Monthly Archives: September 2019
Ladies’ IOM Pairs
There was a small field of ten pairs for the IOM Ladies’ Pairs played at Ballaugh on Sunday 15 September. What the entry lacked in quantity it more than made up for in quality, as shown by the standard, and closeness, of many of the matches.
In the preliminary round the experience of Rosie Winckle and Lil Smith showed against their less experienced opponents, Pat Lenton and Maureen Hamilton, the Marown pair going through 21-8. In the other prelim, the new pairing of Lyn Bolton and Joyce Ogden took on the holders, Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore. Fiona and Jenny had the better of the early skirmishes to hold an 18-9 lead. With six points in the next five ends Lyn and Joyce pulled back to 14-18, but it was too little too late as the South Ramsey pair clinched a 21-15 win.
In the first of the quarter-finals Rosie and Lil came up against Fiona and Jenny, who won the first four ends to lead 10-6. The next three ends closed the score to 9-10. The ends were then shared, but two 3’s allowed the Marowm players to level the score at 15-15. A 4 by the holders was a killer blow as they went on to win 21-15.
Shannon McMullan and Janet Monk faced Elaine Moore and Gill Dixon, who had won the title three times in the past and, despite a sterling effort, after their opponents scored 7 in the first three ends, they were unable to make up the deficit.
Jean Radcliffe and Chris Price lost the first two ends against Lin Ruscoe and Paula Firth before winning the next six ends to lead 15-10. The Nobles’ combo pulled back to 15-15, but could only score one more point before Jean and Chris progressed to the semi-finals 21-16.
Judy Kelly and Helen Caley almost caused the upset of the afternoon against Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy, surging to a 15-9 lead. Seven in the next three ends gave Mary and Lynda a 16-15 lead, but this was countered by a pair of 2’s which brought the South Ramsey ladies to 19. A 3 followed by a 2 gave the match to Lynda and Mary 21-19.
The first semi-final was pretty even throughout with Jenny and Fiona leading 14-13 then Elaine and Gill taking the lead at 17-16. The scores were then level at 18-18, before a 2 and a single took Elaine and Gill through to the final 21-18.
The second semi-final was level at 12-12 before Mary and Lynda won the next four ends to lead 18-12. Despite a 2 and a1 on the next two ends Jean and Chris had to bow out 15-21.
A close start to the final saw the score at 11-11 after eight ends. Winning four of the next six ends, including a 4, saw Mary and Lynda in the driving seat 19-14. It was no fluke that Elaine and Gill were already three time winners of the trophy, as they then dug deep, winning the next six ends to take the title, for a fourth time, 21-19.
The presentation was made by Association vice-president, Heather Horsburgh, who thanked those who had entered, the Ballaugh club for the use of their facilities and all those who had helped in the smooth running of the event.
Manx Masters 2019
Manx Masters Winners 2019
Photos: Tina Hampson & Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey hosted the Manx Masters on Saturday, one of the highlights of the Manx bowls calendar with four separate competitions once again taking place.
Winner of the Young Manx Masters was Alex Hampson defeating Bailey McMullan 7-2 in the final. This competition was played in a round robin format with six players in each group playing five ends with the last end played as a ‘power’ end with points scored counting double. Alex won group A with 30 points, with 2018 winner Sam Colquitt the runner up on 24 points. Bailey won Group B with a staggering 39 points, with Alex Colquitt the runner up on 31 points.
The Junior Manx Masters was again played as a straight knockout for the older and more experienced players and the title was won for a third successive year by Glenn Boland (Noble’s) who beat Bethany Kennish (South Ramsey) 21-17 in the final, with Boland beating 11 year old Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-13 to reach the final, whilst Kennish beat Austin Hart 21-16 to book her spot in the final.
The standard of play in both events was excellent and it was great to have a good crowd around the green supporting the future of the game with the numbers steadily increasing throughout, it made for a great morning.
The junior competitions were sponsored by Stonemasons IOM Limited for a third successive year with the presentation made by Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly. All those who took part received a prize, with the younger players also receiving a certificate.
Huge thanks must go to the six coaches – Colin Kelly, Brian Kelly, Debbie Leece, Clare Cooper, Chris Holland and Collin Holland, who helped the younger players with their games throughout the morning.
Once the Junior competitions came to a conclusion the Feltons sponsored men’s and ladies events got underway with the ladies event being an invitation of 16 players, whilst the men’s event had 32 taking part.
In the ladies losing out at the quarter final stages were Joyce Kelly (Peel), Mary Moffatt (Peel), Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey) and Paula Firth (Noble’s).
In the semi-finals Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) had enough to hold off Junior Manx Champion Shannon McMullan to claim a 21-18 win, whilst Alison Keggen (Noble’s) ended the challenge of team mate Clare Cooper with a 21-16 win to book her place in the final.
In the final Moore was quickest out of the blocks taking a 17-7 lead scoring six doubles on the way, before Keggen chipped away at the lead to cut the deficit to 12-17 only for Moore to take another double to take a commanding 19-12 lead. Keggen responded with a single, however Moore took the next two ends scoring singles to take a 21-13 win to retain the trophy to add to her Manx Championship & IOM Merit wins this year. Keggen can be pleased with her performance in reaching her second final on South Ramsey this season.
In the men’s event 10 of the 16 first round games were well contested with the player losing out scoring 15 or more to show there were some good contests taking place. This continued in the second round with four of the eight games being played going to 15 and above.
Losing out at the quarter final stage was former Manx Masters winner David Bradford (South Ramsey), who lost out 18-21 to Reginald Temporaza (Noble’s). The current holder Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) lost 12-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown). Dido Kelly booked his place in the next round with a hard fought 21-19 win over Neil Withers (Marown), whilst James Teare also progressed thanks to his 21-15 victory over Tom Kelly (Peel).
In the semi-final Reginald Temporaza had his run ended by Colin Kelly who claimed a comfortable 21-8 win. Dido Kelly took on team mate James Teare in the other semi-final with Dido also making light work of his opponent on his way to a 21-11 victory.
In the final Colin took the first two ends, only for Dido to respond by taking the next eight ends scoring two doubles on his way to taking a commanding 13-5 lead on his traditional short lengths up to the crown and back into the corner. Colin got back in to then take the next five ends with two singles and three doubles back on his preferred longer length to level things up at 13-13. Dido got back in once again to take three of the next four ends to go 18-14 ahead, however Colin dug deep to run out on his opponent scoring a two, then singles on the next five ends to claim his seventh win in this competition. This victory sees Colin hold the all the Associations biggest prizes having won the Manx Championship, Association Cup to go with his win in the Manx Masters. Colin is also on course to win the individual merit in division one with Marown, who are on course to claim their first league title since 2013, which would crown a fantastic season both individually and with his club.
At the end of the competition the prizes were presented by Chris Perry on behalf of the sponsors Feltons who continue to supported this event for a number of years.
During the presentation competition secretary Glynn Hargraves announced that the day had 89 matches played, 73 bowlers take part, more than 150 watch the event throughout the day. Thanks were also given to those who had helped prepare the green, with the remarkable improvement noted since the start of the season, along with those who had helped in any way towards the smooth running of the competitions throughout. A special mention to the ladies who once again put on a superb selection of hot dogs, bacon baps, pasties, sandwiches, cakes etc along with the hot and cold refreshments provided throughout the entire day. Thanks were also given to Neil Withers for his live streaming of the Junior and Senior events which have proved popular this season, typically receiving over 1,000 views.
League Action Resumes
Port Erin B following their 8-2 home win over South Ramsey D
Photo: Glynn HargravesLeague fixtures resumed in Ellan Vannin Fuels division one with Marown A showing no signs of slipping up seeing off South Ramsey B with their 2-8 away win enough to restore their 14 point lead at the top. For the home Team Tony Dugdale inflicted a third league defeat of the season on Neil Withers with a 21-16 win, whilst Steven Waters beat Phil Kelly 21-18. Division one merit leader Colin Kelly made it 18 wins from 19 games with his 21-7 win over Christian Caley, whilst his father Martin Caley lost to the same score against Paul Kelly. Matthew Keggen was pushed hard before taking a 21-19 victory over Ben Dugdale, with the rest of the visitors wins being comfortable.
Marown B hosted South Ramsey A at Crosby with the home team picking up three good wins in their 3-7 home defeat. Winning for the home team were captain Harry Barton with a 21-8 win over Chas Grills, whilst Brian Kelly claimed an assured 21-13 victory against Alan Moore. Peter Kelly picked up the third win for the home team with his 21-17 win over George Brew. Four of the visitors wins were to single figures with Glynn Hargraves beating James Kelly 21-4, whilst David Bradford matched this with his win over Bobby Thorne. Stefan Kelly seen off Juan Killip 21-8, a result matched by Peter Collister with his victory over Luke Hyland.
Third placed Onchan A recorded a hard fought 7-3 win over Douglas A. Captain Peter Slinger lost 11-21 to Andy Cannell, Matthew Quirk lost 20-21 to Stuart Garrett, whilst Frank Watson suffered the same fate against Ian Moore. Three of the home team wins were to single figures with Rob Monk beating Shaun Seal 21-3, Phil Kerruish seeing off Keith Rise 21-5, whilst Kevin Quirk won 21-8 against Gary Conwell. The other two games were close with Steve Parker winning 21-19 against Mervin Sayle, whilst Mark Kelly also won to the same score against Jimmy Sansom.
Noble’s A are all but guaranteed another season in division one following their 8-2 home win over bottom of the table Castletown B. Steve Cook was ruthless with his 21-6 win over George Foy, whilst Steve Hall beat Ross Moore 21-18, as did David Pease with his victory over Mike Hargraves. Captain Kevin Firth recorded a 21-19 win over Aaron Richardson. For the visitors Ron Williams won 21-12 against John Ruscoe, whilst Bob Clark also won 21-12 against David Quayle.
Castletown A suffered a 3-7 home defeat against Port St Mary A, however their three wins came from their young guns. Jordan Drewett pulled off his finest win to date with a 21-12 victory over Trevor Quayle, Nathan Hamilton was in good form taking a 21-11 win over Tim Williams, whilst Dean Kinley edged home 21-20 against Bernard Thackrah. For the visitors Rob Cooil beat Ian Watson 21-10, Dan McCabe won 21-15 against Sam Clague, Paul Skelly took a 21-16 victory over Peter Oates, with Dave McCabe winning 21-18 against George Peach and Wayne Roberts battling hard to earn a 21-19 win over David Quayle.
In division two Ballaugh A needed a big home win over Peel C using one of their games in hand to close the gap on leaders Peel B. The home team could only take a 6-4 victory to sit 10 points behind the league leaders with one more game in hand.
Port Erin A recorded a 7-3 home win over Onchan B with merit leader Mike Thomas making it 17 wins from 17 games played. Douglas B held off visitors Marown C taking a 7-3 home win at the ‘Villa’. Finch Hill A will have been pleased to record a 3-7 away victory over Port St Mary B, whilst low lying Port St Mary C gave themselves some breathing space thanks to a 7-3 home win over Ballaugh B who look set for an immediate return to division three.
In division three league leaders South Ramsey C had another good week picking up a good 2-8 away win over Castletown C. Second placed Finch Hill B hosted Douglas C to take an 8-2 victory, third placed Noble’s B edged a tight game 4-6 away to Ballaugh C taking the aggregate by just two chalks (146-148), whilst Noble’s C edged the aggregate by a chalk (130-129) to help them to a 5-5 draw against Port St Mary B. South Ramsey D hosted Peel D with the home team taking a 6-4 win thanks to wins from Robert Snape, Billy Blair, Ryan Hargraves and Richard Davies.
On Thursday evening Port Erin B (pictured) brought forward their home match with South Ramsey D recording an 8-2 home win. For the visitors Richard Davies inflicted a second league defeat of the season on merit leader Harry Minor, who needs just one more win to claim the merit, whilst Ryan Hargraves recorded his second win of the week with a 21-14 victory over Stuart Garrett. Winning to single figures for the home team were Alan Crebbin with a 21-7 win over Frank ten Donkelaar, whilst Ken Horsley won 21-9 against Steve Kelly.
Current Champions Produce Impressive Win
Castletown A weathered the first of two tough fixtures by producing a fine home performance to beat South Ramsey by nine chalks and remain favourites to lift the ladies league title.
South Ramsey will take a moral victory in the match-winning more games but with the only single figure win going to Castletown as Kath Kinley beat Lyn Bolton 21-9 it made the difference on the team score. Castletown’s other wins came from Marie Ashurst 21-19 against Jill Quayle, Hilary Kermode 21-13 against Gill Morgan and Hannah Drewett 21-13 against Sue Collier. Winners for SR were Kim Hargraves 21-19 vs Kim Foy, Fiona Kennish 21-15 vs Anne Oates, Jenny Moore 21-15 over Tracey Moore and Elaine Moore who just did enough coming past Heike Perry 21-20. Final score 168-158 (4-5).
Current champions Port St Mary A gained 19 chalks on Castletown and in doing so put themselves right back in title contention following their impressive home win over Marown, dropping only two chalks across the nine games. Jayne Kneen and Chris Price both won to single figures with wins also coming from Ann Maddrell, Val Macfarlane, Katy Williams, Kellie Maddrell and Trish Bull. Marown picked up two 21-20 wins from Shirley Whelan and Philippa Taylor with PSM taking the victory 187-129 (7-2).
Ballaugh welcomed Nobles with the away team taking the victory however, Nobles would have been looking for a larger score to keep up their title race. Nobles had four winners to single figures Sylvia Kennaugh, Alison Keggen, Clare Cooper and Debbie Leece. Lin Ruscoe, Rebecca Teare and Jayne Smith also won for Nobles. Ballaugh’s two wins came from Alison Millard and Elaine Fenton with the away team running out to win 106-165 (2-7).
Port Erin faced Castletown B at Breagle Glen and comfortably won by 59 chalks. Home players Di Benson and Jenny Cain both won 21-3 with Phil Dobson, Susan Inch, Jacqui Elliott, Voirrey Curphey and Lynda Cadamy also winning. Castletown collected two wins from Barbara Young and Angela Quayle with the match ending 177-118 (7-2).
Douglas slipped to a 15 chalk loss at home against Mooragh Park with the away team also picking up five winners. Caroline Parker, Anne Kean and Helen Martin won to 21-9, 21-3 and 21-7 respectively with Aalish Haworth and Vicky-Lloyd West also picking up wins. Paula Garrett top-scored for Douglas 21-7 whilst Kay McKiernan, Pat Kelly and Wendy Cowin added to the home wins. The match finished 128-143 (4-5).
Onchan against Port St Mary B is the final match from Friday night with the home side winning six games to win by a healthy 58 chalks. Sue Gawne, Maureen Payne, Marilyn Ellison and Jo Smith won to single figures and Caroline Corlett, Dee Lewis rounded off Onchan’s winners. Chris Holland, Debra Cooper and Elaine Hawkins won for PSM with the final match score 172-114 (6-3).
With only two weeks to go Castletown A lead at the top of the league by 51 chalks from Port St Mary A. South Ramsey sit second but have played an extra match and sit out this round of fixtures and will drop to fourth position.
Nobles are 63 points behind Castletown and this week sees those two teams face off in what could be the crunch game of the season. Port St Mary A take on their B team and will look to score a maximum 189 points as they continue to chase down Castletown.
Simm & Bailey Take Festival Titles
Gill Simm & John Bailey - September 2019 Festival Winners
Photo: Arnie WithersThe top prizes in the Isle of Man September Bowls Festival went to two visitors.
In the Men’s competition it was John Bailey (Castlefields) who picked up his second September Festival following on from his 2017 victory taking the winners cheque for £3,000. Bailey had to overcome the challenge of Matty Worden (Broughton).
The final started with 2018 BCGBA Junior Champion Worden taking four of the first five ends to build a 12-6 lead on a shorter length. Bailey then took the next three ends favouring a longer length to sit one chalk behind at 11-12. Worden then scored a double and a single with Bailey taking a chalk in between for Worden to lead 15-13. Bailey then took control scoring five chalks in three ends to lead 18-15, only for a determined Worden to hit back once more to level the game at 18-18. With the final reaching a crucial point Worden led a good bowl approximately six inches from the jack, with Bailey responding by playing a front toucher which was not beaten. Bailey wisely chose not to play his second bowl with plenty of danger had he opted to play his bowl. With Bailey now leading 19-18 he played two good bowls to lie game. Worden played a reaching bowl to give himself a chance of saving game or playing a winner only to flick his first bowl onto one of Bailey’s bowls which connected with the jack but couldn’t prevent Bailey from taking the two chalks he needed to secure a 21-18 victory in a fantastic final. Worden could take consolation in the runners up cheque for £1,000, with his reputation in the game growing with each performance.
Bailey reached the final courtesy of a comfortable 21-13 win over David Bradford (South Ramsey), whilst Worden booked his place in the final defeating the current holder John Kennish in a thrilling game with no more than three chalks between them throughout the entire game. With the score tied at 19-19 Worden played up to the crown and was lying one only for Kennish to play a great second bowl to lead 20-19. Kennish had no other option than to play into the corner from the middle of the green and led a bowl a foot past the jack, Worden played his first bowl slightly further away, with Kennish putting his second a foot short of the jack to leave Worden with no option other than to reach. Worden connected with Kennish’ short bowl which pushed it onto his first bowl to take both bowls out to secure chalks to secure a 21-20 victory with a bowl that was both brilliant and somewhat fortuitous. Kennish will have been cursing his luck and the handicap with having to give his opponent a two start due to his previous festival success.
The quarter finals had two games that were closely contested with Kennish seeing off Billy Speed (Alexander Park) with a hard fought 21-18 win. The closest game of the quarters was between Bradford and Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with Wraight still searching for his first festival title despite having won some of the biggest titles in the UK. Bradford fought back from a 10-14 deficit, and a 17-20 deficit, however Bradford had to rely on his striking ability to pull him through by taking the jack off three times in the final six ends to stay in the game, taking two doubles in between another dead end to secure a 21-20 victory. In the other two quarter finals Bailey ended the challenge of James Higgins (Meersbrook) with a 21-15 win, whilst Worden progressed thanks to a 21-10 win over Craig Richardson (Castlefields).
In the Ladies main event it was Gill Simm (Lune Road) who went one better than last year to win the Ladies title and the cheque for £1,000 with a hard fought 21-20 win over Molly Sullivan (St Georges). Simm was quickest out of the blocks taking the lead 11-7, before Sullivan took the next four ends to lead 13-11. It was nip and tuck from there, however Simm did manage to edge 19-18 ahead and was lying two for game with Sullivan getting a huge slice of luck sitting out her opponent’s furthest bowl to save game. On the next end Sullivan took a double to tie the score at 20-20, with Simm starting to wonder if she would suffer the same fate as last year. On the final end the left handed Sullivan perhaps trying to catch out her opponent played off the edge of the crown, however was unable to put up a good lead which Simm punished to play a good bowl. Sullivan was unable to beat the bowl of Simm, which ensured Simm picked up a chalk to secure a 21-20 victory in what was a great final.
In the semi-finals Simm booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over Sharon Gadd (Shipley), whilst Sullivan took a straightforward 21-14 over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey).
Simm started her day with a 21-15 win over Mary Alderson (Marown), whilst Gadd took a 21-19 victory over Carleen Doody-Millington (St Georges). Moore defeated Alison Cotton (St Georges) 21-14, whilst Sullivan ended the challenge of Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey) with a 21-12 win.
Local awards went to John Kennish who received the Chris Quayle trophy for the furthest Manx Man, whilst Jenny Moore received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) who performed well to see off Callum Wraight (Castlefields) to take the Tourism title with a 21-14 win, with it has to be noted Wraight not enjoying his usual success when striking.
Both semi-finals were well contested with Gilmore booking his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 win over Ben Phillips (Lloyd Hotel), whilst Wraight had to dig deep to see off Stuart Mort (Kirkham) 21-19.
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green it was local success for Lyn Bolton (South Ramsey) who had a successful week taking a 21-14 victory over Alison Cotton (St Georges) in the final.
Bolton booked her placed in the final with a superb 21-12 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park), whilst Cotton ended the challenge of Tracy Ryan (St Georges) with a 21-11 win.
The Men’s consolation was won by Martin Gilpin (Kendal Victoria) who beat Gaz Lally (Crossgates) 21-11. The Ladies consolation was won by Veronica Lyon (Unison) defeating Lynn Bennett (Orrell Rovers) 21-16.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Robert Whyatt (Packhouse) who had a 9-2 win over David Jackson (Knutsford), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Wayne Usher (Gaghills) who beat Peter Shallis (Lune Road) 21-20 in another close final.
In the doubles competitions the open doubles was won by the Kendal Victoria pairing Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicholson with a 11-10 win over Crossgates duo Joseph Cranston and Gaz Lally.
The Men’s doubles was won by Alan Davis (St Bernards) and David Platt (Levens) defeating Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) 11-7 in the final.
The Ladies pairs was won by Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) Amanda Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) defeating Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood) and Sharon Gadd (Shipley) 11-6 in the final.
The Mixed pairs was won by Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC) and Grace Hubbert (Stalmine BC) defeating Frank Jolly (Canberra) and Joan Moran (James North’s) 9-8.
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 36 pairs.
The eventual winners were Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) taking a comfortable 21-13 win over Helen Martin (Mooragh Park) and Nathan Hamilton (Castletown).
Losing out at the semi-final stage were two South Ramsey pairings Jenny Moore and James Teare 11-21 to the winning pair, whilst Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves lost out to the same score to the runners up.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Linda and Derek Cadamy (Port Erin), Tracy Moore (Castletown) and Alan Moore (South Ramsey), Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), along with Dee Lewis (Onchan) and Kevin Firth (Noble’s).
The presentation was made by Ron Williams who thanked everyone who had entered and all the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day. A special mention was also given to the green keeper for the fantastic condition of the green.
Dunn Takes Thurlwell Title
Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2019
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 32 taking part after a long week of bowls.
The winner was Paul Dunn (Marown) who defeated the current holder Rob Monk (Onchan) 21-19 in a hard fought final. Both players performed well with Monk favouring playing 19 metre marks up, down and round the crown leading well, whilst Dunn went for lengthy round pegs. Dunn struck the jack off twice during the final, once when both players reached double figures and again at 14-17 down, saving two on both occasions. Monk managed to take a 19-14 lead, only for Dunn to respond in style playing the corners well to claim a double, a single and two more doubles to see the game out and claim the trophy.
In the semi-final Monk ended the challenge of Shirley Whelan (Marown) with a good display to book his place in the final with a 21-8 win, whilst Dunn was pushed hard by club mate Walter McCarthy with the latter losing out 17-21.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Nathan Hamilton (Castletown), Mike Alexander (Onchan), Derek Allen (Port Erin) along with home greener Reginald Temporaza.
The presentation was made by Noble’s Chairman Juan Qualtrough who thanked Rebecca Teare for running the sheet throughout the day and the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winner was awarded with a return booking of a car and two foot passengers generously provided by the sponsor IOM Steam Packet.
Manx Ladies Shine at Festival
The September Bowls Festival, which was celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, has once again completed another successful week, with entries up and Manx ladies putting up a good showing.
Although the weather was “iffy” at times with rain showers and strong winds, it did not detract from the players enthusiasm or their standard of bowling.
The finals started on Thursday morning, when the Tourism competitions were played to a conclusion from the quarter-finals. Jenny Moore went out at that stage to Alison Cotton (St Georges ) 21 – 15. In the final Lyn Bolton had the better start against Alison Cotton . She was able to hold on against a come-back mid game from Alison to take the trophy 21-14. This win means that Lyn has qualified to play in the Champion of Champions at Waterloo at the end of September.
They continued in the evening with the doubles events. In the Open Doubles the Manx pairing of Jenny Moore and James Teare lost out in the semi-finals, 11-2, to Joe Cranston and Gaz Lally (Crossgates).
Elaine Moore, paired with Amanda Nicholas ( Gresford Colliery ), reached the final of the ladies’ doubles against Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood) and Sharon Gadd (Shipley). Despite their opponents taking an early 6-2 lead, Elaine and Amanda then dug in, denying their opponents further points and taking the match 11-6.
On Friday, Janet Monk was the only lady in the final four of the visit iom.com Flyer, going out at that stage to David Jackson Knutsford) 9 – 4
In the main event, three Manx ladies made it through to the quarter-finals, Mary Alderson, Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore.
Mary and Fiona came up against the eventual finalists, Mary going down 21 – 15 to Gill Simm (Lune Rd ) and Fiona losing out 21- 12 to Molly Sullivan ( St Georges ). Jenny got her revenge on Alison Cotton, winning 21-14 to go through to the semi-finals, where she went down 21 – 14 to Molly. This meant that Jenny won the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the Manx lady getting furthest in the main event.
The final was evenly contested, the score being level at 7-7, 11-11, 14-14 with Gill not being behind after the fourth end until at 16-16 Molly won two ends in a row to lead 18-16. Gill then led 20-18 before a 2 from Molly made it 20-20. Gill, who had lost out in the final last year, was not to be denied, winning the last end and the trophy.
Castletown Edge Closer To Champion Status
Round 23 of the Ladies Night League produced another twist in the season as Castletown A extended their lead at the top of the league to 60 chalks as challengers Nobles dropped more points.
Castletown A took on their B team with the result ending 94-180 (1-8). Amanda Lawler, Marie Ashurst, Anne Oates, Kath Kinley and Kim Foy all won to single figures whilst Joy Stephens was the lone winner for the B team allowing them to avoid a full house.
Nobles travelled south to face Port Erin knowing they needed match as close as possible Castletown’s score. Port Erin won four games from Di Benson, Caroline Whitehead, Voirrey Curphey and Lynda Cadamy, who won 21-1 to hamper Nobles scoreline. Rebecca Teare top-scored for Nobles winning 21-3 with wins also coming from Clare Cooper, Alison Keggen, Debbie Leece and Sylvia Kennaugh. Nobles won the match by five chalks 147-152 (4-5).
Port St Mary A has closed to within 10 chalks of Nobles following a strong away win against Onchan. Chris Price and Jayne Kneen won 21-4, Katy Williams won 21-5 with Val Macfarlane, Trish Bull, Kellie Maddrell and Mavis Franks also winning for PSM. Onchan claimed two wins from Sue Gawne and Maureen Payne with the match ending 120-177 (2-7).
In the Ramsey Derby, Mooragh Park took a 7 chalk victory winning five games from Helen Martin, Janet Monk, Rosemary Quirk, Victoria Johnson and Aalish Haworth who top-scored winning 21-7. South Ramseys best performance came from Elaine Moore who won 21-4 with wins from Jenny Moore, Kim Hargraves and Gill Morgan. Final score 160-153 (5-4).
Marown welcomed Ballaugh to their green in Crosby with the matching going all the way with the visitors leaving with a two chalk victory. Rosie Winckle top performed for the home team winning 21-7 whilst Helen Withers, Mary Alderson and Pat Withers also won. The away team picked up five wins from Babara Graham, Elaine Fenton, Brenda Bowyer, Gill Dixon and Alison Millard with the match finishing 164-166 (4-5).
The final match from Friday between Port St Mary B and Peel Sunset resulted in the first draw in Ladies League bowls since May 2017. Wyn Collister, Edwina Reid, Brenda Hawkard and Linda Dawson won for PSM with Linda picking up a fine 21-4 win. Peel collected wins from Lynda Wilson, Shirley Corrin, Heather Horsburgh, Louise Horsfall and Mary Moffatt who won 21-9. The final score was honours even 155-155 although Peel claimed a small moral victory by winning more games (4-5) on the night.
Castletown A has secured a comfortable lead at the top of the league but a potential banana skin match is due in Round 24 at home against South Ramsey. On the same night, Nobles travel away to Ballaugh and Port St Mary A take on Marown at home with those teams hoping to reduce the deficit to Castletown. Should the gap reduce Round 25 could then be the last crucial week of the season as Nobles take on Castletown.
For all the latest bowls results and news visit the IOM Bowls Website www.iombowls.com.
September Festival 2019 Draw/Results: Men’s Main
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