Yearly Archives: 2019
Hargraves Doubles Up
Onchan Commissioners Cup Winners 2019 - Glynn Hargraves & Dido Kelly
Photo: Kim HargravesOnchan Bowling Club hosted the Commissioners Cup for the second any combination doubles of the weekend with the green running well and 33 pairs taking part.
Taking his second win of the weekend and third win in this competition in four years South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves paired up with teammate Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly taking on fellow teammates Alan Moore and Stefan Kelly in an entertaining final with the latter pair just losing out 18-21. Dido Kelly & Moore both played some superb bowls throughout a well contested final.
Both semi-finals were well contested with the home pairing of Maureen Payne and Mike Thomas losing out to the winning pair 17-21, whilst the other semi-final was even closer with another South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore and James Teare reaching the latter stages before losing out 19-21 to the runners up.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were the home pairing of Kelvin McNicholl and Allan Kennaugh, the South Ramsey pairing of Elaine Moore & Steven Waters, Sue Gawne (Onchan) & Brian Kelly (Marown) along with the Marown pair Walter McCarthy & Colin Kelly.
The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk who thanked everyone that had entered, the club members for their help with the running of the competition and the ladies for the superb refreshments. The prizes were then presented by competition secretary Mike Thomas. In his speech Glynn Hargraves commented on the good condition of the green, which had suited them throughout the day.
Bradford Retains Ken Parker Trophy
Ken Parker Trophy Winners 2019 - David Bradford & Glynn Hargraves pictured with Steve & Caroline Parker
Photo: Gary LentonNorth Ramsey hosted the Ken Parker Trophy any combination doubles on Saturday with the green holding up well despite the wet weather throughout the day 28 teams took part.
The eventual winners were the South Ramsey partnership of David Bradford and Glynn Hargraves who favoured playing the corners all day, seeing off the North Ramsey/Ballaugh pairing of Allan Callow and Fred Waggett with a 21-10 victory.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were the home pairing of Shannon McMullan and Alex Yates who lost 13-21 despite scoring a four on the first end, they reached the highest score of anyone against the eventual winners.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were the home pairing of Katie Johnson and Vicky Lloyd-West, the South Ramsey pairings of Anthony Kelly & Dave Corkill, Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly & Steven Waters along with mother and son Janet & Rob Monk (Mooragh Park/Onchan).
At the conclusion of play North Ramsey Competition secretary Gary Lenton thanked everyone who had took part, the club members for their help with the running of the competition and the ladies for the refreshments. The prizes were presented by Ken Parker’s son Steve who sponsors the competition. In his speech David Bradford spoke well of Steve’s father Ken who was a well liked member of the bowling community for many years. Bradford managed to retain the trophy having won it with John Kennish last year.
Grace Takes Bill Oliver Junior Title
Bill Oliver Junior Competitors 2019
Photo: Collin Holland14 Juniors took part in the Bill Oliver Junior Competition held at Port St Mary on Wednesday.
In the semi-finals Clark Kelly played Grace Gawne with Grace winning 7-5. In the other semi-final Rebekah Kelly came up against Dylan Marsh, with Dylan playing at his best to win 8-4.
In the final the bowls at times would not have been out of place in the senior game, with only 2 points separating the pair at the last end. Grace kept her nerve to win the end and take the overall trophy 12-9.
Medals were presented to all the young bowlers and a replica to the runner up. The winner received the trophy and a replica presented by Roy Oliver who is the son of the original sponsor.
Marown C Stun Port St Mary A
Marown C - Rayner Plate Winners 2019
Photo: Arnie WithersThe final of the Rayner Plate took place at Onchan on Friday evening with the expected rain holding off for the majority of the match. The two teams contesting the final were Port St Mary A (+10) who currently occupy seventh place in division one and Marown C (+50) who after being promoted from division three last season sit in a respectable ninth place in division two.
The Port men started as favourites on the night, they got off to a good start with Rob Cooil taking a 21-12 win against Matt Derrick. The first shock of the night came from Crosby man Jamie Joughin who performed brilliantly putting in a man of the match performance to record a stunning 21-8 win over Wayne Roberts. In another shock result James Kelly recovered from a 11-17 deficit to stun Paul Skelly with a superb 21-20 win. The last game off in the first half was a second win for Port St Mary with Bernard Thackrah winning 21-15 against Darren Kerruish. At the half way stage with the 40 chalk handicap included the Crosby men still held a big lead of 39 chalks.
In the second half of the match as the skies darkened the floodlights were put on in front of a good crowd there was plenty of support for both teams around the green. First off in the second half was Port St Mary captain Trevor Quayle who won 21-12 against Kevin Kelly, who did well to reach double figures against the 2018 league merit winner. Next off for Marown was Walter McCarthy who recorded a great 21-16 win over Tim Williams, whilst Marown captain Stephen Rundle battled well before losing out 15-21 to Dave McCabe. With the match and Rayner Plate now secured for the Crosby men Dan Smith put the icing on the cake to win 21-15 with a superb performance against Dan McCabe.
All the plaudits must go to the Marown men who started as the underdogs, however each and every player raised their game, with a C team winning four games against a first division team almost unheard of. The four players that lost for Marown all contributed heavily by reaching double figures with two losses of 12 and two losses of 15 playing a big part in securing their second Rayner Plate win to add to their 2017 success.
The presentation was made by Association Press Officer Glynn Hargraves, who thanked Onchan Bowling Club for the use of the green and for their hospitality. Congratulations were given to the winning team with commiserations offered to Port St Mary. Stephen Rundle was then presented with the trophy with the Marown captain congratulating his team for their superb performance and thanking the club members for their support on the night which made for a great atmosphere around the green.
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesSaturday saw a quality field of 35 teams of mixed pairs take to the green at Finch Hill in excellent playing conditions to compete in the Zurich International mixed doubles competition.
With late entries, a pair being scratched and three preliminary matches it was a slow start for many competitors but once we got into the first round it was clear that there were going to be quite a few front runners spread throughout the draw.
First out of the blocks in the top half of the draw was Alan Moore and Shelley Kennish who raced into the quarter finals only dropping five points in three matches which must surely be a record. Philippa and Alec Taylor were also showing good form as they comfortably made their way into the quarter finals with two victories 21-10 and 21-8. Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves had a harder draw as they had to overcome Fiona Kennish and Steve Waters and then James Teare and Jenny Moore to make it into the quarter finals. Sue Gawne and Brian Kelly played well throughout the day but made it into the quarter finals courtesy of wins over Eddie Carlyle and Lil Smith 21-16 and then home favourites Peter and Hazel Hughes 21-15.
In the bottom half of the draw Debbie Leece and Glenn Boland showed good form to make it into the quarter finals with two comfortable wins whilst Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden followed them with similar results. Derek Allen and Margaret Tasker eased their way into the quarter finals dropping only seven points in their two matches. Completing the bottom half of the draw was Chris Price and Dave Kelly who had won this event twice in the past three years and they were up against Tina and young Alex Hampson playing in his first competition. What a baptism of fire this was but a great experience also for the youngster and it was great to see Dave chatting to him as they crossed the green together. After the match, which they understandably lost, Alex said he had hoped to win his first match, perhaps not realising the pedigree of their opponents. In their second match Chris and Dave made it into the quarter finals with a 21-11 win over Maureen Payne and Mike Thomas.
In the quarter finals Philippa and Alec Taylor continued their good form with a 21-12 win over Alan Moore and Shelley Kennish. Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves had a closer match with Sue Gawne and Brian Kelly and despite leading 19-12 at one point it took them another eight ends to get over the line 21-19. Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden overcame Debbie Leece and Glenn Boland 21-16 in a high scoring rapid fire match. Chris Price and Dave Kelly made quick work of Derek Allen and Margaret Tasker taking just 10 ends to win 21-12.
Philippa and Alec Taylor met Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves in the semi-final and this produced one of the closest matches of the day. The Taylors got off to a great start with a four on the first end and lead most of the first half but after 15 ends it was 20-20 and all to play for. The final end saw Philippa and Alec take the victory with a two. In the other semi-final Chris Price and Dave Kelly got off to a slow start against Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden and after seven ends were 12-9 down but a consistent run of two’s saw them over the line and into the final.
The final was nip and tuck all the way with Philippa and Alec Taylor leading 15-14 at one point but with repeated short ends being played by Chris Price and Dave Kelly and their acceptance of single point ends it was the latter that after eight hours of competition ran out winners for the third time in four years.
The prize presentation was made by Mary Alderson as last year’s winner of the competition on behalf of Finch Hill. Special thanks go to our generous sponsors Zurich International, to our ladies and Frank Christian for keeping everyone fed and watered throughout the afternoon, to John Harris for prepping the green and to all those stewards, measurers and markers who helped make this one of the most successful competitions staged at Finch Hill for many years.
Leaders Drop Points Against Marown
Last week saw rounds 19 and 20 played in the Ladies Bowling League which is the last double game week of the season.
Wednesday saw straightforward wins for the top three sides Nobles, Castletown A and Port St Mary A. Nobles defeated Port St Mary B 189-58 (9-0) to collect their third maximum of the season. Castletown A dropped only one chalk defeating Mooragh Park 188-97 (8-1). Port St Mary A also dropped one chalk in their win against Douglas 188-88 (8-1).
Ballaugh and Peel Sunset played out the closest match of the night with Peel coming through the close affair winning by only four chalks. Ballaugh picked up four wins from Elaine Fenton, Alison Millard, Michelle Cubbon and Barbara Graham who won 21-4. Peel replied with five wins from Mary Moffatt, Heather Horsburgh, Joyce Kelly, Shirley Corrin who won 21-9 and Lynda Wilson who won 21-8. The final score 154-158 (4-5).
Marown had a strong home performance against Castletown B winning seven of the nine games. Shirley Whelan, Philippa Taylor, Helen Withers and Lil Smith all won to single figures and Pat Withers, Rosie Winckle and Margaret Scarffe also won. Barbara Young and Joy Stephens won for the away team with the final score 182-106 (7-2).
Onchan welcomed South Ramsey with the away team taking all the spoils following a good performance. Onchan picked up two wins from Sue Gawne and Maureen Payne but was unable to get close in the other games. For South Ramsey, Elaine Moore, Jenny Moore, Lyn Bolton and Sue Collier all won to single figures and Kim Hargraves, Ann Gale and Fiona Kennish also won. Final score 105-171 (2-7).
On Friday Castletown A had their sit out and South Ramsey against Port St Mary A was postponed which would allow leaders Nobles to try and increase their advantage. However, despite Nobles winning by 33 chalks they struggled at home against Marown only winning five games and scoring 160 chalks, their second-lowest at home this season.
For Nobles Viv Cook, Jan West, Paula Firth and Debbie Leece all won to single figures to build their advantage and Sylvia Kennaugh also won for the home team. Ceila Joughin beat the current Top Lady Rebecca Teare. Wins also for Margaret Scarffe,Phillippa Taylor and Shirley Whelan dented their overall score with the match finishing 160-127 (5-4). The result leaves Nobles 184 chalks ahead of second-placed Castletown A who have a game in hand.
Ballaugh took on Douglas with the home team winning by just 10 chalks despite winning six games. Brenda Bowyer top-scored winning 21-5 and Elaine Fenton, Gill Dixon, Alison Millard, Michelle Cubbon and Voirrey Oates also won for Ballaugh. Shantelle Thorpe 21-16, Kay McKiernan 21-4 and Sue Caley 21-8 pushed the match back into the balance but Ballaugh had done enough to claim a 154-144 (6-3) victory.
Castletown B picked up their second win of the season defeating Onchan 153-121 (6-3). Castletown’s wins came from Linda Dobinson 21-9, Elaine McElroy 21-17, Emma Hurst 21-7, Sonya Mercer 21-4, Grace Quayle 21-12, and Barbara Young 21-9. Onchan had wins from Jo Smith 21-7, Sue Gawne 21-8 and Dee Lewis 21-12.
Port St Mary B managed to beat Mooragh Park by six chalks despite losing 4-5 on games. Mooragh Park had two wins to single figures from Janet Monk 21-8, Rosemary Quirk 21-9. Another good win for Mooragh Park came from Helen Martin but much closers affairs came from Ellie Cowell v Dot Mylchreest 21 -18 and Caroline Parker v Christine Holland 21-19. Single figure wins for PSM B came from Wyn Collister and Pauline Worrall. The game finish 150-144 (4-5).
Peel welcomed Port Erin in their second game of the week and it was Peel who won the match by 29 chalks. A tough battle between Joyce Kelly and Di Benson saw the away player taking a strong win 21-19. Lynda Cadamy, Jacqui Elliott and Caroline Whitehead also won for the away side. But big single figure wins from Peel saw Pat Robertson win 21-5 and Sue Jones winning 21-5 restricting Port Erin to 136. Winner for Peel was Shirley Corrin, Heather Horsburgh and Mary Moffatt. The match finished 165-136 (5-4)
Next week sees Nobles sit out and gives Castletown A the opportunity to leap over into the top spot if they score 187 in their match against Onchan. PSM are two matches behind Nobles due to a rearranged game but should they average around the 185 mark in those games they could easily take the top spot.
Ballaugh finished 12th in the league last year and are currently sitting in 7th position. The season continues to be one of the closest seen in the last few years and no doubt will also see strong finishes from South Ramsey, Marown and Peel Sunet.
Future of the Game is Bright
Phil Johnson Memorial Trophy Competitors and some of the Coaches
Photo: Arnie WithersSaturday 3rd August saw the Phil Johnson Memorial trophy return in a revamped format. The IOMCCGBA would like to thank Canada Life International for supporting the association for helping get this event up and running.
Phil worked at Canada Life International before he suddenly passed away in 2011 with an undiagnosed heart condition, thought to have been Long QT Syndrome. His family came up with the idea of remembering Phil by presenting this trophy after speaking with Mark Kneen who at the time was the IOM Bowls Development Officer and worked at Canada Life with Phil and Mike Johnson (Phil’s father).
The IOMCCGBA have been working on the development of a junior league with great strides being made in 2019. The focus on the monthly events being held are effectively follow on events from the Manx Youth Games to ensure opportunities are given to all the young bowlers to continue their bowls in a fun yet competitive environment.
The format of the events is that the regional teams (North/South/East/West) all compete against each other in doubles games with some fun events added in along the way.
Over 20 juniors took part in the most recent event held at Marown Bowling Club, with the East team being crowned as the Phil Johnson Memorial Trophy winners for 2019 just pipping the other teams in a very tight contest.
Results (Points Per Game Average)
East – 3.8
West – 3.5
North – 3.4
South – 3.5
Thanks must also go out to all the coaches who volunteer their time every week to run the junior clubs around the Island as well as Phil Kelly as head coach on the Island and Sonya Mercer as MYG Coordinator.
Ladies’ IOM Merit
A small, but select field of sixteen ladies, gathered at Marown on Sunday 4th. August to compete for Barbara Lee Memorial ladies’ IOM Merit competition. The weather was iffy for most of the afternoon the with sun eventually making an appearance during the final.
Looking at the entry some good bowling could be expected, and the players did not disappoint with some very close and exciting games. Even when the scores were not close there were few easy points with each end being strongly contested.
In the first round Philippa Taylor faced last year’s winner, Jenny Moore, and had the better of the early skirmishes to lead 15-8 after nineteen ends. After exchanging points to 17-11, Jenny produced five 2’s in a row to move into the quarter-finals 21-17.
The game between Margaret Tasker and Helen Martin was definitely a game of two halves, with Margaret in control initially, leading 14-7 after fourteen ends, and then Helen pulling back to 18-18 by end 25. Three singles saw Helen progress to the next round 21-18.
Two home greeners, Helen Withers and Lil Smith also had a tough battle with honours being even over the first 11 ends, before Helen edged into a 15-10 lead. Lil then wrested the initiative from her to eventually come through 21-18.
It was pleasing to see one of the Junior girls, Rebekah Kelly, taking part and putting up a creditable performance before losing out 11-21 to Fiona Kennish.
The first two quarter-finals saw Jenny Moore and Helen Martin being too strong for their opponents, reaching the semi-finals without too much difficulty but it was a different story in the bottom half of the draw.
Caroline Whitehead and Kim Hargraves could hardly be separated as they kept together for 29 ends with neither of them having a lead of more than 2 throughout. On the thirtieth end, despite Caroline having the jack, Kim scored a two to end their titanic battle 21-19.
It was another close game between Fiona Kennish and Tricia Bull, with Tricia maintaining a slight lead up to 14-10 before Fiona won four ends in a row to level at 14-14. Two 2’s eventually gave Tricia a 19-15 lead and sharing the last four ends saw her into the semis.
In the first semi-final Jenny was in imperious form, coming through 21-6 against Helen, but again it was more tricky for the protagonists in the other. Although Tricia had a slight edge from the beginning, Kim was only 2 points behind at 14-16. A single and a 2 for both players saw the score at 19-17 when two singles gave Tricia the game
In the final it was nip and tuck to 5-5 after nine ends. The ends were hotly contested and the final score of 21-9 to Jenny makes her victory sound easier than it was !
The Competition secretary thanked those who had taken part, Marown for the use of their green and their members for their help measuring and marking.
Jenny thanked the organisers of the competition and Marown for their help and for their providing refreshments
Marown A Edge Closer – Peel B Go Top – South Ramsey C March On
Rayner Shield Finalists Marown A Bounced Back on Monday Evening With a 10-0 win over their B Team
Photo: Arnie WithersIn Ellan Vannin Fuels division one champions elect Marown A bounced back from the disappointment of their Rayner Shield final loss with their ‘away’ fixture against their B team at Crosby with last year’s 3-7 defeat fresh in their mind the A team were keen to put things right, doing just that with a 0-10 victory. Coming closest to picking up a win for the B team was Arnie Withers who just lost out 20-21 to Walter McCarthy who stepped up from the C team. Winning to single figures for the A team were Colin Kelly and Paul Dunn, beating Bobby Thorne and James Kelly respectively. The result leaves the A team 14 points ahead of second placed South Ramsey A with just six games left, whilst the B team are just seven points ahead of the bottom two teams South Ramsey B and Castletown B.
The bottom two sides South Ramsey B and Castletown B faced each other with the town men coming away from Ramsey with a 4-6 win to boost their hopes of staying up. Winning for the home team were Tony Dugdale, Edward Carlyle, Austin Hart and Christian Caley who has started to find some form picking up some good wins recently. Responding for the town men were Mike Hargraves, Ron Williams, Bob Clark and Nathan Cooil whose 21-8 victory helped his team edge the aggregate by six chalks (132-138).
Port St Mary A were the hosts for the visit of second placed South Ramsey A. The visitors recorded a good 2-8 win with Trevor Quayle in fine form to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Dido Kelly (21-17), whilst Wayne Roberts performed well to win 21-9 against Ian Moore. Hitting back for South Ramsey were David Bradford with a 21-6 win over Dan McCabe, whilst the remaining five winners for the visitors were all comfortable.
Noble’s A are 12 points ahead of the bottom two after picking up four points at home to Onchan A losing 4-6. For the visitors Kevin Quirk and Mark Kelly both won 21-17 against Reginald Temporaza and Tommy Collister respectively, Matthew Quirk had a good 21-12 win over Glenn Boland, whilst Jordan Cain won 21-9 against David Quayle. For the home team Steve Hall and Steve Cook both got home by the tightest of margins 21-20 with good wins over Rob Monk and Phil Kerruish, David Pease won 21-16 against Neil Dunwell, whilst captain Kevin Firth had a superb 21-5 win over Steve Parker. Just six chalks separated the teams with Onchan edging the aggregate (139-145).
In the third 4-4 of the night Peel A hosted Douglas A, with the home team comfortably taking the chalks to round off a 6-4 win (150-124). Winning 21-13 for the Villa men were Ian Moore and Stuart Garrett, whilst they picked up two 21-20 wins from Merv Sayle and Jimmy Sansom against David Proctor and Alec Taylor. For Peel their wins were all comfortable from Tommy McMeiken, Andy Kennish, Alan Cromwell and Dave Kelly.
Castletown A hosted North Ramsey A at the Crofts with the home team taking a good 8-2 win. Sam Clague continues to impress in his first season in division one and just his third year since taking up the game with a 21-10 over Geoff Porter. Other winners for the younger generation were Jordan Drewett (21-9) over Steve Walmsley, whilst Dean Kinley won 21-20 against Bryan Corner. Of the more experienced bowlers for the home team the winners were Derek Lewney, George Peach and Peter Oates.
In division two Peel B have taken over at the top of the table from Ballaugh A, who recently visited Peel for a game brought forward and suffered a 0-10 defeat at the hands of the Peel men. Peel B had most of their good work undone with their 2-8 away defeat at the hands of third placed Port Erin A, who with a few big wins could be right up there in the mix.
With Ballaugh A looking to bounce back they suffered another setback with a 3-7 home loss to Marown C, with the Crosby men receiving a massive boost ahead of Friday’s Rayner Plate final against first division side Port St Mary A. Ballaugh currently occupy second place, five points behind Peel B with a game in hand.
Finch Hill A are in fourth place, they recorded a good 2-8 away win over North Ramsey B at Mooragh Park. Douglas B will have been pleased with their 7-3 home win over Port St Mary B, Onchan B took a 6-4 home win over Ballaugh B whilst Port St Mary C took the spoils 7-3 at home to Peel C.
In division three South Ramsey C made it 15 wins from 15 games to maintain their 100% record with their crushing 9-1 home win over Port Erin B.
Second placed Finch Hill B took their turn to sit out the latest round of fixtures, which gave third placed Noble’s B the opportunity to close the gap, they made the short visit to take on Onchan C at the Park, however the home team were too strong for the Noble’s men with Onchan recording an 8-2 victory. The Finch Hill men now have a game in hand in addition to their four point lead.
South Ramsey D came away from the Villa with a good 2-8 win, Peel D eased to a 7-3 home win over Castletown C, whilst Nobles C matched this with their win over Ballaugh C.
Kennish & Bradford Reign Supreme
Browne Craine & Co Doubles Champions 2019
The Islands premier doubles competition was hosted by Castletown Bowling Club on Sunday which was played 21 up off scratch. The event was well supported with 26 pairs taking part in a bid to win the title, which was once again sponsored by Brown Craine & Co.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were the Marown/South Ramsey pairing of Matthew Keggen and Glynn Hargraves, Paul Kelly & Juan Killip (Marown), Paul Dunn & Neil Withers (Marown) and the Port St Mary duo of Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle.
In the semi-finals the first game off was the Douglas pairing of Stuart Garrett and Ian Moore who beat the Peel father and son duo of Dave Kelly and Stevie Kelly 21-13 to take their spot in the final. The South Ramsey combination of John Kennish & David Bradford took their spot in the semi-final after earlier coming through two tough battles against Bob Clark (Castletown) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) 21-18, followed by Dunn & Withers in the quarter final to the same score with both games being of the highest quality. Their semi-final game against Walter McCarthy and Colin Kelly looked more comfortable with their 21-12 win not really reflecting the game.
In the final Kennish and Bradford started as big favourites having taken the title for the previous three years, taking an 8-0 lead before Garrett & Moore got on the scoreboard with Moore bowling within a foot to beat their opponents counting bowl. Kennish and Bradford kept the pressure firmly on with both of the South Ramsey men playing the corners well to build a commanding 18-3 lead before Moore & Garrett got back in with a double. Moore & Garrett managed to get into double figures with Moore playing another great last bowl when lying game down to take a double before losing out 11-21 for Kennish & Bradford to seal their fourth consecutive victory in the Island premier doubles competition.
The presentation was made by Association Chairman Neil Withers, who thanked the sponsors Browne Craine & Co for their continued support, Castletown Bowling Club for the use of the green and its members for providing helpers throughout the day. Spot prizes were also awarded, with the prize for furthest junior going to Sam Clague (Castletown) The prize for the furthest pairing with a second division player went to Walter McCarthy (Marown) who was paired with Colin Kelly, whilst Cliff Clague (Castletown) received the prize for furthest third division player. Further Over 60’s player was losing finalist Stuart Garrett. The top prize paid out to the winners was £200, with further prizes paid out to the runners up and losing semi-finalists on what was a great day of bowling.