Monthly Archives: April 2019
Castletown A Topple Champions
Following the first double week of fixtures, Castletown A lead the way at the top of the Ladies Night league following their wins over Champions Port St Mary A and Port Erin.
Castletown are always tough on their own green but despite winning six of the nine games they only managed to win the tie by six chalks underlining how close the sides are. Anne Oates, Kim Foy and Tracy Moore all came through close games to win 21-19, 21-18 and 21-17 respectively. Kath Kinley, Sue Peach and Hannah Drewett also won for the home side. Port St Mary’s three winners were Val Macfarlane, Margaret Tasker and Jayne Kneen who was the only player to win to single figures on the night. The final score was 163-157 (6-3).
Port St Mary B were visited by South Ramsey with the home side performing well winning four games to restrict the title challengers final score. Linda Dawson, Rita Callister, Wyn Collister and Lesley Coker won for the home side. Away wins for Sue Collier plus single figure wins for Elaine Moore, Jill Quayle, Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish gave South Ramsey the advantage winning 120-151 (4-5).
Onchan managed to win six games but ended up narrowly winning the match by a single chalk against Mooragh Park. Janet Monk and Helen Martin both won to single figures for Mooragh and with their other players pushing Onchan all the way just fell short losing 157-156 (6-3).
In the remaining matches on Wednesday Nobles won comfortably by 40 chalks away to Peel Sunset 137-177 (2-7), Port Erin defeated Ballaugh at Breagle Glen 151-132 (6-3) and Douglas won 164-125 (6-3) against Castletown B.
On Friday South Ramsey faced Nobles with these teams occupying 3rd and 4th places in the league last season. Elaine Moore, Lyn Bolton and Sue Collier won to single figures backed up with wins from Ann Gale, Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore. Nobles managed three wins from Paula Firth, Clare Cooper and Sylvia Kennuagh. South Ramsey won the tie by 24 chalks 158-134 (6-3).
Marown, who sat out from the matches earlier in the week, travelled to face Douglas. Shirley Whelan, Rosemary Winckle, Pat Withers and Mary Alderson all won to single figures with Helen Withers and Joyce Ogden the other winners for the away side. Paula Garrett, Muriel Cain and Maureen Wilcox won for the home side but the final score was 124-157 (3-6) in favour of Marown.
Castletown A continued their dominant start to the season picking up a strong 186-123 (8-1) victory against Port Erin. Castletown were denied a full house by Voirrey Curphey who won 21-18 for the away side.
Peel Sunset bounced back from their defeat earlier in the week defeating Onchan 178-133 (7-2). Gill Clark, Shirley Corrin and Mary Moffatt performed well winning 21-5, 21-8 and 21-8 respectively. Dee Lewis and Joanne Kelly were the only winners for Onchan with Marylin Ellison just losing 21-20.
In the final matches from Wednesday Port St Mary B and Ballaugh collected their first wins of the season. Port St Mary B beat Castletown B 166-106 (7-2) and Ballaugh won 166-139 (6-3) against Mooragh Park.
Port St Mary A sat out from Fridays matches so drop from the top places in the league which are currently held by Castletown A, South Ramsey and Nobles.
Ladies’ British Merit Qualifier
Eight hardy souls turned up on a bitterly cold afternoon on Sunday 14 April at Finch Hill. They were battling for the right to represent the Island at the British Merit finals which will be taking place at St Helens on Saturday 13 July.
A pleasing number of spectators and supporters turned up to cheer their favourites on, and were treated to some fine bowling and competitive games.
Coming through the first round we had Clare Cooper knocking out team-mate Debbie Leece 21-10, Janet Monk getting the better of Alison Keggen 21-8, Kim Hargraves getting into double figures against Caroline Whitehead before losing out 21-12. The closest game of the round saw Fiona Kennish eventually see off last year’s winner, Lynda Cadamy 21-17.
In the semi-finals, Clare was in control, despite Fiona’ best efforts, moving into the final 21-12. Perhaps the most nail-biting match of the afternoon was between Janet Monk and Caroline Whitehead. After a cagey start which saw the players level at 7-7 after ten ends, Janet had a good run to lie 15-9 after fifteen ends. Caroline got back to 18-18, a 2 then giving Janet a 20-18 lead, but her opponent would not lie down and came through to win 21-20.
Caroline had another tough battle in the final, although she got off to a flyer, leading 19-10 after eighteen ends, then on to 20-13, at which point Clare started to find her length and begin to creep up on Caroline, getting back to 18-20, before the Port Erin player took the next end to win 21-18 and earn the right to represent the Island at St Helens in July.
Thanks go to Finch Hill for their help and the use of their facilities, and also the spectators who turned up to add to the atmosphere of the event.
A Thriller at the Villa
On Thursday Douglas A played a very close match against visiting team South Ramsey.
Jan Osbourne, Elaine Vincent and Brenda Williams all won their games for Douglas A but this wasn’t enough to clinch victory as South Ramsey also had three wins by Elaine Moore, Moira Anderson and Ann Gale. The final score was a one point victory for South Ramsey 105-106 (3-3). It really doesn’t get much closer than that.
In the other results on Thursday Mooragh Park A travelled south to play Port Erin B and secured a good win 75-125 (1-5); Port St Mary B lost to Onchan A 100-114 (2-4) and Castletown won against Peel Sunset 110-90 (4-2).
Mooragh Park B were at home to Douglas B . Chris Sims and Maureen Hamilton both won their games but unfortunately Mooragh were unable to field a full team and lost 94-110 (2-4).
Nobles were at home to Port St Mary A and secured a good win against a strong side 118-100 (4-2) and Ballaugh were at home to Port Erin A, Brenda Bowyer and Barbara Graham for the home side won their games but the visitors secured 4 wins and won the match 94-116 (2-4).
Meanwhile earlier in the week Port St Mary A and Marown both had clean sweeps against visiting sides Douglas A and Mooragh B with some close games and nail biting finishes on both greens.
Castletown were away to Onchan A and just piped Onchan to the podium by 2 chalks. Clear wins by Sue Peach and Barbara Young put the visitors ahead even though Onchan’s Maureen Payne, Wendy McDowell, Dee Lewis and Jean Quine all won their games. After a very close game the final score was Onchan A 95 Castletown 97 (4-2).
Peel Sunset were at home to Nobles with the home side winning 107-82 (4-2). Port St Mary B travelled to Douglas B. The visitors winning 4 games with the final score 90-100 (2-4).
Port Erin A travelled to Ramsey and had a convincing win against Mooragh Park A 77-109 (2-4).
Ballaugh visited South Ramsey who were prevented from a clean sweep by Elizabeth Morrison of Ballaugh who won her game. The final score was a good win for South Ramsey.
With only 3 matches played so far and some very close games it’s too early to make any predictions but one thing for sure is that there will be some great bowls played this season.
Onchan Edge It Against Peel – Marown go top
League Leaders Marown A who beat Port St Mary A this week
Photo: Arnie WithersIn division one Onchan A hosted Peel A with the match ending 4-4 on games. Onchan secured the aggregate to seal a 6-4 win by just two chalks (132-130). For the home team Phil Kerruish and Rob Monk both won to single figures against David Proctor and Gary Smith respectively, backed up by Matthew Quirk who won 21-13 against Jerome Surridge and Jordan Cain sneaking home 21-19 against Andy Kennish. For the visitors Tom Kelly won 21-9 against former team mate Frank Watson, Tommy McMeiken performed well to win 21-11 against Peter Slinger, Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly won 21-12 against Steve Parker with Stevie Kelly also turning in a good performance to beat Kevin Quirk 21-16.
Marown A recorded a good 9-1 home win over Port St Mary A with the visitors feeling they could have got more on the night. Home team winners were Matthew Keggen, Neil Withers and Phil Kelly all winning fairly comfortably. Paul Dunn inflicted a first league defeat of the season on 2018 league merit winner Trevor Quayle, with Colin Kelly getting home 21-17 against Paul Skelly. Dean Kipling won 21-19 against Wayne Roberts with Harry Barton stepping up from the B team to also win 21-19 against Tim Williams. The win takes Marown top by two points.
South Ramsey A got their season back on track with a 9-1 home win over near neighbours North Ramsey A. David Bradford and Stefan Kelly both won to single figures for the home team, whilst for the visitors Tony Smart was the only winner seeing off Chas Grills 21-10.
Douglas A hosted Castletown A at the Villa with the home team taking the spoils with a 7-3 win. Keith Rise and Mervin Sayle won to single figures over Dean Kinley and Peter Oates respectively. Also winning for the home team were Captain Andy Cannell, along with Stuart Garrett and Shaun Seal who both won 21-17. For the visitors Ian Watson won comfortably 21-14 against Gary Conwell, with Derek Lewney and David Quayle battling through to see off Jimmy Sansom and Ian Moore.
Marown B currently sit in fifth place thanks to a good 4-6 away win over Castletown B. The Crosby men took the extra two points courtesy of winning the aggregate by 19 chalks. For Marown Peter Kelly won 21-4, with son John Kelly also winning comfortably. Darren Kerruish had to work hard to beat Willie Corkill 21-18, along with Over 60’s player and ‘Dad’s Army’ Captain Steve Bridson who held off Ross Moore to the same score.
South Ramsey B played their home fixture on Tuesday evening against Noble’s A recording a good 8-2 home win to lift them clear of the bottom of the league. Austin Hart seems to be settling into division one having had a tough first season, with the experience of last year no doubt helping this season. Hart recorded a fine 21-6 win over Steve Cook. Also winning for the home team were Tony Dugdale, Edward Carlyle, Sid Bolton, Ian Moore and Christian Caley. For the visitors the ever reliable Tommy Collister won comfortably against George Brew with Reginald Temporaza picking up another win to beat Steven Waters 21-10.
In division two Port St Mary B lead the way on 25 points following their 8-2 home win over North Ramsey B. For Port St Mary Peter Collins, Paul Russell, Dave Saxon and Thomas Keggen all won to single figures, whilst Brian Corrin and Ray Maddrell also won. For the visitors Brian Colquitt beat Tom Collins 21-17, with Rheuben Thomas winning 21-18 against Louis Callister.
Finch Hill A sit in second place on 22 points following a tough home game against Port Erin A, taking a 6-4 win mainly due to Port Erin being in the unfortunate position of being a player short on the night.
Ballaugh A lie in third place following their 7-3 home win over Douglas B, whilst Peel B won 9-1 at home to Ballaugh B with the visitors losing three games 19-21 and a 20-21. On another night the match could have ended in a 5-5 draw.
Marown C are coping quite well with life in division two following their 6-4 home win over Port St Mary C. The Crosby men taking the aggregate by just nine chalks, with relative newcomer Karl Parker just missing out on taking an extra point losing 20-21 to the experienced Chris Oates.
On Tuesday evening Peel C hosted Onchan B with the visitors coming away with a 3-7 win.
South Ramsey C were the only away winners in division three this week following a good 9-1 win away to Noble’s C, with James Evans, Tony Marler and Anthony Kelly all winning to single figures. For Noble’s Les Brookes was the only winner defeating Paul Routledge 21-5. The result leaves South Ramsey top of the table by two points.
Ballaugh C recorded a good 8-2 home win over Onchan C, whilst Castletown C won 7-3 at the Crofts against Douglas C. Noble’s B just managed to secure a 6-4 win against Finch Hill B by just three chalks (143-140) and Port Erin B also won to the same score despite being a player short against Peel D taking the aggregate by just seven chalks (126-119).
The preliminary round and first round of the Rayner Shield also took place this week with Port St Mary A travelling north to take on South Ramsey A in the tie of the round. The visitors ran the home team close before South Ramsey managed to take a 5-3 (136-126) win. David Bradford and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly won comfortably with Dan McCabe and Wayne Roberts responding for the visitors. In the second half of the match Paul Skelly eased to a 21-4 win over Glynn Hargraves, with Chas Grills seeing off Rob Cooil 21-14. With the match score at 3-3 South Ramsey were trailing on the aggregate by five chalks after six games, however Stefan Kelly won 21-14 against Dave McCabe and James Teare secured their place in the next round with a 21-13 win over Bernard Thackrah.
There were no shocks to report on at team level, although Onchan B hosted Peel A with the home team losing 5-3, with Gary Lee pulling off a shock 21-16 win over Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly.
Hands Trophy
The Hands Trophy for the 2018 non-winners, which had to be held over from last year, took place on Saturday 6th April at South Ramsey. Perhaps due to it being so early in the season combined with the inclement recent weather there was a small, but select , entry of thirteen.
The day was sunny and players and spectators were surprised by the pleasant conditions which contributed to some fine bowling on show.
In the first semi-final Joyce Ogden and Lyn Bolton were neck and neck all the way with Joyce actually getting to 20 first before Lyn came through 21-20. In the other semi final, Margaret Tasker produced some good woods but Lynda Cadamy had an easier passage coming through 21-11.
In the final Lyn got off to a flyer reaching 13-6 before Lynda had a chance to blink. Lynda scored a 2 on the next end but was unable to stop Lyn winning with a final score 21-12.
Association Vice-president Heather Horsburgh thanked all those who had entered and also thanked the South Ramsey Club for the use of their facilities and also for providing the refreshments.
Peel & Castletown Hit Maximums
The opening matches of the 2019 season were held on Thursday in cold, but dry, blustery conditions. Both Peel Sunset and Castletown got off to a flying start with both teams winning all 6 games against Douglas A and Douglas B.
South Ramsey travelled to take on Port Erin A and had a good win with a margin of 104 to 68 chalks.
Marown also travelled south to take on Port St Mary B team who they beat by 40 chalks. Brenda Hawkard and Pauline Worrall both won their games for Port St Mary but Marown’s performance by Philipppa Taylor, Shirley Whelan, Celia Joughin and Mary Alderson tipped the scales in Marown’s favour winning 4-2 in some close games .
Ballaugh had a very friendly game against Port St Mary A . Barbara Graham playing for Ballaugh won her game against Wendy Kennaugh but Port St Mary A won the match 5-1.
Mooragh B were at home against Port Erin B and had a very close game with the home side winning on chalks 95-92.
Quirk Seals First Singles Open Win
Matthew Quirk - Jubilee Cup Winner 2019
Photo: Wayne RobertsA good entry of 40 bowlers contested this seasons C. Tarleton Hodgson Insurance sponsored Jubilee Cup at Port St Mary.
Traditionally a mixed triples format, this season was changed to a mixed singles in order to promote mixed singles competitions. Blessed with sunny weather after a week of chilly conditions, it turned out to be a pleasant day to play, and watch.
The first quarter final was between Alec Taylor (Peel) & Matthew Keggen (Marown), after coming through three tough matches, Taylor lost out 13-21 against an in form opponent. The next quarter final between two home greeners saw Trevor Quayle beat Bernard Thackrah 21-13. Thackrah had a good win in the previous round beating Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) 21-17, who had himself beaten Barney Kelly (Peel) before that. The third quarter final between Philippa Taylor (Marown) & Brian Lowe (Port St Mary) went all the way, with Philippa scoring two on the last end to win 21-20. The last quarter final was a good battle between two top players with Matthew Quirk (Onchan) winning 21-16 against Janet Monk (Mooragh Park).
The first semi-final saw a great match between Keggen & Quayle. This one could of gone either way, but Keggen scored the last point to win 21-20. The second semi-final was between Philippa Taylor & Matthew Quirk. Quirk built up a good lead early on. Philippa fought back well but Quirk was bowling very well and won 21-12.
In an excellent final between the two Matthew’s, both players had been on top form all day. Every point was hard earned in the final, and Matthew Quirk was slightly more consistent in the final winning 21-13 to seal his first singles open win.
The presentation was made by Wayne Roberts, thanking the sponsors, C. Tarleton Hodgson Insurance, the Port St Mary ladies for their excellent catering, Ray Watterson for the excellent condition of the green, everyone who helped in anyway and to those that took part.
Marown Stun Champions
Marown C prior to taking on Onchan B
Photo: Arnie WithersMarown A made a solid start to their season with an 8-2 home win over North Ramsey A, with Steve Walmsley and Ray Skelly performing well to beat Dean Kipling and Peter Kelly respectively for the visitors. On Wednesday evening the Crosby men who were missing a couple of regulars made the journey north to take on the champions South Ramsey A and would have been delighted to come away with a deserved 3-7 away win. Last season Marown were inflicted with a 9-1 defeat on a tricky green, however as many teams will find there is little home advantage to be gained at this time of year.
For the home team David Bradford won convincingly 21-5 against John Gelling, whilst James Teare won his second game of the week to beat Brian Kelly 21-10. Peter Kelly and Paul Kelly both won comfortably for the visitors against Glynn Hargraves and Peter Collister respectively to leave the match finely balanced at the half way stage. In the second half visiting captain Paul Dunn led the way with a 21-6 win over Chas Grills, closely followed by Matthew Keggen who won 21-9. Colin Kelly secured the win for the visitors with a good 21-13 win over Alan Moore with the score not quite reflecting the performance of Moore. Last game on the green was Dido Kelly who battled hard to prevent another win for the Marown men to defeat Neil Withers 21-17. Marown sit in third place but are well positioned having played a tough fixture.
Onchan A lead the way at the top of the table on 16 points having recorded two 8-2 wins, seeing off Castletown A at home and Marown B away with new signing Steve Parker winning both games to make a positive start to life at Onchan. Onchan’s other new signing Frank Watson just missed out on recording two wins losing 18-21 to Peter Oates.
Peel A sit just one point behind Onchan A having beat newly promoted Noble’s A 7-3 at home with Glenn Boland making his first division debut with a memorable 21-19 win over Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly. Peel secured their second home win of the week to see off South Ramsey B 8-2, with Tony Dugdale and Steve Moore winning comfortably for the visitors. The new signing for Peel Andy Kennish also made a good start to his campaign winning both games.
Completing the top four on 12 points are Port St Mary A, who drew 5-5 away to Castletown B with the home team winning five games, but missing out on the aggregate by three chalks (134-137). Town’s Aaron Richardson will have been pleased to beat Paul Skelly 21-19. In their second fixture of the week Port St Mary A recorded a good 7-3 home win over last season’s closest rivals Douglas A, who they finished just one point behind in 2018.
Towards the bottom of the table I predict it will be a lot closer than last season. Noble’s A and Castletown B having both been promoted are well equipped to stay up, whilst South Ramsey B and Marown B will be looking to stay clear of the drop for another season. North Ramsey A and Castletown A should have enough having finished in 7th and 8th position last season. Home form will be vital for these teams, whilst avoiding heavy defeats on their travels will help their cause.
In division two Port St Mary B sit top on 17 points having seen off Port Erin A 9-1 at home on Monday evening. Alan Crebbin just prevented the whitewash with a 21-20 win for the Breagle Glen men. On a cold and wet Thursday evening Port St Mary B defeated their C Team 8-2. 91 year old Louis Callister who is surely the night leagues oldest player secured two wins to help his team to the top.
Marown C played their first ever division two game hosting Onchan B, who normally occupy the top four spots in division two and managed to record a good 7-3 home win over the visitors. Wednesday evening gave Marown a reality check suffering a heavy 1-9 away defeat to Port Erin A.
Douglas B occupy second spot on 16 points thanks to two 8-2 home wins over North Ramsey B and Peel Sunset B with Andy Foster stepping up to into B team from the C team and showing his improvement since taking up the game with two wins to start the season on a high.
Finch Hill A sit in third spot on the same points as Douglas B, starting their season a lot stronger than last season when they lost their first four games of the season. On Monday Finch Hill won 10-0 at home to Ballaugh B, whilst Wednesday evening they would have been pleased to come away from Onchan B with a 6-4 win. Results like this will help their cause to make a return to division one.
At the other end of division two North Ramsey B and Peel C will be looking to turn things around having both suffered two heavy defeats.
In division three last week South Ramsey D were delighted to sit top of the table on 10 points at the end of the week, albeit due to three fixtures being postponed due to the poor weather on Thursday evening.
Port Erin B are well placed having played just one game recording a 9-1 home win over Douglas C with captain Harry Minor leading the way for the Breagle Glen men who will be looking to make an immediate return to division two.
South Ramsey C will be hoping to mount a serious challenge to get into division two this season, will need to put out their best team every week to help achieve that.