Monthly Archives: June 2019
Jenny Moore Crowned Manx Champion
Ladies Manx Championship Winner 2019
Jenny MooreThe weather was not kind to the twenty-two ladies who gathered at Onchan on Saturday 29th. June to contest the Manx Championship. Starting dull and misty the afternoon produced some short, heavy showers and a brief thunderstorm.
On the green the match of note in the preliminary round saw Norma Cowell take on Margaret Tasker, and keep with her up to 15-15, at which point Margaret took control coming through 21-15. The closest game in the last sixteen was a draw to savour as Clare Cooper took on reigning champion Janet Monk, and indeed Clare had the better start leading 14-12 after twenty ends causing Janet to dig deep and take control, allowing Clare just one more point, progressing to the quarter-finals 21-15.
In the top two quarter-finals, Rebecca Leece was in dominant form against Elaine Moore, while Lynda Cadamy had to work hard to overcome Debbie Leece, pulling out all the stops to win 21-15 in a game which had been nip and tuck up to 15-15
The third quarter-final saw seven times champion, Janet Monk, up against two times winner, Jenny Moore. The two ladies stayed together, 6-6,10-10 etc. up to 15 across. Janet, winning the next four ends, giving her a 19-15 lead before Jenny regained control of the jack and did not relinquish it again.
Lil Smith and Lyn Bolton also had a ding-dong battle with the early skirmishes seeing them level at 7-7. Lil then had the advantage to lead 14-11 before Lyn regrouped to go 17-14 up. The next three ends saw Lil get to 19 first, but, regaining the jack, Lyn ran out a 21-19 winner.
Quarter-finals: Lynda Cadamy 21, Debbie Leece 15; Rebecca Teare 21, Elaine Moore 6; Jenny Moore 21, Janet Monk 19; Lyn Bolton 21, Lil Smith 19.
In the semi-finals, Rebecca had the better start, leading 9-2 after eight ends, but Lynda moved up a gear and after fifteen ends was only one behind at 9-10. With Rebecca then racing to 18-10, Lynda tried to stage a come-back, winning another three ends, but had to bow out 21-14.
It was a similar story in the other semi, with Jenny sprinting to a 10-3 lead after ten ends. Lyn is made of stern stuff and fought her way back to 15-15, but could only score one more point as her opponent progressed to the final 21-16.
Throughout the afternoon there had been some excellent bowling and the final was no exception. Once again Jenny was quick off the blocks, leading 12-4 after eleven ends. Rebecca then scored three twos and two singles in the next six ends to get to within two points of Jenny, but could only manage one more two before Jenny took the Championship 21-14. Both finalists should be congratulated on their performances.
Heather Horsburgh thanked all those who had entered and the spectators who had come along to support the event. Thanks also went to the Onchan Club for the use of their facilities, and their members for their help during the afternoon.
She particularly thanked Ann Gale for her continued sponsorship of the event, before asking her to present the prizes.
Ann said it was a pity that more people did not enter this event, but that aside, and despite the weather, she had an enjoyable afternoon watching some bowling of a very high standard.
Town Stun Peel
After a week’s break of league action In Ellan Vannin Fuels Division one Castletown A pulled off the shock of the week to defeat Peel A 3-7 away from home. Whilst Peel were missing three regulars they would still have been favourites to win against the town men who have struggled this season. Winning for Peel were Andy Kennish, David Proctor and Tommy McMeiken. Responding for the visitors were David Quayle, Peter Oates, Juan Kermode, whilst Jordan Drewett was no doubt keen to get one over his pal Tom Kelly with a 21-12 win and captain Ian Watson holding his nerve to win 21-19 against Gary Smith.
Onchan A hosted South Ramsey A at the Park on a superb playing surface. The home team took a deserved 7-3 win with wins from Peter Slinger, Phil Kerruish, Matthew Quirk, Frank Watson with Jordan Cain working hard get over the line 21-19 against visiting captain Glynn Hargraves after recovering from a 9-15 deficit to go 19-15 ahead thanks to winning five ends with doubles with Hargraves killing two ends in between. Hargraves got back in to level up at 19-19 only for Cain to get back in and play two good bowls on the last end which weren’t beaten. Winning for the visitors were Alan Moore, James Teare whilst David Bradford had a tough game against Kevin Quirk with Bradford winning 21-18. The result lifts Onchan up to second place just one point ahead of their opponents on the night.
Marown A continued their march towards their first league title since 2013 with a 9-1 home win over Douglas A, however the visitors put up a good fight with Keith Rise beating Matthew Keggen 21-9, whilst Mervin Sayle lost out 17-21. Stuart Garrett & Ian Moore just lost out 19-21 to Neil Withers and Paul Kelly respectively. The Crosby men have a bit of breathing space with a 10 point lead, will be keen to keep their rivals at arm’s length.
South Ramsey B hosted Port St Mary A on a vastly improved green and came away happy with a 6-4 home win thanks to taking the two points aggregate for the chalks (132-130). Winning for the home team were captain Ben Dugdale who won 21-6 against Tim Williams with Dugdale getting back into form following time out with a back injury this season. Tony Dugdale, George Brew and Austin Hart also won, whilst Edward Carlyle just missed out 20-21 against Rob Cooil. Also winning for the visitors were Wayne Roberts, Trevor Quayle and Dave McCabe.
Noble’s A also took a 6-4 home win over Marown B with all but one game finishing 21-14 or above. Glenn Boland won 21-7 against James Kelly for the home team which helped secure the aggregate (147-143). Also winning for Noble’s were Reginald Temporaza & David Quayle who both won 21-19 against Brian Kelly and John Kelly respectively, with David Pease also winning. Responding for the visitors were the young duo of Harry Barton and Luke Hyland, backed up by the experienced Peter Kelly and Juan Killip.
North Ramsey A hosted Castletown B at Mooragh Park with the home team taking the spoils 8-2, however it could been a whitewash with Bob Clark just winning 21-19 against Bryan Corner, whilst Aaron Richardson held off Steve Walmsley 21-18.
In division two top of the table Ballaugh A continued their charge towards gaining promotion following their 8-2 win over near rivals Onchan B to extend their lead to 12 points.
Finch Hill A remain in second place on 64 points following their 7-3 home win over Peel C, with Onchan B just two points behind.
Peel B are six points behind Finch Hill and their cause wasn’t helped this week after sacrificing three players to their A team as they slipped to a 3-7 win over Marown C who are on course to stay in division two.
Port St Mary B disposed of Ballaugh B 9-1 with the Ballaugh men looking odds on for an immediate return to division three sitting 12 points adrift of the nearest team above them.
Port Erin A had a worthwhile trip to Mooragh Park taking a 3-7 win against North Ramsey B, whilst Douglas B secured a 7-3 home win over Port St Mary C.
In division three, South Ramsey C showed no mercy to their opponents with a 10-0 win over Douglas C to extend their lead to what looks an unassailable 21 points.
Noble’s B sit in second place following their 9-1 home win over Castletown C, whilst Finch Hill B are just one point behind Noble’s in third with a game in hand following their 3-7 away win to Onchan C.
Ballaugh C won convincingly 8-2 at home to South Ramsey D, with Peel D just losing out in the closest match in division three 4-6 against Noble’s C by just five chalks (141-146). Ryan Tate continues to impress with a superb 21-17 win over the experienced Roy Murphy.
As we reach the Rayner Shield quarter finals the top teams have not yet come up against each other, with Marown A winning 8-0 at home to Finch Hill A, Onchan A winning 5-3 away to Ballaugh A with young Patrick Grant impressing against Jordan Cain only to eventually lose out 15-21.
South Ramsey A won 7-1 at home to Castletown B with the lone winner Bob Clark playing his part in what was a superb game to watch for the spectators. Clark took a 14-3 lead against David Bradford with both players playing good length bowls and hitting strikes throughout the game. Bradford managed to get ahead at 18-17 with some excellent bowls in the corners only for Clark to get back in to level at 18-18. Bradford scored a single with Clark replying with a double to go 20-19 ahead. On the next end Bradford counted one to once again level the game at 20-20. On the last end the counting bowl changed four times with Bradford playing a good lead, Clark put his first bowl even closer. After considering his options Bradford played through with weight to take out Clark’s bowl cleanly to once again count one for game. Clark then played a perfect bowl to secure a 21-20 win in a game of the highest standard.
The shock of the Rayner Shield came on Thursday evening with South Ramsey B hosting Peel A with the visitors fancied to take a place in the semis. The match ended in a 4-4 draw on games meaning the result was decided on chalks with the home team taking this by just four chalks (144-140). The winners for the home team were Edward Carlyle, Christian Caley, Tony Dugdale & Ben Dugdale, whilst the players who lost all scored vital points to help secure the win. Winning for Peel were Stevie Kelly, Tommy McMeiken, Gary Smith & Tom Kelly.
In the Rayner Plate quarter finals Port St Mary A progressed to the semis with a 36 point win over Onchan B (170-134), Port Erin B scraped home by seven chalks against Finch Hill B (191-184), Onchan C were well beaten at home by Marown C (173-214) whilst Peel D had a comfortable win by 28 points over Ballaugh C (222-194).
Castletown A Take Control
Following the break for Festival week, Ladies Night League bowling resumed. South Ramsey had to sit out from this round of matches allowing the rest of their title rivals to catch up. Castletown A and Nobles are two of those rivals and faced each other, whilst Port St Mary A hosted their B team.
Castletown A has been dominant in recent weeks winning their last six matches to an average of 172, Nobles also have been in fine form averaging 173 over the same period. The match was tight on games ending 5-4 however, Castletown players Kath Kinley and Tracy Moore both won to single figures helping them to an overall 20 chalk victory 160-140 and a seventh win on the trot. The result also propelled Castletown A to the top of the league ahead of Nobles who sit 21 points behind.
Port St Mary A sits third, 41 points behind Castletown, following their win over their B team. Mavis Franks, Jayne Kneem, Margaret Tasker and Chris Price all won to single figures helping PSM to a strong 73 chalk victory with the match ending 181-108 (6-3).
Marown took on Port Erin with the home side performing well winning six games to come out on top 169-136 (6-3). Philippa Taylor top scored winning her game 21-3.
Peel Sunset was visited by Douglas who, unfortunately, were a player short on the night. Peel won six games including two games 21-20 and with the walkover built up a comfortable lead over their opponents. The match ended 179-140 (6-3).
The final match from Friday was between Onchan and Ballaugh. The home side had the upper hand in games winning five of the nine but ended up on the wrong side of the result losing 139-152 (5-4).
Next week is the final matches of the first half of the season and Castletown A will hope for another strong home performance against Marown to keep them at the summit of the league.
Dorothy Piearce Ladies’ Pairs Qualifier
There was an entry of nine pairs for the Dorothy Piearce Ladies’ Doubles Qualifier played at Finch Hill on Sunday 23rd. June. The fine weather of the previous days had departed, but the rain stayed away until the event was concluded.
There was one preliminary round game, and Finch Hill players Sue Collier and Norma Cowell found themselves facing the formidable pairing of Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish. The South Ramsey pair raced to 20-2 but their opponents did not give in scoring a 3, followed by a 2, in the next two ends to finish with a score of 7.
The first quarter-final was a closer affair than the score might suggest with seventeen of its twenty-two ends being won by a single. However, on this occasion, Jenny and Fiona proved too strong for the Noble’s pairing of Clare Cooper and Rebecca Teare, moving through to the semi-finals 21-7. Lynda Cadamy and Mary Alderson struggled to come to terms with either the green or their opponents. A powerful performance by Chris Price and Kellie Maddrell saw them progress 21-3.
Shannon McMullan, who had reached the final of the junior girls event the day before, was joined by her sister, Madison, to take on Iris Kermode and Pauline Cowley. Youth won out by a score of 21-7.
In contrast, the other quarter-final, which pitted Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden against Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore, was the match of the afternoon. Kim and Elaine sprinted to a 10-0 lead after just four ends, scoring a 4 and a 3. From that point on Philippa and Joyce had the better of it scoring 18 points to their opponents 11, but unfortunately they had left themselves too high a mountain to climb and had to bow out 21-18.
In the first semi-final Jenny and Fiona played Chris and Kellie. The pairs won ten ends each, but with Jenny and Fiona having a four and a three, with only two singles they scored 21 to their opponents 13. Kim and Elaine faced Shannon and Madison, and were faced with quite a struggle in the first half, the younger pair being 9-8 up after nine ends. However experience told and Elaine and Kim did not relinquish the jack again, progressing to the final 21-9.
In the final, an all South Ramsey affair, Kim and Elaine shot out of the starting blocks to lead 14-5 after eleven ends. The pairs were evenly matched over the rest of the game, but Jenny and Fiona were unable to make any inroads into the lead.
Elaine and Kim took the match 21-12 and will be representing the island in the Dorothy Piearce Memorial Pairs competition at Ashton in Makerfield on Saturday 10th. August.
Thanks go to Finch Hill for the use of their green and facilities, and also the help given by their members during the afternoon.
Junior Girls Merit Qualifier
There was a magnificent entry of fifteen for the Junior Girls Merit Qualifier held at Marown on Saturday 22 June. The weather was beautiful and the standard of play during the morning confirmed that the future of ladies’ bowls on the island is in safe hands.
Several of the girls were competing for the first time and it is to be hoped they enjoyed themselves. Spectators were impressed by all the girls, and it was commented by one that they were a splendid advertisement for the game.
In the first round, Grace Quayle and Emily Cooper had a ding-dong battle, keeping level to 17-17, when Grace won three ends on the trot to win 21-17. Another close game saw Grace Gawne get off to a flyer, leading 15-6 before Bailey McMullan pulled back to 12-16. Even at 20-14 Bailey persevered, before Grace eventually came through 21-16.
Grace Cooper, Melody Marsh and Lily Gawne did well to reach double figures against more experienced players, while, although falling just short with scores of 9, Aalish Moore and Megan Hargraves can feel pleased with their performances – the score doesn’t always tell the full story !
The star quarter-final match pitted Rebekah Kelly against Aalish Howarth. Rebekah had the better start, taking a 14-11 lead before Aalish pulled back to 15-15, then 17-17. Rebekah reached 20 first but we all know how elusive that last point can be, Aalish progressing to the semi-finals 21-20.
Grace Quayle faced Bethany Kennish, and put up a terrific performance against her more experienced opponent before losing out 21-15, While Shannon McMullan eased through 21-11 against Grace Gawne.
In the last quarter-final Victoria Johnson had a tussle with her younger team – mate, Lacey McMullan, before coming through 21-16.
The semi-finals saw the experience of Shannon and Bethany prevail as they each came through 21-7 to meet in the final.
Semi-finals: Bethany Kennish 21, Aalish Haworth 7; Shannon McMullan 21, Victoria Johnson 7
Bethany got off to the better start in the final, racing to an 18-9 lead, at which point Shannon started a come -back but had left herself too much to do, Bethany winning 21-15.
Bethany won the Wilson Trophy, and will be representing the island at Heswall. on the Wirral, on Saturday 7th. September.
Thanks go to the parents and spectators for their support, and their help.
Thanks also go to the Marown Club for the use of their green and facilities.
Colin Kelly Wins Association Cup
Association Cup Winner 2019 - Colin Kelly
Photo: Arnie WithersAn entry of 45 took part in the Association Cup hosted by Marown Bowling Club.
The winner was home greener Colin Kelly who held off the strong challenge of South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves with a hard fought 21-17 win. Hargraves had the better of the early part of the game leading 12-9 and 13-11 only for Kelly to get in on his favoured corners and take the lead 17-13. Hargraves fought back to lie one behind at 16-17 with Kelly just missing with his reaching bowls two ends running. Hargraves then led a good bowl nine inches to the side of the jack only for Kelly to just sneak between the bowl and the jack to count one. Kelly followed this up with a double to go 20-16 ahead with Hargraves getting back in on the next end. At 17-20 Kelly played a good first bowl, which Hargraves couldn’t beat allowing Kelly to secure the Association Cup to hold the Associations top two trophies this season to reaffirm his dominance of the men’s game.
Both games at the semi-final stage were well contested with Paul Kelly just losing out 19-21 to Hargraves with young Sam Clague again reaching the semi-final stage in this competition only to lose to the same score (19-21) to Colin Kelly.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Paul Dunn (Marown) to team mate Paul Kelly 20-21, Neil Withers (Marown) lost to Hargraves 19-21, David Bradford (South Ramsey) also lost out 20-21 to Colin Kelly, whilst another home greener Jamie Joughin performed well before losing out to Clague.
The presentation was made by Association Chairman Neil Withers who thanked everyone who had helped throughout the day and to the ladies for putting on the refreshments. A special mention was also given to the team who prepare the green due to the improvement since the start of the season.
Quirk Wins Ken Williamson Memorial
Kevin Quirk - Ken Williamson Memorial Winner 2019
Photo: Arnie WithersAn entry of 33 took part in the Ken Williamson Memorial Cup on what would have been the big man’s 90th Birthday. Ken was a popular player amongst the bowling community. The Onchan green was in superb condition with many visitors during festival week commenting on how brilliant the green was to play on. To match the green the sun shone throughout the day.
The winner was home greener Kevin Quirk who recovered from a 5-11 deficit against Marown’s Brian Kelly to win 21-12 to record his second open win of the season and his eighth win in this competition since the competition was first played in 1996.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were Mike Hargraves (Castletown) to Quirk 10-21, whilst Brian Kelly ended the hopes of home greener Mark Kelly with a 21-17 win to take his place in the final.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Stevie Kelly (Peel) to Hargraves, Neil Withers (Marown) lost to Quirk, Reg Temporaza (Noble’s) lost to Brian Kelly, whilst Harry Barton (Marown) lost to Mark Kelly.
The presentation was made by Mike Alexander with thanks given to everyone who had helped throughout the day and to the ladies for putting on refreshments. Ken Williamson’s niece Diane Crossley was then introduced to present the prizes.
Dyson Cleans Up
Lynsey Gorman & Jack Dyson June 2019 Festival Winners
Photo: Arnie WithersThe top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) winning the men’s event, whilst Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won the ladies event.
Popular Yorkshire man Dyson known throughout the bowling community as ‘Hoover’ – no explanation required, picked up his first June Festival win and the winners cheque for £3,000. Dyson had to overcome the challenge of Andy Spragg in a thrilling final on a tricky green. Dyson was quickest out of the blocks taking a 12-5 lead, then 14-9 and 16-11 to keep his opponent at arm’s length. Spragg responded with a double to sit just three points behind at 13-16, only for a determined Dyson to take two singles and a double to sit just one point away from glory. Spragg counted one next end and headed towards the corner, Spragg’s first bowl was about 18 inches off the jack, with Dyson putting his first bowl approximately 12 inches away to count one for game. Spragg made sure he reached with his second bowl, just tipping Dyson’s bowl, however it wasn’t enough to save game with Dyson taking a 21-14 victory. Dyson’s joy was clear for all to see with his second bowl still in his hand he threw it up in celebration. Spragg had the blow softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.
Dyson reached the final courtesy of a quick fire 21-7 win over Wayne Jevons (Wirral), whilst Spragg booked his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 victory over Andy Limbert (Brighouse).
In the quarter finals Dyson ended the challenge of Chris Bly (Hopwood) with a 21-13 win, whilst Jevons won 21-8 against David Halstead (Kirkham). The closest game of the quarter finals was between Mark Rose (Royal Oak BC) and Spragg, with Spragg having to dig deep to get over the line 21-20. Limbert ended the run of Robert Hopper (Brighouse) with a 21-16 win.
Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Stevie Kelly (Peel) who lost out agonisingly 20-21 in the last 16 to Wayne Jevons to just miss out on finals day.
In the ladies main competition Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won her first June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved 21-7 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park). Fox received £600 as runner up.
In the semi-finals Gorman ended the run of Bev Beeley (Houldsworth WMC) with a 21-13 victory, whilst Fox ended the hopes of two time June winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) with a 21-19 win in an entertaining game.
Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves who received the Visit IOM.com trophy to claim bragging rights in the Hargraves household. Hargraves would have been delighted with her weeks work and can now take confidence in her own ability going forward, however her challenge was ended by Fox who won 21-8. Lunn-Gadd ended the hopes of Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) with a hard fought 21-19 win, whilst Bev Beeley booked her place in the semi-finals with a 21-20 win over Caroline Bushell (Co-op) with Gorman taking a comfortable 21-14 win over Wendy Allen (Castle Private).
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Mark Hughes (Crossgates) taking the Tourism title defeating Chris Mordue (Pudsey) with a convincing 21-13 victory.
Losing semi-finalists were Martin Gilpin 15-21 (Kendal Vic) to Hughes, whilst Chris Ellis (Brighouse) just lost out 20-21 to Mordue.
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with another entertaining final it was Rebecca Teare (Noble’s) who held her nerve to take a deserved 21-18 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) to pick up her first win in the Tourism event.
Teare earned her place in the final following a fairly comfortable 21-15 semi-final win over Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) with Gorman bouncing back in style the following day going on to win the main event. In the other semi-final Moore recorded a 21-16 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) to book her place in the final.
The Men’s consolation was won by Peter Jones (Wirral) who beat Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) 21-12. The Ladies consolation was won by Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) defeating Julie Green 21-13.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry who wasted no time with his 9-0 win over Craig Ramell (Rishton), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Jack Bushell (Knutsford) who beat Katie Morgan 21-11.
The men’s Open doubles was won in style by Larry Wells (St Oswalds) & David Penketh (St Oswalds) who beat the top pairing of Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) and Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with a convincing 11-2 victory in the final.
The men’s pairs was won by Richard Hodgson (Pudsey) & Craig Shore (Burbage) beating Michael Andrews (Wirral) & Michael Upton (Myrtle Park) 11-9 in a close final.
The ladies pairs final was won 11-6 by Debi Davis (Brighouse) & Pam Nixon (Poynton Sports) who beat Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) and Eileen Pye (Acregate).
The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) & partner John Colebourne (Eastwood Park) losing out 4-9 to Eileen Pye (Acregate) and Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) in the final.
Callum Cashes In At PokerStars Super 32
PokerStars Super 32 2019 Winner - Callum Wraight with Event Organiser Glynn Hargraves
Photo: Arnie WithersThe PokerStars IOM Invitation took place on Friday evening with the event being hosted by South Ramsey Bowling Club at Noble’s Park immediately after the conclusion of the IOM bowls festival. The change in venue allowed the field to increase from last years format of 16 to go back up to 32.
It was a strong field taking part with every player in the field having played county bowls. The format was 21 up with 3 on the card.
There was plenty of local interest in the first round, however Peel favourite Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly was beaten 15-21 by Andy Sorsby (South Yorkshire), Jordan Cain (Onchan) lost 14-21 to Kev Shaw (North Lancs & Fylde), whilst Marown captain Paul Dunn lost 13-21 to Craig Gant (Yorkshire).
Faring better were South Ramsey’s David Bradford who won 21-13 against Dave Jackson (North Lancs & Fylde), Neil Withers made light work of Ian Nicholson (North Lancs & Fylde) with a 21-12 win, whilst Marown stalwart Colin Kelly seen off Richie Goddard (Shropshire) with a 21-10 win.
There were several close games in the first round with James Wilcox (Yorkshire) seeing off South Yorkshire rival Nick White 21-20, whilst another South Yorkshire man Paul Bailey got over the line 21-19 against Martin Gilpin (North Lancs & Fylde) after Gilpin recovered from a 12-19 deficit to level the game at 19-19, only for Bailey to take two singles to progress to the next round. Chris Barton (Merseyside) also lost out 19-21 to Jon Palmer (Shropshire), whilst another Merseyside man Danny Barwise lost 20-21 to 2018 British Merit Winner Chris Mordue (Yorkshire). Melvyn Byron (North Lancs & Fylde) recovered from a 14-19 deficit to win 21-20 against Nidge Hughes (Merseyside), whilst newly crowned June festival winner Jack Dyson (Yorkshire) held off Merseyside man Peter Jones 21-18.
In the second round Gareth Herbert (Warwick & Worcs) won a close game 21-18 against Sorsby to take his place in the quarter finals, whilst Bradford lost out 18-21 to Dan Jones (Wales) after recovering from a 10-16 deficit to go 18-16 ahead with eight singles before Jones got back in to finish the game. Paul Bailey came back from 11-19 to run out with a 21-19 victory over Jon Palmer. In an all Yorkshire clash Gant lost out 19-21 to Chris Mordue, whilst Byron lost 18-21 to Dyson.
At the quarter final stage it was all visiting bowlers who had progressed, in the top half of the draw Herbert lost 19-21 to Dan Jones, whilst Wilcox lost out for a second year running to Callum Wraight (Shropshire) 17-21. In the bottom half of the draw Paul Bailey ran out from 11-11 against Mordue to win 21-11 to take his place in the semi-finals, whilst Dyson won 21-13 against John Bailey (Wales).
Both semi-finals could not have been any close with Wraight taking a 11-3 lead against Jones, only for Jones to level the score at 13-13. Jones then scored better than Wraight over the next nine ends to lead 20-18, only for Wraight to hit back to see the game out 21-20 to book his place in the final. In the second semi-final Dyson took a 13-8 lead, with Paul Bailey recovering to level the score at 14-14. Dyson then went 20-15 ahead, however Bailey managed to find a bit more in the tank to run out with a 21-20 win.
In the final there was plenty of striking and dead ends with Wraight and Bailey up against each other. It was Wraight who was quickest out of the blocks taking a 13-3 lead against Bailey, then led 16-7 and 19-10 under the fading light the floodlights had to be put on. Bailey then took three singles before Wraight retained the trophy and in doing so secured the £1,000 first prize with a double to win 21-13. Bailey will no doubt have been cheered up with his cheque for £500, with the losing semi finalists each receiving £250, and the losing quarter finalists taking home £125. Those who lost out in the second round took home £75 each.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by event organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the sponsors PokerStars for their continued support, Noble’s Bowling club, the Department for Enterprise and Douglas Corporation, all the players for what made for an entertaining evening of bowls, the spectators for turning up to support along with anyone who had helped in the running of the event.
Castletown A Edge It Over South Ramsey
Ladies night league bowling returned following the two-week break for the TT Races.
Castletown was the in-form team prior to the break and they faced a tricky away match against title rivals South Ramsey. The match produced a low scoring encounter as both teams managed some fine individual performances. Jenny Moore and Elaine Moore won to single figures, with Elaine retaining her 100 percent record. Ann Gale, Lyn Bolton also won for the home side. Amanda Lawler, Hilary Kermode, Hannah Drewett, Kath Kinley and Kim Foy all won for Castletown. Crucially with Castletown winning five games, they won the tie by a narrow two chalk margin 147-149 (4-5).
Champions Port St Mary A, faced a tough away match against Marown and would have been pleased to return south with a well earned 22 point victory. Three players won to single figures for PSM, Wendy Kennaugh 21-9 against Ceila Joughin, Val Macfarlane 21-9 against Margaret Scarffe and Margaret Tasker beat Mia Moore 21-4. Jayne Kneen (PSM) lost her unbeaten record as Lil Smith won 21-15 and Philippa Taylor defeated Ann Maddrell 21-5. The final score 138-160 (4-5).
Nobles defeated Ballaugh 188-128 (8-1) with Rebecca Teare and Sylvia Kennaugh winning to single figures. Cath Harvey (Ballaugh) lost her 100 percent record after losing 21-15 to Jayne Smith. Ballaugh’s sole win came from Barbara Graham who battled from behind to defeat Debbie Leece 21-20.
Port St Mary B had a convincing win at home against Onchan with Linda Dawson and Edwina Reid both winning 21-9. Dot Mylchreest, Pauline Worrall, Lesley Coker and Rita Callister also won for PSM. Onchan won three games from Dee Lewis, Wendy McDowell and Sue Gawne. Final score 163-136 (6-3)
Castletown B won four games at home against Port Erin but was unable to prevent the away side winning by 26 chalks. Rachel Palmer was the standout home player winning 21-8 and youngster Charlotte Peach won her first ever league game with a brilliant 21-18 win over Voirrey Curphey. Jenny Cain and Di Benson won to single figures for Port Erin helping them to victory. Result 137-163 (4-5).
The final match came from the North where Mooragh Park took on Douglas. Mooragh managed to overturn losing 5-4 on games as Helen Martin, Janet Monk and Caroline Parker all won to single figures. Paula Garett picked up the best score for Douglas winning 21-8 in her game. Final score 154-130 (4-5).
South Ramsey remain top having played an extra game over their rivals but sit out next week allowing the teams to catch up. The top four by averages see Castletown and Nobles leading on 170 with Port St Mary on 163 and South Ramsey 159.
Last week the semi-finals of the Jean Kelly Handicap Competition were contested. South Ramsey (+5) defeated Nobles (+10) 162-143 (4-5) and Mooragh Park (30) lost at home to Port St Mary A (0) 156-176 (3-6). The final will take place on Thursday 11th July at Onchan Bowling Club.