both winning their games 21-19 against David Pease and Kevin Firth respectively. For Noble’s Reginald Temporaza beat Mark Saunders 21-7, Steve Cook beat John Alderson 21-14 with Glenn Boland doing enough to beat Ross Moore 21-19. Castletown edged the aggregate by just one chalk winning 145-144 to set up what could be a tense end to the season as to who takes the top spot.
Onchan B secured a 6-4 home win over Ballaugh A with the visitors winning two games by the finest of margins. For Ballaugh Gordie Moore beat Mike Thomas 21-19, with Richard Fisher beating Neil Dunwell 21-20, whilst Peter Graham won 21-3 with Bob Unsworth winning 21-5. For Onchan Mike Alexander and Edward Carlyle both won to single figures, Paul Bailey beat Barry McDonald 21-11 and Colin Spence recorded a good 21-17 win over John Keenan.
Peel C hosted Port Erin B with the visitors doing well to take four games off Peel and losing out on the aggregate by just six chalks to lose 4-6. For Port Erin Harry Minor won 21-5, with the other three wins being close. Ken Horsley beat Bob Berry 21-18, with Peter Blower and Christopher Dent winning 21-19 against Jeff Wilson and Paul Baker respectively. For Peel, Peter Kelly beat John Ryder 21-5 with Ian Pendlebury doing enough to win 21-19 against Alan Crebbin.
Noble’s B travelled to Mooragh Park to take on North Ramsey B with the visitors losing out 4-6 despite having to give a game away. Terry Bates recorded the closest win of the night holding off Bryan Corner 21-20.
Peel B won 7-3 at home to Port St Mary C. On another night it could have been a 9-1 win with Steve Tate and Gordon Corrin both losing out 20-21 to Tom Collins and Brian Corrin respectively. Michael Kavanagh beat Dave Saxon to single figures. For Port St Mary Paul Russell responded with a 21-6 win over Robert Middleton.
Finch Hill A won 9-1 at home to Port St Mary C with Bernard Thackrah the lone winner for the visitors beating Bill Cairns 21-12, with all of the visiting players making it to double figures, with Colin Leece and Chris Oates both losing out 18-21 to Arthur Halsall and Sefton Dent.
In division three Marown C hit top spot following a 9-1 home win over South Ramsey D with Kevin Kelly beating Ryan Hargraves 21-2, Jamie Joughin winning 21-4 against Steve Kelly, with Karl Parker winning 21-19 against Jay Moore and Stephen Rundle holding off Franz ten Donkelaar to win 21-17. For the visitors third division merit leader Ian Moore got back to winning ways with a 21-7 win over Walter McCarthy.
Ballaugh B had a tough trip away to South Ramsey C with the visitors coming away with a 7-3 win. For Ballaugh Philip Quayle beat Robert Snape 21-18, whilst Mike Buckeridge had a good 21-8 win against Anthony Kelly. For the home team, Tony Marler beat Fred Waggett 21-7, Colin Gook stepped in to win 21-17 against John Kneen and David Corkill beat John Bolton 21-14.
Finch Hill B and Onchan C played out a 5-5 draw with the Onchan men losing 3-5 on games, but taking the aggregate by just four chalks. Finch Hill won three close games with Bryan Masterson winning 21-18, whilst Sam Stannard and Stephen Oates both won 21-19 against Graham Atkinson and Brian Woodall respectively.
Castletown C beat Douglas C 9-0 with both teams being a player short both captains agreed to put the walkover games against each other, to allow the players from each team to get a game. For Castletown James Drinkwater and Sam Clague both won to single figures. For Douglas captain Andy Foster recorded the highest score losing out 14-21 to John Matheson.
Ballaugh C hosted Peel D with the home team winning 7-3. For Ballaugh Bert Quayle, Peter Corlett and Paul Bradford all won to single figures, whilst Phil Faragher had his work cut out before seeing off Leslie Halsall 21-19. For Peel their very own Bert Quayle (not to be confused with Ballaugh’s Bert Quayle!) won 21-15 against Charlie Howland, John Lightfoot beat Alan Kelly 21-9 and Steven Bradley beat Ray Parry 21-15.
Castletown March On Ahead Of Crunch Tie
Only two matches were able to take place on Wednesday 1st August as heavy downpours waterlogged many of the bowling greens across the island.
Castletown who have been the form team over the last two months made it 14 wins on the bounce mastering the wet conditions to beat Mooragh Park 162-130 (5-4). Amanda Lawler retained her position at the top of the individual merit with a 21-3 win with Heike Perry and Hannah Drewett winning 21-1 and 21-8 respectively. Janet Monk top scored for the away team beating Kim Foy 21-9 and Shannon McMullan, Caroline Parker and Helen Martin also won to restrict the home side to under 170.
Onchan faced Marown but the conditions played their part as they lost 98-163 (3-6). Shirley Whelan, Celia Joughin, Rosie Winckle, Philippa Taylor and Lil Smith won comfortably to single figures with Mary Alderson also winning 21-13. Onchan picked up their three wins from Sue Gawne, Joanne Kelly and Libby Andrade.
The league returned on Friday with a full set of fixtures and two maximum scores.
The first maximum was at Marown who eased past Castletown B 189-87 (9-0). Nobles also produced a full house winning away at Ballaugh 76-189 (0-9).
With Castletown A sitting out on Friday Port St Mary should have had their chance to catch up however, with their match postponed on Wednesday they remain a game behind. Port St Mary did make some ground back with their away win against Mooragh Park. Jayne Kneen, Val Macfarlane, Wendy Kennuagh and Ann Maddrell all won to single figures with Kellie Maddrell-Reeve and Chris Price both winning 21-13. Katy Williams battled from being down to beat Island Champion Janet Monk 21-19 with Mooragh picking up their two wins from Helen Martin & Caroline Parker. The match finished 114-169 (2-7).
South Ramsey defeated Onchan with wins for Lauren Groen 21-7, Elaine Moore 21-5, Jenny Moore 21-9, Sue Collier 21-15, Kim Hargraves 21-18 and Bethany Kennish who just got over the line 21-20 against Marilyn Ellison. For Onchan Dee Lewis beat Fiona Kennish 21-15 and Caroline Corlett won 21-13 against Gill Morgan with the match score ending 175-124 (7-2).
Peel welcomed Douglas to Sunset City with the home side using their home advantage to win by a comfortable 35 chalks. Peel had wins from Sue Jones 21-9, Joyce Kelly 21-5, Shirley Corrin 21-11, Heather Horsburgh 21-12, Pat Robertson 21-14 and Mary Moffatt who beat Paula Garrett 21-18. Douglas picked up two wins from Brenda Williams, Wendy Cowin and Shantelle Thorpe. Final score 167-132 (6-3).
In the final match on Friday Purt Le Moirrey suffered a home defeat to Port Erin despite winning five games. The home side had wins from Roma Ware 21-20 against Phil Dobson, Pauline Worrall beat Steph Swift 21-18, Edwina Reid won 21-17 against Voirrey Curphey, Debra Cooper defeated Joyce Henry 21-18 and Mavis Franks won 21-18 against Jean Thackrah. Port Erin had two big wins to setup their victory with Carol Kay beating Dot Mylchreest 21-5 and Lynda Cadamy winning 21-7 against Linda Dawson. Jacqui Elliott won 21-15 against Chris Holland and Slyvia Shelbourne just held on to win 21-20 over Brenda Hawkard. The match finished 152-175 (5-4).
Looking ahead to next week the tie which could define the season takes place as Champions Port St Mary face a home tie against current league leaders Castletown A. Port St Mary trail by 115 points with a game in hand and will hope to close that gap as they look to wrestle control back at the top of the league. Castletown will be confident that they could cause an upset given their current form and run of 14 wins on the trot. Should the tie produce a low score South Ramsey, who only sit 30 points behind Castletown, will look to leap back into contention for the top spots.
Port St Mary B humble A Team in JMS
The Semi Finals of the JMS Shield took place on Thursday with an all Port St Mary clash of A vs B and in the other semi-final Peel Sunset took on Marown.
Port St Mary B began the match with a handicap advantage of 20 points with their A team off scratch. In their last four meetings Port St Mary A have averaged a win of over 40 chalks and despite the handicap were favourites to progress.
PSM B Player Brenda Hawkard got them off to a good start with a 21-17 win over Trish Bull with Edwina Reid coming out on top 21-20 over Wendy Kennuagh. Ann Maddrell got the A team going with a 21-17 win over Mavis Franks meaning the B team had a lead of 21 points going into the final games.
Val Macfarlane quickly reduced the deficit for the A team to three chalks following a brilliant 21-3 win over Pauline Whorrell. Port St Mary B weren’t done and quickly responded through Roma Ware who beat Rita Callister 21-9 to increase the margin to 15 points. The final match saw A team player Margaret Tasker defeat Chris Holland 21-16 but it wasn’t enough to prevent the B team from progressing into the final winning by 10 chalks. The final score 119-109 (3-3)
In the second Semi Final Peel Sunet took on Marown with these two teams occupying second and third place in the league. Marown started with a handicap advantage of 15 chalks with Peel off scratch. Peel have had the better of recent encounters winning four of the five games although Marown won the most recent match in July by 28 chalks.
The match kicked off with Mary Moffatt vs Mary Alderson, Cath Parker vs Shirley Whelan and Lynda Wilson vs Celia Joughin. Mary Moffatt and Lynda Wilson both won 21-6 to put Peel in the driving seat although Marown did get on the score board as Shirley Whelan won 21-14. Peel led at the halfway stage by 8 chalks having cancelled out the handicap.
Heather Horsburgh further extended the lead to 13 chalks with her 21-16 win over Marcia Pearson. Margaret Scarffe gave Marown a lifeline winning 21-12 against Pat Robertson to reduce Peel’s lead to just 4 chalks. Joyce Kelly hung on against Philippa Taylor to win 21-20 and give Peel a 5 point victory 110-105 (4-2).
Peel go into their third JMS final having won the competition once in 2014. Port St Mary B enter their first final and will look to make history when the two teams face each other on Thursday 16th August.
Peel Sunset Fight For The Top
Peel Sunset continue to fight to keep up with League Leaders Port St Mary following their 124-56 (5-1) victory over Breagle. Peel players Lynda Wilson, Heather Horsburgh, Pat Robertson and Joyce Kelly turned in brilliant performances to all win to single figures with Cath Parker seeing out her game 21-17 against Steph Swift. Breagle did manage to avoid a whitewash with Gwen Tuck beating Mary Moffatt 21-19.
Port St Mary A travelled to South Ramsey and although the teams shared three wins each the Southerners took a comfortable 20 point win thanks to strong away wins from Wendy Kennuagh, Val Macfarlane and Margaret Tasker who all won to single figures. The match finished 76-96 (3-3).
Castletown put in a great home performance to beat Marown who look set to finish third this season. Marie Ashurst won 21-0 backed up by Ann Hollingworth who won 21-9 against Mary Alderson, Sue Peach and Barbara Young also won for Castletown. Marown’s two wins came from Philippa Taylor and Celia Joughin with the match finishing 119-81 (4-2)
Port Erin lost at home to Onchan by 13 chalks 107-120 (2-4). Maureen Payne, Wendy McDowell, Lynda Clarke and Dee Lewis all won for Onchan whilst Voirrey Curphey and Jean Thackrah won for the home side.
Nobles made the short trip down to face Douglas and picked up a 11 chalk victory. The match was a tight affair with both teams winning three games each. The result separating the teams was Lin Ruscoe who won 21-4 in her game giving Nobles the win 97-108 (3-3).
Port St Mary B ended their five game run of defeats by beating Villa 122-56 (5-1). Chris Holland top scored for the home side beating Pat Kelly 21-7. Muriel Cain won 21-17 for the visitors to prevent a full house.
Mooragh Park unfortunately were a player short which proved costly as they lost at home to Ballaugh by 20 points. Mooragh only managed two wins with Janet Monk winning 21-6 with Vicky Lloyd-West winning 21-9. Ballaugh’s Peggy Griffin won 21-1 to reduce the deficit and with Brenda Bowyer and Maureen Trustham also winning Ballaugh won 79-99 (2-4).
Peel reduce the gap to 24 points and with only six games remaining everything is still to play for with the crunch tie of Port St Mary A vs Peel to come on August 14th.
Ballapaws Ladies’ Doubles
Ballapaws Ladies Doubles Winners 2018
Pictured: Kim Hargraves, Jenny Moore along with Megan HargravesA field of seventeen pairs gathered at Peel on Saturday 28 July for the ladies’ doubles open sponsored by Ballapaws Boarding Kennels. Although rain threatened at the start the skies cleared to give a period of fine weather before the heavens opened for the latter stages of the event.
The preliminary round produced a good win by Libby Andrade and Marilyn Ellison over Tricia Bull and Margaret Tasker 21-17, while in round one close games saw Rita Calliister and Celia Joughin come through 21-18 against Jean Thackrah and Mavis Franks, while Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle defeated Sue Jones and Joyce Kelly by the same score.
Lil and Rosie had a decisive victory in the quarter-finals, as did Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy. The other two quarters were more closely contested with Joyce Ogden and Philippa Taylor winning 21-15 against Voirrey Curphey and Phil Dobson while Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves had an even tougher battle against Mary Moffatt and Cath Parker, coming through 21-17.
Quarter-finals: Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy 21, Celia Joughin and Rita Callister 8; Joyce Ogden and Philippa Taylor 21, Voirrey Curphey and Phil Dobson 15; Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle 21, Shirley Corrin and Pat Robertson 7; Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves 21, Mary Moffatt and Cath Parker 17
The water was creating pools on the green as the semis started. The intrepid competitors were undaunted and produced some very good bowls despite the conditions. Lil and Rosie started well taking the first two ends to lead 10-6 at which point the South Ramsey pair took control, winning 21-11. The other semi was a nail-biter going right to the wire. Philippa and Joyce reached 20 first but were unable to clinch that final point, which put Lynda and Mary through to the final.
The conditions for the final were horrendous and the younger pair got off to a flyer leading 18-6 after six ends. Mary and Lynda dug deep winning four of the next six ends to bring the score to 12-20, but were unable to stop the other pair coming through 21-12.
Heather Horsburgh thanked all those who had entered, those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the afternoon and also the green keeper for his efforts with a difficult green. Particular thanks went to Ballapaws Boarding Kennels for their continued sponsorship of the event, and Heather introduced Walter Cooper to make the presentations on behalf of his daughter and son-in-law.
Kennish & Bradford Hat-trick
Browne Craine & Co Doubles Championship 2018
Photo: Arnie WithersBrowne Craine & Co sponsored the Men’s Doubles Championship for a third successive year showing their continued support for the Islands premier doubles competition which was played 21 up off scratch. The event was well supported with 33 pairs taking part in a bid to win the title. As well as paying out to the semi-finals onwards, there were also prizes awarded for the furthest pair that included a second division player, third division player and furthest junior.
Losing out at the quarter final stages were the South Ramsey pairing of Alan Moore and James Teare, the Onchan/Marown combination of Rob Monk and Matthew Keggen, Port St Mary father and son duo Peter and Tom Collins along with North Ramsey man Steve Parker who was partnered with home greener Kevin Quirk.
In the semi-finals the first game off was the Marown pair of Phil Kelly and Arnie Withers who beat South Ramsey’s Stefan Kelly and Glynn Hargraves. The Marown duo made the better start going 13-3 up, which the South Ramsey players were never able to fully recover from. Kelly and Hargraves pulled the score back to 11-16, were counting three only for Withers to trail the jack with his last bowl to settle the end and keep their opponents at arm’s length. From there the Marown men picked up a three and a single to see the game out to win 21-13.
The other semi-final was a good battle between the Peel father and son pairing of Dave Barney Kelly and the South Ramsey pair John Kennish and David Bradford with a number of dead ends leading somewhat surprisingly to a slighter longer game than the other semi-final. The Peel pair took a 6-0 lead before Kennish and Bradford got in to turn the game around to take a 12-11 lead after 16 ends, before slipping behind 13-12 due to losing two consecutive singles. From there the South Ramsey pair were able to see the game out winning four of the next five ends to win 21-14. The difference in the game being that whilst the Kelly’s managed to win 12 ends to their opponents 11 ends, Kennish and Bradford scored four doubles, and three three’s, with the Peel men scoring just two doubles.
In the final Kennish and Bradford started as big favourites having taken the title for the previous two years, however Kelly and Withers had other ideas taking a 9-5 lead after eight ends, then 15-13 lead after 20 ends with Kelly leading well at the front and Withers pulling out some great counting bowls at the back. Kennish and Bradford then got back in with a three to go 16-15 ahead. Kennish took his time before setting the mark changing tactics to play the edge along the pitch and putt side of the green. From there the South Ramsey men ran out with a double, with Bradford killing the next end, they then took a single and another double to secure the title for a third successive year to reaffirm their status as the Island’s premier doubles partners. Interestingly the ends won in the final was 12 each from 24 ends, with the Marown pair making just three doubles, and the South Ramsey pair counting five doubles and two three’s to make the difference.
The presentation was made by Association Chairman Neil Withers, who thanked the sponsors Browne Craine & Co for their continued support, Onchan Bowling Club and its members for providing helpers throughout the day and to the Ladies for the refreshments and the green keeper for preparing an excellent surface. It was good to see several juniors take part in the competition, with the prize for furthest junior being split between Sam Clague (Castletown) and the youngest player in the competition 10 year old Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey) who both reached the same score. The prize for the furthest pairing with a second division player went to Port St Mary pair Peter and Tom Collins, whilst Walter McCarthy and Kevin Kelly (both Marown) received the prize for furthest third division players. The top prize paid out to the winners was £200, with further prizes paid out to the runners up and losing semi-finalists on what was a great day of bowling.
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles Winners 2018
Saturday saw a quality field of 26 pairs of all ages entered for the ZURICH sponsored Mixed Doubles competition with a prize fund of £150. The Finch Hill green was in excellent condition despite the exceptionally dry weather in recent weeks and the sunny weather made for very enjoyable playing conditions.
A number of very strong pairings were entered along with a number of newcomers and it was certainly a baptism of fire in the first round for home couple Helen and Paddy Murphy who came up against the winners from the previous two years, Dido Kelly and Chris Price trying to make it a hatrick of wins.
Other notable wins in the first round saw Bernie McPhee and Caroline Corlett convincingly beat Anne and Wayne Stanton while Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves put in a strong performance against Willie and Pauline Cowley to show they would be in contention come the latter stages.
Setting out their stall were Paul and Debbie Leece who overpowered Derek and Lynda Cadamy while home player Peter Hughes and Maureen Payne overcame Seamus Whelan and Voirrey Curphey. One of the most intriguing matches involved home favourites Jan West and newcomer Zain Abideen up against Fiona Kennish playing with youngster Ryan Hargraves. Although the home team got off to a slow start they came back strongly with a number of two point ends and ran out winners 21-18. Another home team of Sefton Dent and Greeba Paramor won by a similar score against Mary Moffatt and another home player Frank Christian. Philippa and Alec Taylor showed that they too would be in contention as they came from behind to beat Lillian Smith and Walter McCarthy helped by one of the few four point ends of the afternoon. Strangest card of the afternoon covered the match involving Stefan Kelly and Kim Hargraves playing against Rob Cowley and Sue Gawne. With the latter pair winning the first end with a two pointer but then seeing Kelly and Hargraves race away with eleven points in the next seven ends they must have thought their day was over but with thirteen points without reply from the final six ends they ran out winners 21-17. Paul Skelly and Rebecca Teare were pushed hard by Sid and Lyn Bolton but eventually just did enough to win 21-20. Wayne Roberts and Tracey Moore must have thought they were out when trailing 14-20 against Karl and Catherine Parker but heavy scoring in the final four ends also saw them over the line 21-20.
With a number of byes in the first round there were still players of note to take the stage and so it was with Mike Hargaves and Joyce Ogden who overcame Bernie McPhee and Caroline Corlett. Similarly benefiting from a bye was home player Dave McCabe and a rejuvenated Mary Alderson who put in a strong performance to overcome Paul Skelly and Rebecca Teare. Another bye beneficiary was the team of Bernard Thackrah and Caroline Whitehead but they were caught cold by the strong pairing of Paul and Debbie Leece who lead all the way to the line.
Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves continued their good form to beat Wayne Roberts and Tracey Moore. Philippa and Alec Taylor showed their metal when they got stuck on 16 for seven ends but came through with five points in the final three ends. The current champions Dido Kelly and Chris Price cruised into the quarter finals against Rob Cowley and Sue Gawne. James Teare and Jenny Moore raced away in their match winning the first six ends to lead 17-6 against Jan West and Zain Abideen. The latter pairing came back strongly but couldn’t hold off Teare and Moore who would eventually make it to the final. Home favourite Peter Hughes and Maureen Payne were in imperious form as they overcame the other home team of Sefton Dent and Greeba Paramor.
Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves looked as if they would go all the way as they easily dispensed with Paul and Debbie Leece in just eight ends. Strong scoring in the last six ends saw Phillipa and Alec Taylor beat Peter Hughes and Maureen Payne while James Teare and Jenny Moore cruised into the semi-finals against Mike Hargraves and Joyce Ogden. The tightest and longest match of the competition saw Dave McCabe and Mary Alderson put out last year’s champions Dido Kelly and Chris Price.
In the semi-finals James Teare and Jenny Moore got off to a slow start but finished strongly to end the challenge of Philippa and Alec Taylor. In the other semi-final Dave McCabe and Mary Alderson were very much on form as they restricted Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves to scoring on just four ends to ease into the final.
The final saw McCabe and Alderson carry on where they left off in the semi-final with some exquisite bowls as Mary put in a number of delicate touches on the jack and when needed Dave was deadly on his strikes. James Teare and Jenny Moore could not re-kindle the form they had shown throughout the competition and had no answer to the power and consistency of the opposition as Dave McCabe and Mary Alderson won the final in just 12 ends.
The prize presentation was made by Ken Kinrade, Competition Secretary for Finch Hill with the losing semi-finalists each receiving £20, the runners up receiving £40 and the winners £70 and the Mixed Doubles Cup.
Special thanks go to our generous sponsors Zurich, to all who helped in the kitchen throughout the afternoon, to Kevin Skillicorn for stewarding, Malcolm Black and Arthur Halsall for measuring and to all those who helped make this a very successful competition.
Town Strengthen Grip In Title Race
Castletown A increased their lead at the top of the Ladies League notching up their 13th win on the trot beating Port Erin 177-112 (8-1). Kath Kinley, Heike Perry, Marie Ashurst and Tracy Moore all performed well winning to single figures. Port Erin’s sole winner was Jean Thackrah who beat Hilary Kermode 21-9.
South Ramsey slipped 20 points back despite an away win to Mooragh Park with the match ending 136-157 (5-4). Mooragh got the better of the games on the night but South Ramsey won three games to single figures, including Elaine Moore 21-1 and Jenny Moore 21-4, giving them the superior points difference on the night. Shannon McMullan was top scorer for Mooragh winning 21-6 with wins also for Janet Monk, Vicky Lloyd-West, Victoria Johnson and Ellie Cowell.
Marown, who due to unforeseen circumstances on the night were a player short, hosted Champions Port St Mary. Port St Mary put in a fine away performance to take the match 117-165 (2-7) with top scorers Jayne Kneen winning 21-8 and Kellie-Maddrell Reeve winning 21-7. Marown’s Philippa Taylor performed brilliantly to defeat Margaret Tasker 21-5 whilst Elaine Dewhurst also won against Trish Bull 21-13.
Peel Sunset welcomed Onchan to Sunset City and whilst the games finished a close 5-4 the overall result saw Peel win by 51 chalks. Strong home performances from Sue Jones, Joyce Kelly, Mary Moffatt and Pat Robertson who all won to single figures with Shirley Corrin also winning. Onchan’s Wendy McDowell and Dee Lewis both hung on to win 21-20 with Jo Smith and Maureen Payne also winning. The final score 169-118 (5-4)
Purt Le Moirrey defeated Douglas 155-128 (5-4) with the away team unfortunately having to concede a walkover. Mavis Franks top scored for the home team winning 21-3 with wins also from Linda Dawson, Edwina Reid and Debra Cooper. Douglas winners on the night were Paula Garrett who won 21-1, Brenda Williams, Jan Osborne and Muriel Cain.
Ballaugh defeated Castletown B 159-132 (6-3) despite having to concede a game with being a player short. Pat Mason, Gill Dixon and Jayne Teare won their games to single figures with Shirley Watling, Voirrey Oates and Diane White also winning. Barbara Young and Elaine McElroy won for the away team.
After round 18 Castletown lead the way on 2885 holding a 43 point lead over South Ramsey. Port St Mary, who have a game in hand, sit 122 points behind Castletown but will look to close that gap further before their crucial catch up game. Nobles drop to fourth following their sit out this week and remain on 2613.
Peel Close Gap On Leaders
League Leaders Port St Mary sat out from Tuesdays round of fixtures in the Ladies Over 60s Bowling League allowing their rivals to close the gap. With Port St Mary holding a 133 point lead and the maximum score is 124 Port St Mary knew they would be top no matter what unfolded on Tuesday.
Peel Sunset welcomed a Villa side who were unfortunately a player short on the day. Peel players Cath Parker and Lynda Wilson won 21-6 and 21-2 respectively to set up Peel for the win. Heather Horsburgh and Pat Robertson also won. Villa did manage a sole winner with Muriel Cain beating Mary Moffatt 21-12 to prevent a full house. The match finished 117-56 (5-1). Peel close within 16 points of top spot with a tricky tie against Marown to come on Thursday.
Marown sit second owing to them playing a game more than Peel. Tuesday they travelled to Port Erin with the home side inflicting only Marowns fourth defeat of the season. Port Erin turned on the style to win five of the six games with three games finishing to scores of 18 and 19. Home player Jacqui Elliott top scored on the day winning 21-10. Marown did pick up their only win from Philippa Taylor. The match finished 116-100 (5-1).
Marown and Peel then faced off on Thursday with Peel hoping to further close the gap. Marown quickly bounced back from their earlier loss to record a 28 point victory 118-90 (4-2). Philippa Taylor top scored beating Lynda Wilson 21-8 with wins also for Mary Alderson, Maureen Quilliam, Margaret Scarffe.
Port St Mary in their game on Thursday had a comfortable full house victory over Mooragh Park B 126-33 (6-0). The result places Port St Mary 52 points clear of Peel.
Onchan remain fifth after two wins this week. On Tuesday they won away against South Ramsey 75-97 (2-4). Lynda Clarke and Libby Andrade both won to single figures whilst South Ramsey’s Elaine top scored for the away team winning 21-4 over Maureen Payne. On Thursday Onchan defeated Douglas 113-89 (4-2). Lynda Clarke top scored winning her game 21-5.
Nobles are sixth 11 points behind Onchan following their matches. Tuesday Nobles travelled away to face Mooragh Park B with Nobles winning the match 66-119 (2-4). Sylvia Kennuagh and Josie Harding both won 21-5 for Nobles but Mooragh did pick up two wins from Pat Lenton and Maureen Hamilton. Thursday Nobles were visited by South Ramsey and won four of the games including Sylvia Kennuagh beating Elaine Moore 21-12. Souths winners were Sue Collier and Moira Anderson with the match ending 112-96 (4-2).
Port St Mary B suffered a home defeat to Mooragh Park A on Tuesday. Mooragh were a player short handing Port St Mary the advantage but producing a fine away performance won all the remaining games to pick up a 15 point victory 90-105 (1-5). Port St Mary B were unable to bounce back from defeat as they travelled to Ballaugh on Thursday losing a tight game by only six chalks. Despite Chris Holland winning 21-6 the home side won four games and tallied up enough chalks to take the win 109-103 (4-2).
Castletown made it three wins on the bounce taking a full house against Ballaugh 126-61 (6-0) in their match on Tuesday. Thursday saw Castletown travel to Villa and slip to their eighth defeat of the season losing 99-82 (4-2). Mary Black and Muriel Cain won 21-7 and 21-3 with Castletown’s wins coming from Anne Oates and Joy Stephens. Sue Peach nearly made it three wins each just losing her game 21-20 against Joan Murphy.
Breagle unfortunately were a player short in both their matches losing on Tuesday away to Douglas 117-62 (5-1). Jan Osborne beat Steph Swift 21-9 whilst Sue Caley defeated Carole Fayle 21-4. Breagle avoided a whitewash with Kay Primrose-Smith winning 21-12 against Wendy Cowin. Thursday saw Breagle face fellow home-greener’s Port Erin. Despite wins for Breagle from Gwen Tuck and Kay Primrose-Smith, Port Erin controlled the match, and single figure wins from Jacqui Elliott, Jean Thackrah and Sylvia Shelebourne setup a Port Erin win 62-110 (2-4).
Port St Mary and Peel Sunset lead the way and it looks to be a two horse race now for top spot. Philippa Taylor leads the way at the top of the merit with Elaine Moore only nine chalks behind. Next week there is only one set of league fixtures with the JMS Shield Semi Finals taking place on Thursday.