Monthly Archives: August 2019
September Festival Preview
September Festival Winners 2018
The Isle of Man September Bowling Festival takes place next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000. Entries are up on previous year’s with the highest September Men’s entry since 2009 and there is a good quality field entered.
On the first page of the draw 2010 winner Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) is rumoured to be a doubt to make it over for the week, whilst Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) will be hoping for a good run, this page carrying further names with festival history behind them. Neil Withers (Marown) won his title in June 2013, with the man he beat in the final Matthew Quirk (Onchan) a possible third round face off this time round. Two-time winner Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) could face former finalist Callum Wraight (Castlefields) should both players win two games for what could be an intriguing encounter half way through the week.
Page two also has three former winners with 2016 June winner Kez Smith (Crossgates), 2012 September winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and local David Bradford (South Ramsey) with his win as far back as 2002, whilst former finalist Craig Grant (Thongsbridge) also features and will be hoping to go one step further to take his first festival win.
Over to page three where another June 2000 winner Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel Sunset) has a tricky first round fixture against regular visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC), whilst John Bailey (Castlefields) will be keen to pick up his second September title having won his first title in 2017.
On the next page it is 29 years since Kevan Shaw (Red Lion) picked up his only title, could come up against Stuart Mort (Kirkham) in round three, with a potential clash at the same stage between Steve Freer (Cradley Sports) and Jon Guess (Fairfield BC) should both players win their first two games.
On page five Onchan man Jordan Cain has suffered a blow having fractured a bone on his elbow after recently coming off his bike to put an early end to his season. This opens up a path for Mark Hughes (Crossgates) who lost out to John Bailey in 2017, however Port St Mary man Trevor Quayle will be confident of a good run himself.
Page six sees 1991 winner Phil Kerruish (Onchan) back from his travels in time to take part, whilst Matthew Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey) will be hoping for a good week as will Marown captain Paul Dunn who could go far and will not fear anyone if he carries on his good form.
On page seven 2003 winner Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) is another former winner, whilst the experienced Billy Speed (Alexander Park) will be hoping to go far with a potential last 16 clash this could be a great game to watch for the spectators.
On the next page this has a potential second game clash between two former winners Gaz Lally (Crossgates) who has one festival win to his name from 2015, whilst local John Kennish is the current title holder and has five festival wins to his name. Not to be discounted is Paul Skelly (Port St Mary) another man capable of beating anyone on his day.
On the final page this is heavily littered with previous winners and finalists with 2014 runner up Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) potentially facing three-time winner Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic), whilst regular visitor David Jackson (Knutsford) is another man looking for his second title. Paul Bailey (Meersbrook BC) is rumoured to missing out, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) has one title to his name from 2008 and will be keen to fly under the radar.
With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week there is plenty of bowls for everyone it should make for a great week of bowls.
Have a great week!
Full House Sends Castletown A Top
Castletown A took on Onchan in their catch up game with the opportunity to chase down Nobles who held a 157 chalk advantage.
Castletown has been in formidable form at home averaging 181 in their last four home matches and made light work of Onchan winning 189-80 (9-0).
The result has pushed Castletown 32 points ahead of Nobles with the crunch match between the leading pair due to take place in a couple of weeks. Before that match, Castletown will face their B team where they will be favourites to secure another maximum before a tricky home tie against South Ramsey.
Nobles have two away games against Port Erin and Ballaugh and must look to score big to ensure the gap doesn’t widen too much before the showdown with Castletown.
Port St Mary A won’t give their status of Champions up without a fight and now only sit 67 points behind. With matches coming up against Onchan, Marown and their B team they will push the top teams all the way.
South Ramsey have played an extra game so will sit out in two weeks. Before that an away tie against Mooragh Park followed by the away match against Castletown will give SR their chance to push to finish in the top 3.
Individually Elaine Moore has been in terrific form all season having already won the Over 60s merit. Elaine is top of the night merit, with 439 chalks, having only lost a single game. Second is Jenny Moore (429) and third is Top Lady Winner Rebecca Teare on 416. Rebecca has played a game less but even with this game in hand, Elaine would remain top by two points.
It’s all to play for with only a few weeks left of the season and should be a fantastic battle for the teams and players.
Moore & Teare Go One Better
Sowerbutts Trophy Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesOn Bank Holiday Monday Port Erin Bowling Club hosted the Sowerbutts Trophy mixed doubles. There were 20 pairs entered who enjoyed the glorious weather.
Losing out in the quarter finals were two South Ramsey pairs, Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves, Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly, Steph Swift (Port Erin) and Rod Swift (Port St Mary) along with home greeners Lynda & Derek Cadamy.
Losing semi-finalists were Joyce Ogden (Marown) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) along with Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) & Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey).
In the final South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore & James Teare went one better than the previous day, having lost in the final at Ballaugh to take a fairly comfortable 21-14 win over Chris Price (Port St Mary) & Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey).
The presentation was made by competition secretary and sponsor Janet Shilling, who thanked everyone who had entered, then went on to say that the trophy had been put up by her father. After being presented with the trophy James thanked Janet for sponsoring the competition.
Port St Mary A Crowned League Champions Again
Ladies Over 60s League Winners - 2019 - Port St Mary A
Back: Ann Maddrell, Rita Callister, Wendy Kennaugh, Margaret TaskerFront: Trish Bull, Val Macfarlane, Mavis Franks
The final league matches were played on Tuesday and as anticipated it was a close finish resulting in Port St Mary A winning the league title but by just 2 points!
The A team arrived at Breagle to play Port Erin ‘s A team in the final match of the season holding a 16-point lead over Peel.
The Port Erin side played exceptionally well in a very close game taking the league leaders to a 92-95 (2-4) final score and surely reducing their overall points total.
The 2 wins came from Lynda Cadamy, who won 21-2, and Jacqui Elliot, who won 21-9, with 3 of the remaining team reaching double figures giving them 92 points in total. However, Port St Mary had their eyes firmly on the prize and got 4 wins from Margaret Tasker, Tricia Bull, Mavis Franks and Ann Maddrell taking their total to 95 points.
Meanwhile in Ballaugh Brenda Bowyer and her team awaited the arrival of Peel.
Glorious conditions and a much-improved green saw some excellent bowls played.
Ballaugh fought hard against the visitors and had 3 wins from Barbara Graham, Carol Holt and Voirrey Oates plus double figures from all the other players. In contrast Peel also played well, trying hard to close the 16-point lead that the southern side were holding. Peel bagged 3 wins from Joyce Kelly, Mary Moffatt and Heather Horsburgh to clinch a 5-point victory 104-109 (3-3) but in the end Port St Mary were crowned league champions for another year.
Castletown were keen to hold onto their 3rd position in the league when they played their nearest rivals Marown. The visitors played well but were unable to dominate the home side and the final score was 114-95 (4-2).
As well as the league being decided the Merit Table has been topped by Elaine Moore who has had an outstanding season winning all of her games.
To finish my final league report for 2019 I thought I would leave you all with a poem dedicated to all new bowlers. We need as many new recruits as we can get to strengthen our sport and provide continuity for the future.
DON’T GIVE UP
When the summer day is over and I’ve put my bowls away
I sit before my iPad and I wonder what to say
Oh, the time has gone so quickly I can’t believe it’s done
With all the games decided, are they lost or won?
April saw the start of bowling and we played it twice a week
Wet and windy and no sunshine, followed up with lots of cake.
We started off quite handy full of hope and motivation
Perhaps next year they’ll choose us to represent the nation!
But no, it didn’t last we bowled our bowls a bit too fast
Jack up they cried Long tapes they cried
But most of all “All but “they cried
More land, Reach up, my finger, your thumb
Oh my goodness what have I done.
Even when we’re down the Park we sometimes cannot reach the mark,
Too short, Too long, Too narrow, Too wide
Our lack of practice you couldn’t hide.
The captains said “well done “well played “You are improving “
So come on girls let’s get moving.
The winter league is set to start
A mid-week game at Nobles Park
Send the form in, pay the subs
There’s lots of bowlers from all clubs
But don’t be late, listen and learn.
Then maybe next year it will be our turn.
Moore & Hargraves Win Again
Maddrell Mixed Pairs Winners 2019
Photo: Richard FaragherOn Sunday the Ballaugh Bowling Club hosted the Maddrell Mixed Pairs. There were 36 pairs entered and they enjoyed the fine weather and some good play.
Bowing out in the quarter finals were Paula Firth (Noble’s) & Sid Bolton (South Ramsey), Kim Hargraves & Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey), Fiona Kennish & Steven Waters (South Ramsey), along with Linda & Derek Cadamy (Port Erin).
Losing semi-finalists were Clare Cooper (Noble’s) & Walter McCarthy (Marown) and Chris Price (Port St Mary) & Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) which left the final an all South Ramsey affair between Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves and Jenny Moore & James Teare a replay of the Spar Mixed Pairs Final.
Jenny and James made a good start being 14-9 up after nine ends. Elaine and Glynn then had two three’s to take the lead 15-14, Elaine and Glynn took the last three ends to win 21-16.
The presentation was made by John Keenan on behalf of John Maddrell who could not be there, who thanked the Ballaugh members for organising the competition especially Richard Faragher for running the competition and Pat Mason and her team in the kitchen for such a good spread. Glynn in the speech thanked everyone for such a good competition.
Peel Bounce Back
In Ellan Vannin Fuels division one, five of the six league matches ended up 8-2 results with the exception being Peel A who hosted Port St Mary A. The result was a 7-3 home win for the westerners who bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to league leaders Marown, with Alec Taylor showing no mercy to Bernard Thackrah with his 21-3 win, whilst Tommy McMeiken beat Glenn Hargraves 21-8. Tom Kelly held off Tim Williams 21-17, whilst Gary Smith edged home 21-19 against Rob Cooil. Winning for the visitors Dave McCabe beat Mike Ashmole 21-17, Trevor Quayle inflicted a second straight league defeat on Andy Kennish (21-10), whilst Dan McCabe had a superb 21-12 win against Stevie Kelly.
South Ramsey B hosted their A team with the B managing to take two wins with Tony Dugdale making light work of Stefan Kelly with a 21-8 victory, whilst George Brew took a 21-18 win against Alan Moore. For the A team they had three single figure victories in their 8-2 win with Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly winning 21-3 against Ian Moore, whilst Chas Grills won 21-8 against Sid Bolton, a result matched by Rayner Shield Final hero Peter Collister who beat Edward Carlyle.
Marown B hosted Castletown A with the home team all but securing their top flight status with their 8-2 win. For the Crosby men Steve Bridson won 21-9 against George Peach, whilst three of their wins were close with captain Harry Barton beating Juan Kermode 21-19, as did Brian Kelly who beat visiting captain Ian Watson. Juan Killip just got home 21-20 against Dean Kinley. For the town men Peter Oates bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to win 21-9 against James Kelly, whilst Nathan Hamilton won 21-20 against John Kelly.
Onchan A hosted North Ramsey A with the home team taking the win 8-2. Winning for the visitors Steve Walmsley recorded a fantastic 21-8 victory against Phil Kerruish, whilst Tony Smart would have been pleased with his 21-18 win against former team mate Steve Parker. Jordan Cain inflicted a second 21-0 defeat of the season on Bryan Corner. The two captains were drawn against each other with Peter Slinger taking the spoils 21-16 against Allan Callow. Frank Watson had to work hard for his 21-17 win against Geoff Porter as did Matthew Quirk with his 21-18 victory over Ray Skelly.
Douglas A made the short trip up the road to take on Noble’s A with the 2-8 away win not reflecting how close the match really was with 16 chalks separating the two teams (132-148). Kevin Firth won 21-18 against Shaun Seal, whilst Glenn Boland was ruthless with his 21-4 win over Greg Brew, whilst Stuart Garrett responded for the Villa men with a 21-8 victory over David Quayle. Mervin Sayle won 21-18 against David Pease, Andy Cannell got home 21-19 against Reginald Temporaza, whilst Ian Moore also edged home with a 21-20 win over Tommy Collister.
Marown A had another good week maintaining their lead at the top with their 2-8 away win against Castletown B. Ron Williams turned in a good performance to beat Matthew Keggen 21-11, whilst Nathan Cooil won 21-14 against Paul Kelly. Individual merit leader Colin Kelly recovered from a 4-8 deficit to win 21-12 against Bob Clark, Dean Kipling won 21-17 against Mike Hargraves, whilst visiting captain Paul Dunn had his work cut out to defeat Alan Phair 21-18.
Marown C recorded the biggest win in division two with their 9-1 victory over Peel C, just missing out on a 10-0 whitewash with Gary Cooper losing 20-21 to Jimmy Corlett.
League leaders Peel B continued their fine form with their 3-7 away win against Port St Mary B to remain 16 points ahead of second placed Ballaugh A, who matched their result with a 7-3 home win over their B team. Ballaugh A have two games in hand on Peel B, will need to record big wins to go back to the top, however Peel only have one fixture left to play away to third placed Finch Hill A.
Finch Hill A won 3-7 away to Douglas B, Port Erin recorded a good 2-8 away win over Port St Mary C, whilst North Ramsey B may have left it a bit too late to Dave themselves despite taking a good 7-3 win over Onchan B at Mooragh Park.
In division three Noble’s B took on their C team which resulted in the closest match of the week with the match ending 4-4 on games, the higher ranked B team just managed to take the aggregate two points by edging the chalks (147-149) to take a 4-6 win.
Onchan C took a 9-1 home win over Douglas C, keeping the visitors to under 100 chalks (164-99), Port Erin won 8-2 at Breagle Glen against Castletown C, whilst Peel D recorded a 7-3 home victory over Finch Hill B.
Port St Mary A Do The Double
JMS Shield Winners - 2019 - Port St Mary A
Back: Ann Maddrell, Rita Callister, Margaret Tasker, Wendy KennaughFront: Trish Bull, Val Macfarlane, Mavis Franks
The final of the ladies’ over 60’s JMS team handicap took place at Finch Hill on Thursday 22 August. The wet weather early in the morning put doubt on its going ahead, but the organisers took a gamble and the weather improved a little as the morning progressed. To quote one of the players “We have played in a lot worse!”
Port St Mary A, who had narrowly clinched the league title on Tuesday, beating Peel Sunset by two points, were taking on Port Erin A who started with a 15 point advantage. The games were played as drawn with teams taking alternate jacks.
The first game on saw Tricia Bull, for PSM A, race to a 20-2 lead against Carol Kaye who then got the jack and managed to claw back another 7 points before losing 21-9.
Mavis Franks and Voirrey Curphey, for Port Erin, were evenly matched for sixteen ends, Mavis just leading 12-11 at that point, before a period of dominance gave her a 20-13 lead. Voirrey fought back well, eventually going down 21-17.
The game of the morning saw Port Erin’s captain, Jacqui Elliott, drawn against Margaret Tasker. Early exchanges saw the players level at 9-9 after fourteen ends, before Margaret with a single and three 2’s in the next five ends took a 15-10 advantage. Jacqui won the next six ends to edge ahead 17-15. The next three ends took her to 20 -17, before two 2’s gave Margaret the game 21-20.
The match at the halfway point could not have been much closer; taking the handicap into account the score was Port Erin A 61, Port St Mary A 63, leaving all to play for in the last three games.
Val Macfarlane was in imperious form against Port Erin’s Jenny Cain, reaching 9-0 before Jenny had time to blink. Jenny dug in to take the next five ends, 6-9, but only managed another 2 points before Val came through 21-8.
Game 5 was “nip and tuck” for the first nineteen ends, when Port Erin A, in the form of Joyce Ogden, just led Wendy Kennaugh 12-11. With the bit between her teeth Joyce then dropped just two more points, taking the game 21-13, to record Port Erin A’s only win.
The final game promised to be a good one as Ann Maddrell (PSM A) faced up to Lynda Cadamy. The game lived up to its billing. Initially Ann had the advantage, leading 12-6 after fourteen ends, before the next four ends saw the score level at 12-12. The two players then stayed with each other up to 17-17, before Ann took the next three ends, and the game, 21-17.
The final score : Port St Mary A 118, Port Erin A 107 saw a win for Port St Mary A by just eleven points.
Congratulations go to Port St Mary A, on the week they won “The Double”, and also to Port Erin A for their contribution to a close final this morning.
The presentation was made by Janet Latham who thanked Finch Hill for the use of their green, the ladies who had contributed to the refreshments, the men for measuring and everyone who had turned up to watch.
Castletown & Port St Mary Close The Gap
A crucial week in the Ladies Bowling League has seen another twist in the title race.
Port St Mary faced two massive games with away ties against South Ramsey and Nobles.
PSM vs South Ramsey was a re-arranged match from earlier in the season and PSM inflicted the heaviest score SR have conceded at home this season. The overall score could have been worse was it not for Jenny Moore turning in a great performance to win 21-2. Lyn Bolton and Kim Hargraves were SR other winners. Kellie Maddrell may have top-scored for PSM winning 21-9 but the game of the match was Chris Price who won 21-19 over Elaine Moore who was undefeated before the match. Ann Maddrell, Margaret Tasker, Jayne Kneen, and Val Macfarlane also won for the away team with the match ending 156-161 (3-6).
On Friday Port St Mary A travelled away to face Nobles who haven’t lost at home this season. The match couldn’t have got much closer and with a single game left the scores were tied 126-126 (4-4). At this point Jayne Smith, Paula Firth, Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare had won for Nobles whilst Katy Williams, Kellie Maddrell, Margaret Tasker and Mavis Franks had won for PSM. The final game on the green was Chris Price (PSM) who had a 12-4 lead against Clare Cooper. Clare fought back into the game and after a nip-tuck battle, the scores were 20-20. On the last end, Chris picked up the point she needed to win her game and give PSM a slender win on the night 146-147 (4-5).
With Nobles dropping chalks it allowed Castletown to close the gap following their 123-175 victory over Douglas.
Castletown won 5-4 on games with Paula Garrett, Harley Garrett, Wendy Cowin and Sue Caley winning for Douglas. Anne Oates, Amanda Lawler and Kath Kinley won comfortably to single figures with Kim Foy and Sue Peach also winning.
South Ramsey defeated Port Erin 187-77 (8-1) with the away side playing one short. Elaine Moore, Bethany Kennish, Ann Gale, Jill Quayle, Lyn Bolton, Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish won for the home side with Caroline Whitehead winning for Port Erin to avoid a whitewash.
Mooragh Park beat Peel Sunset by 34 chalks collecting six wins on the night. Madison McMullan top-scored for the home team with a fine 21-9 win. Victoria Johnson, Janet Monk, Caroline Parker, Rosemary Quirk and Anne Kean also won for MP. Lynda Wilson, Pat Robertson and Heather Horsburgh won for Peel with the match ending 178-144 (6-3).
Castletown B welcomed Ballaugh and pushed Ballaugh hard in many of the matches picking up four wins from Linda Dobinson, Barbara Young, Jo Robert and youngster Charlotte Peach. Ballaugh had two wins to single figures from Pat Mason and Gill Dixon which gave them a significant points advantage. Alison Millard, Brenda Bowyer and Elain Fenton also won for Ballaugh with the match ending 138-174 (4-5).
The final match from Friday was between Marown and Onchan. The match was only separated by four chalks in favour of Onchan who also won 5-4 on games. Rosie Winckle and Philippa Taylor won to single figures for the home team who also had wins from Shirley Whelan and Joyce Ogden. Sue Gawne won 21-9 for the away team as wins from Maureen Payne, Libby Andrade, Marilyn Ellison and Jo Smith gave them the chalks they needed to win 144-148 (4-5).
After round 22 South Ramsey sit top of the league on 3432 but have played a game extra than Nobles (P20 – 3380), Port St Mary A (P20 – 3345) and Castletown A (P19 – 3223).
MGP Practice week gives the ladies a week off except for Castletown A vs Onchan which gives Castletown a chance to skip ahead of Nobles should they score more than 157 chalks.
Port St Mary A have pulled themselves back into the title race and sit only 35 chalks behind Nobles and will jump on any slip up from the teams ahead of them.
EVF Fun Day
EVF Fun Day
September Festival Main Draws
The September festival draws have been released which can be downloaded in PDF format using the links below.