Monthly Archives: April 2022
Dunn Repeats Magic Trick
Magic Carpet Mixed Singles Winner 2022 - Paul Dunn
Photo: Glynn HargravesMarown Bowling Club were the host club on Saturday as they held the Marown Magic Carpets Mixed Singles for the second time attracting an entry of 56. The competition was played in a big smash style format, which has proved popular in the U.K. and is played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. Players were given a handicap ranging from 0 to 3. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place to decide the winner of the game.
Losing quarter finalists were Bernie Durcan (Port Erin) who lost 7-15 to home greener Matthew Keggen, Frank Watson (Onchan) had his run ended by Marown captain Paul Dunn 10-17, Jordan Cain stormed into a huge unassailable lead to beat South Ramsey team mate David Bradford 17-7, while Rob Middleton did enough to ensure he progressed to the next round with a victory over Stefan Kelly with the latter falling too far behind to play the last end with the score at 12-7 to Middleton.
In the semi-finals club mates Keggen and Dunn clashed, with Dunn doing enough to reach the final courtesy of a 14-10 win, while Middleton just edged home 15-14 against Cain in a nervy finish.
The final started with Dunn conceding the first end with a single and starting three behind on the handicap, he ensured he did not under-estimate his opponent who had taken some good scalps throughout the day. Dunn then clicked into gear to take the next eight ends to lead 14-4 after nine ends. Middleton scored a single on the power end to count for two on end 10 to go eight chalks behind at 14-6. Dunn made sure of the victory over the next few ends with a single and a double to ensure he retained the title he won last season with a well-deserved 17-8 victory.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by club members Brian Kelly and Clare Cooper, who thanked Magic Carpets for their continued sponsorship, the Ladies for the refreshments, the players for entering, and all who came to support. In his speech Dunn reiterated his thanks to the sponsors.
Ladies – Onchan Commissioners Cup
Onchan Ladies Commissioners Cup Winners 2022 - Sue Gawne and Lynda Cadamy
Photo: Mark KellyOnchan hosted the Ladies Doubles competition on a bright sunny day with a fast running Green.
The quarter finals stage saw the Douglas pairing of Pauline Cowley & Jane Lothian struggle to find their length scoring three singles before bowing out to the South Ramsey duo of Sue Collier & Judy Kelly. A four on the seventh end gave homegreeners Caroline Corlett & Lynda Clarke brief hope before losing out to Marown ladies Philippa Taylor & Joyce Ogden. Lynda Cadamy (Marown) & Sue Gawne (Onchan) beat off the challenge of Libby Andrade (Onchan) & Dee Lewis (Onchan) 21-19 over 24 ends. At 19-15, the Peel combination of Lynda Wilson & Shirley Corrin looked to have done enough to book a semi-final place. However, a three and three singles saw them thwarted by Sue McCourt & Sandra May of Onchan.
Cadamy & Gawne hit the ground running in their semi-final as they went 18-4 up against Taylor & Ogden. A brief recovery by the latter allowed them to reach 11 before succumbing. In the other semi-final Collier & Kelly proved too strong for McCourt & May. They did, however, stutter at ‘all but’ allowing their opponents to reach 16 before crossing the line.
The final was a close affair at the halfway stage (11-9) but, experience told in the end with Cadamy & Gawne running out with a 21-10 victory. The experience will stand the South Ramsey team in good stead for the future.
Onchan’s Club President presented the Cup along with souvenir silver plates from the Commissioners. Thanks were given to all those involved in an enjoyable afternoon & especially to the Greenkeeper for the Green condition & to the ladies for the refreshments.
Maximums again in Ladies Over 60s
In the ladies Over 60s league last Tuesday morning, Castletown A scored a maximum away to Mooragh Park B with all games bar one being won to single figures. Peel won five games to one at home against Port St Mary B with the lone winner for PSM B being Lesley Corker winning to 17. Port Erin A put in a strong performance away to Castletown B winning five games with Rita Callister and Steph Swift (PE) both winning to single figures. The following day, Port St Mary A hosted Mooragh Park A. Although Mooragh won four games to two, Port won the match by 11 points helped by Mavis Franks and Wendy Kennaugh (PSM) both winning to single figures. Last Thursday morning saw Onchan A record a maximum against their B team with Lynda Clarke and Dee Lewis (A) both winning to single figures. Port St Mary A also scored a maximum away to Mooragh Park B with the closest game being between Margaret Oxley (MP) against Wendy Kennaugh with the latter winning to 14. Ballaugh were at home to Peel winning four game to two and by 13 points. Closest game saw Brenda Bowyer (Ballaugh) just crossing the line to win 21-20 against Mary Moffatt, Marown A also had a four-two win at home against Castletown B with Lynda Cadamy, Joyce Ogden and Mia Moore all winning to single figures for Marown. Port St Mary B played host to South Ramsey on Friday morning with the South ladies getting a full house. Closest games being Ann Gale and Moira Anderson (South) winning to 18 and 16 against Edwina Reid and Lesley Coker respectively.
Ladies Open Age: Castletown A and South Ramsey ladies had good home wins last Wednesday night in the ladies open age league against Mooragh Park and Castletown B. Sisters Madison and Shannon McMullan both played well winning to 18 and 19 respectively for Mooragh with Alison Kearsley, Tracy Moore and Hannah Drewett all winning to single figures for Castletown. In the South v Castletown B match, best game of the night was between Sue Collier (South) and Linda Dobinson. Both ladies played exceptionally well with Sue just getting the point needed to win 21-20. Ballaugh won their third match away to Peel by five games to four with Barbara Graham, Maria Dinsdale and Christine McDonald for Ballaugh all winning to single figures. Home derby between Marown B and Marown A resulted in a win for the A ladies by six games to three. Closest game was between Emily Cooper (B) and Philippa Taylor with the latter eventually winning to 18. Onchan were in strong form away to Port Erin winning seven games to two and by 60 points. Douglas hosted Port St Mary with five of the nine games being won to single figures. Best game of the match was Michelle Cowley (Douglas) just losing to 18 against Chris Holland.
The Ladies Association Triples competition took place on Saturday at Marown attracting an entry of nine triples. Getting through to the final were Margie Tasker, Trish Bull and Mavis Franks (Port St Mary) against the Marown trio of Lil Smith, Jayne Smith and Rosie Winckle. The PSM ladies got off to a very strong start to lead 20-7 on the 11th end. Not ones for giving up, the Marown ladies pulled the deficit back to 16-20 courtesy of two fours and a single but it was a little too late with the Port ladies scoring the point they needed on the next end for a well deserved win. The presentation was made by Gill Morgan (Ladies Association Competition Secretary) who thanked Marown for hosting the event and providing excellent refreshments throughout the afternoon and to all who had entered.
British Ladies Crown Green Club Championship: Last year’s Open Age winners Castletown A, travelled last weekend to the 2022 British Crown Green Ladies Club Championships held in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Championship was played in groups of four in a round robin format with the Castletown ladies playing their games on the smaller of the two adjacent greens. In the first game they came up against Pensby, but despite winning five of the eight games they lost 89-97 on chalks with the winners for Castletown being Hilary Kermode, Alison Kearsley, Kim Foy, Kath Kinley and Anne Oates. In their second game they played Wharton Cons and this proved a much tougher affair with only Hannah Drewett and Stella Watterson triumphing in a loss of 81-101. Unfortunately this meant the Castletown ladies did not progress any further but must be congratulated on their overall performance.
Keggen and Kelly Win Nobles Pairs
Winners of Nobles Men’s Pairs 2022 - Matthew Keggen & Paul Kelly
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted their Men’s pairs competition sponsored by Green Island Coffee on Sunday attracting 28 pairs to compete for the trophy on a much improved surface that was running well on the day.
The quarter finals had two Juniors through with Alex Hampson (Noble’s) and Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey) before losing out to the Marown pair Phil Kelly and John Gelling, with another Marown pairing Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly getting the better of home greeners Dave Naughton and Steve Hampson. In the top half of the draw Onchan’s Kevin Quirk and Steve Parker ended the challenge of South Ramsey’s James Teare and Steven Waters, while South Ramsey team mates Glynn Hargraves and Stefan Kelly ended the hopes of Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary).
In the semi-finals an all Marown encounter had Keggen and Paul Kelly seeing off Phil Kelly and Gelling as they won 21-15, while Hargraves and Kelly had to battle hard for their 21-20 victory over Quirk and Parker to book their place in the final.
The final was high scoring with Keggen leading well at the front and Paul Kelly playing well at the back adding to their counting bowls they made light work of South Ramsey’s Hargraves & Kelly as they scored four trebles, a double and a single to romp home with a deserved 21-13 victory in just 10 ends to win their first Men’s pairs together.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by Phil Salmon, who thanked all the club members and anyone who had helped towards the smooth running of their first competition as a number of the bowlers in the club are new to bowls. Csaba Bartha from the sponsors Green Island Coffee then presented the winners with their prizes.
Marown A Hit Top Spot – Marown B Stun Peel A
Marown A in front of their new clubhouse sign prior to their match against Castletown A on Friday Evening
Photo: Arnie WithersThe fourth game of the Canada Life International season had something new in Division One with fixtures being scheduled for Friday evening which has traditionally been used for Ladies league matches.
Marown A welcomed Castletown A to Crosby, with the home team winning 9-1, it was visiting bowler Ron Williams who prevented the whitewash as he ensured former club mate Sam Clague did not get the better of him as he took a deserved 21-15 win. Also just missing out for the visitors was Chris Lever, who has never played league bowls prior to this season who performed admirably as he lost 20-21 to Phil Kelly. For the home team four of the wins were to single figures with the captains playing each other with Paul Dunn winning 21-5 against Ian Watson, while Neil Withers, Colin Kelly and Harry Barton all won 21-9. The result seen the Crosby men hit top spot for the first time this season.
Upset of the week was without doubt the result between Peel A and Marown B with the Crosby men showing their credentials for a top four finish this season as they came away with a 2-8 victory. Home team winners were Ste Kelly who beat Jamie Joughin 21-5 and George Gadsby who won 21-14 against Brian Kelly. For the visitors Kevin Kelly upset older brother Tom Kelly with a 21-16 win, Peter Kelly inflicted a first defeat of the season on Dean Kinley 21-19, a score matched by Juan Killip who beat Peter Greenlees. Glenn Boland beat Gary Smith 21-14, John Gelling won 21-17 against Tommy McMeiken, while Matthew Keggen won 21-15 against Philip Pemberton. The result helped the Crosby men to third place leapfrogging Peel, who fell from top of the table to fourth place.
South Ramsey A rose to second place with their 9-1 home win over Port St Mary A on a superb playing surface. The visitors had to dig deep for players this week, wheeling out the Hargraves brothers, with Glenn performing well against Peter Collister early on with the score tied at 7-7, only to lose 9-21, while older brother Juan was 12-13 with Stefan Kelly before losing out 13-21. Both performed well having not picked up a bowl this season. For the home team James Teare led the way with a 21-6 win over Jordan Drewett, while Bob Clark overcame a slow start to beat Tom Collins 21-9. Dido Kelly beat Nathan Hamilton 21-10, with Hamilton being the first player to reach double figures against Kelly this season, David Bradford won 21-136 against Bernard Thackrah, both captains clashed with Glynn Hargraves getting the better of Wayne Roberts 21-13. The last game of the night ensured the visitors didn’t go home empty handed, as Trevor Quayle held off Jordan Cain to win 21-17.
North Ramsey A picked up their first win of the season as they edged it 6-4 on the night at Mooragh Park against Onchan B, thanks in part to Rob Monk receiving a walkover after Onchan fielded an illegible player as his opponent had played for Onchan C the previous evening in the same fixture number, which will result in deducted points for the B team as thy look to stay up it could prove costly at the end of the season. This ensured the aggregate went to the home team (145-122). Winning for the home team Steve Walmsley continued his fine start to the season as he beat Mike Kelly 21-9, Allan Callow won 21-10 against Mike Alexander, while Gary Merrill beat Colin Spence 21-19. For the visitors Frank Watson, Mark Kelly and Steve Parker had fairly comfortable wins over John Cannan, Tony Smart and Paul Cannan respectively, while Bernie McPhee beat Andrew Honour 21-18.
Peel B came away from their fixture with Port Erin A at Breagle Glen on a vastly improved green with a 4-6 win. For the home team father and son Bernie and Steve Durcan both won with Bernie winning 21-17 against Michael Kavanagh, while son Steve beat David Smith 21-16. For the visitors’ captain Paul ‘Pooky’ Quirk won 21-5 against Peter Hulley, while Brian Lindsay won a close game 21-18 against Ian Taylor.
Onchan A had a close encounter at the Park with Douglas A, with the home team winning 6-4. Three big wins for the home team ensured the two-point aggregate went their way, with Phil Kerruish beating Willie Cowley 21-4, Matthew Quirk beat Gordon Wynne-Smythe 21-9, and Mike Thomas won 21-10 against Mervin Sayle. The home team’s fourth win wasn’t so comfortable with Neil Dunwell beating Jimmy Sansom 21-19. For the visitors Andy Cannell had the best win beating Will Penhallurick 21-11, Keith Rise showing he has still got it as he beat Kevin Quirk 21-12, Ian Moore got home 21-17 against Peter Slinger, while Shaun Seal got past Reg Temporaza 21-19.
In Division Two South Ramsey B went six points clear at the top thanks to a 0-10 away win over Noble’s A, with the returning Sid Bolton leading the way for the visitors with a 21-5 victory over Juan Qualtrough. The home team scored enough chalks between them as they got 103 chalks on the night.
Castletown B sit in second place as they edged a tough encounter with South Ramsey C at the Crofts 6-4 with only six chalks separating them (138-132). George Peach was the best winner for the home team as he beat Christian Caley 21-9, with David Corkill responding for the visitors with a 21-7 win over Billy Jones.
Marown C leapt over Ballaugh A thanks to their 7-3 home win to sit in third place. Rayner Plate hero Stewart Clague edged home 21-20 against Barry McDonald, while Walter McCarthy was the best winner for the home team with a 21-11 win over Edgar Cowin. For the visitors Gordie Moore was their best winner as he beat Steve Wilson 21-8, Patrick Grant beat Rob Corkill 21-18, with Richard Hainge getting their third win of the night with a 21-17 victory over Bobby Thorne.
Elsewhere Peel C romped to a 9-1 home win over Onchan C, while Douglas B inflicted another defeat on Finch Hill A as they won 7-3, while Ballaugh B also won 7-3 at home to Port St Mary B.
In Division Three Noble’s B continue their fine early season form to sit top of the table on 24 points with a solid 2-8 away win against Port Erin B, as Grahem Moore and Noel Ash both won 21-9. Home team winners were Ed Benson who beat Stephen Corkill 21-12, while Alan Crebbin won 21-10 against Alex Hampson.
A strong looking North Ramsey B sit level at the top on 24 points with Noble’s B, following their 6-4 home win over Marown D. Paul Allison won 21-6 against Richard Bregazzi, while Mike Skelly, Brian Colquitt and Mike Skelly were the other winners for the home team. Winning for the visitors were James Kelly, Jay Waters, Steve Cain and Phil Dunn.
In other fixtures Douglas D beat Castletown C with the visitors fielding four junior bowlers, with two of them winning as Junior Keggen picked up his first league win in only his second league game as he beat James Teare 21-13, while Dylan Marsh won 21-20 against Greg Brew.
Ballaugh C and Douglas C played out a rare true draw as they drew 4-4 on games and tied on chalks 124-124. For the visitors Greg Tomlinson was the best winner on the night with a 21-4 win over Brian Lace, while team mate Nick Firth beat Michael Ellis 21-8. For the home team Peter Corlett won 21-7 against John Harrison, while Paul Cubbon beat David Cowley 21-8.
Another maximum for Onchan A ladies in Over 60s league
Onchan A Over 60s ladies were again in fine form last Tuesday morning scoring another maximum away to Port Erin B. Three of the six games were won to single figures with the closest game being Gwen Tuck (PE) against Paula Firth with the latter winning to 18. Port Erin A also scored a maximum away to Onchan B with Caroline Whitehead (PE) just pipping Libbi Andrade to win 21-20. Closest match of the morning was Finch Hill home against Mooragh Park A. Although Finch Hill took five off the six games, they won by only 15 points. On Wednesday morning, Port St Mary A hosted Castletown B winning five games to one dropping only three points. On Thursday morning, another two maximums were scored, this time by Ballaugh and Castletown A. Ballaugh were at home to Mooragh Park B with the closest game being Elizabeth Morrison (Ballaugh) winning to15 against Irene Goodall. Castletown A were in excellent form at home against Port St Mary A. Castletown won two games to single figures with Anne Hollingworth just crossing the line for Castletown winning to 19 against Mavis Franks. Its not very often there is a match that finishes three all in games and equal on points, but this happened when Onchan A hosted Peel with all games going into double figures. On Friday morning, Port St Mary B were at home to Port Erin B. Four of the six games were won to single figures with Steph Swift for PE just edging it 21-18 against Elaine Hawkins.
In the Open Age League on Wednesday evening last week, Castletown A had a tough battle away to Port Erin. Castletown won five games to four and by only two points. Linda Dawson and Tracy Moore (Castletown) both won 21-20 against Jean Thackrah and Rita Callister respectively, as did Jacqui Elliot for Port against Kim Foy. Another match which finished all square on points was Marown at home to South Ramsey. Marown won five games to four with Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore for South, plus Joyce Ogden for Marown all winning to single figures. Castletown B also had a good home result against Douglas with Rachel Palmer (Castletown) just winning 21-20 against Jane Lothian.
Preliminary round of the Jean Kelly Knockout competition was held last Thursday evening. Mooragh Park, Marown A and B, and Castletown A, all won their matches. Therefore, quarter final line-up on Thursday 28 April is : Mooragh Park v Castletown B; Port St Mary v Marown A; Castletown A v Onchan, and Marown B v South Ramsey.
Marown Trio Triumph in Triples
Sian from Sponsor Quay Fitness with winners Debbie Leece, Clare Cooper and Rebecca Teare
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey Bowling Club were the hosts for the Jim Senior Any Combination Triples with the format change appearing to prove popular amongst the Islands bowlers as 26 teams – 78 bowlers taking part on a superb playing surface. The competition has a change of sponsor this year with Quay Fitness Gym Ramsey supporting the competition.
Navigating their way through the early rounds to reach the semi-finals were the Marown Trio of Clare Cooper, Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare, who kept their opponents down to scoring on four ends throughout the game as they secured a comfortable 21-13 win over Wayne Roberts, Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) and Marown’s Glenn Boland.
In the other semi-final it was looking like it could go to the wire between two South Ramsey teams with James Teare, Alan Moore and Jenny Moore up against Glynn Hargraves, Stefan Kelly and Dido Kelly with the score tied at 12-12 after nine ends, however a run of four scoring ends for James, Alan and Jenny with two singles, a three and a four was enough to secure their spot in the final with a 21-12 win.
In the final the Marown Ladies won the first three ends to lead 9-5, with the home greeners bouncing back to take the next five ends to lead 11-9, only for another run of three scoring ends from the Marown trio including picking up a three seen them go ahead 14-11. The South Ramsey trio fought back again scoring a three themselves followed by a single to edge ahead with the score at 15-14. The Marown Team dug deep scoring with a double, a three and another double in between conceding two singles to see the game out and take a deserved 21-17 victory to secure the trophy and the £240 first prize.
At the presentation, South Ramsey Bowling Club Chairman Steve Moore thanked the sponsors and everybody at the club that helped make the competition a success. Sian was then introduced from the Sponsors Quay Fitness to present the prizes with £600 paid out in prize money, with prizes being paid out down to the quarter finalists.
Hamilton and Kelly Win Cringle Fours Title
Winners Nathan Hamilton (Port St Mary) and Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey) with sponsor Murray Cringle (Centre)
Photo: Glynn HargravesCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Charity Cringle Fours men’s open competition on Sunday attracting 18 pairs to compete for the trophy on a green that was running well on the day.
The quarter finals were well contested with the lowest losing score being 16-21 with Shaun Seal (Douglas) and Collin Holland (Castletown) losing out to the South Ramsey pairing of James Teare and Steven Waters, while home greeners Alan Phair and Cliff Clague were beaten by the Marown/Peel combination of Sam Clague and Dean Kinley 19-21. In the bottom half of the draw Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) and Alan Moore (South Ramsey) ended the challenge of Jimmy Sansom (Douglas) and Andy Kennish (Peel) 21-16, with Nathan Hamilton (Port St Mary) and Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey) just edging home 21-20 against South Ramsey pair David Bradford and Glynn Hargraves.
The high scoring games continued into the semi-final as Teare and Waters put paid to the challenge of former home greeners Clague and Kinley 21-17, with their score helped with a three and a four early on in the game. In the other semi-final Roberts and Moore looked favourites to progress to the final as they were ahead 13-8 and 18-15, also led 20-18 only for a single and a double from Hamilton and Kelly being enough to progress through to the final with a 21-20 win.
The final started with it tough to call who would be favourites, however the younger pairing of Hamilton and Kelly took control of the game with eight ends played to lead 16-10 thanks to a full house scoring four. Teare and Waters got back into the game taking five consecutive singles to sit just one chalk behind at 15-16 only for Hamilton and Kelly to find another gear despite winning one end fewer throughout the match than their opponents as they took a deserved 21-17 win and with it Hamilton’s first open win.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by Phil Taubman, who thanked Kath Kinley and the club members for the smooth running of the competition & announced that £232 had been raised for Manx Blind Welfare Society. Presenting the prizes was Murray Cringle, son of long term sponsor Noel Cringle who passed away last year.
Marown B Damage South Ramsey A Title Hopes
Week Two of the Canada Life International season had Division One league leaders Peel A taking on their B Team with the lower ranked team putting in a good performance winning three games. Winning for the B team were Gordon Corrin who pulled off a stunning 21-4 win over Tommy McMeiken who is notoriously hard to beat on Peel, with David Proctor no slouch himself with a 21-6 win over Gary Smith. Robert Middleton got the third win with a close 21-18 victory over Alec Taylor. For the A team winning to single figures were Ste Kelly against Michael Kavanagh, George Gadsby beat Brian Lindsay 21-8, while new signing Dean Kinley continued his fine start to life at his new club with a 21-13 win over David Smith. The result ensured Peel A remained top.
Marown A had their second visit of the season to Onchan Park, this time taking on their B Team and coming away with a 2-8 victory to jump up a place in the table to second. Winners for the home team were Mike Kelly who beat Harry Barton 21-16, while Frank Watson had a comfortable 21-13 win over new signing Sam Clague. For the Crosby men Colin Kelly was the best winner with a 21-7 win over Mike Alexander, with the rest of the Marown wins being to double figures with Mark Kelly coming closest to picking up another point for the home team losing 17-21 to Paul Kelly.
The match of the night ended up with a strong Marown B doing plenty of damage to South Ramsey A title aspirations as they secured a 5-5 draw at Crosby with the home team winning five games, however the visitors secured the crucial two-point aggregate by six chalks (135-141). For the home team Glenn Boland beat Peter Collister 21-15, a result matched by Marown captain Darren Kerruish who held off Steven Waters. Brian Kelly managed to secure a 21-17 win over new signing Jordan Cain, while Karl Parker fought back from a 13-17 deficit to run out with a 21-17 victory over James Teare, John Gelling claimed win number five of the night with a rare league defeat for David Bradford as the former performed brilliantly to win 21-14 with Bradford trying everything, however Gelling had an answer to anything that was thrown at him. The result was well deserved by the Marown men and they could realistically be pushing for fourth place in the table at the end of the season with the squad they have.
Onchan A picked up their second win of the season coming away from the Crofts with a 3-7 win over Castletown A. The visitors only dropped 10 chalks from their three losses, with Derek Lewney beating Will Penhallurick 21-18, Aaron Richardson claimed an impressive win to the same score as he beat Peter Slinger, while Peter Oates beat Mike Thomas 21-17. For the visitors Phil Kerruish beat Town captain Ian Watson 21-8, Kevin Quirk had a tough time with Ron Williams before winning 21-19, while Neil Dunwell edged it 21-20 against Nathan Cooil.
Douglas A were in better spirits following their first win of the season at home to Port Erin as they won 8-2. Kevin Firth was the best winner for the home team with a 21-10 win over Derek Allen. For the visitors Ed Benson had a stunning 21-7 win over Shaun Seal, with Harry Minor beating Willie Cowley 21-10. The visitors are still searching for their first win of the season.
Another team still awaiting their first win of the season are North Ramsey A who came away from their visit to take on Port St Mary A who are sharing the green at Breagle Glen with Port Erin whilst they search for their new forever home following the sad loss of the green in Port St Mary after 100 years. The ‘home’ team took a 7-3 win on the night with Trevor Quayle leading the way for Port with a 21-9 win over Andrew Honour, with Robbie Cooil having to battle for his 21-18 win over Adrian Skinner who looks to have settled at North Ramsey after a stint with Onchan. For the visitors Gary Merrill was ruthless with his 21-3 win over Rod Swift, Allan Callow left Paul Skelly still searching for his first win of the season with a 21-17 victory and Steve Walmsley kept up his 100% record with a 21-13 over Jordan Drewett. Just nine chalks separated the teams in a well contested match (138-127).
In Division Two Finch Hill A slumped from top of the table to fourth following their 3-7 home loss to Castletown A with the latter leapfrogging them into third place. The Town men were good value for the victory with Willie Corkill securing a win to single figures over Mark Taylor to help his team to secure the aggregate by 24 chalks.
South Ramsey B went top thanks to their 8-2 home win over Peel C with father & son, Tony & Ben Dugdale both winning to single figures with Tony winning 21-1, son Ben winning 21-7. Winning for the visitors were Harry Kelly who secured a 21-19 victory over Chas Grills, with Jimmy Corlett the other winner for Peel with a 21-5 win over Austin Hart.
Sitting in second place on 21 points are Ballaugh A who maxed out 10-0 at home to Douglas B who scored 100 chalks on the night. For the home team Richard Hainge and Philip Quayle both won to single figures against Bob Callow and Steve Gregg respectively, with Nigel Tebay in only his second season of league bowls, having been promoted from the C Team over winter just getting over the line with a 21-20 win over Geoff Mayles, with the latter being the highest points scorer for the Villa men.
Marown C currently sit in joint fourth with Finch Hill A after a solid 3-7 away win over Onchan C with Jamie Joughin and Walter McCarthy both winning to single figures for the visitors with Jamie Clague hitting back for Onchan with a 21-7 win over Steve Cain.
In Division Three North Ramsey B came away from their visit to Douglas to take on Finch Hill B with a 4-6 victory, after securing the aggregate by 10 chalks (133-143) with the result good enough for them to stay joint top on 18 points.
Peel D, are joint top following their 8-2 home win over Port Erin B with Philip ‘Pip’ Pemberton enjoying his second full season upon his return to bowls, Pip will be looking to go two places better in the individual merit after finishing third overall last season, he won 21-9 against Ben Mowle, whilst Owen Crompton beat John Ryder 21-20. Another new bowler to the game Kevin Murray suffered a 15-21 defeat to Mark Stockham.
Noble’s B are performing well with Junior bowler Alex Hampson leading the way for the home team with a 21-5 win over James Teare, whilst William Cowley was on the wrong side of a 21-20 as he lost to Ciaran Broad, who was playing in only his third league game and held onto his 100% record. Grahem Moore having returned to Noble’s after a spell with Douglas, defeated another young player Clark Kelly 21-11.
Four junior bowlers participated in the fixture between Castletown C and South Ramsey D at the Crofts on Tuesday night with young Freddie Palmer performing well in his defeat to a new bowler Julian Rothera, while Sam Quayle recorded a good 21-14 win against Steve Kelly, with Junior Keggen turning out for his first league game playing a fellow youngster Ryan Hargraves with the latter winning 21-8.
The third division has a good mix of new bowlers, juniors and experienced players as they look to learn and improve their game.
Ladies Crown Green Bowling 2022 Season Underway
The ladies crown green bowling got underway last week. The major change this season being the Port st Mary ladies moving en bloc to neighbouring Port Erin due to unfortunately not having a home green of their own this year. Given this, Castletown A must start as favourites to retain their titles in both the Open Age and Over 60s leagues, but as we all know anything can happen along the way.
In the Over 60’s last Thursday morning, Finch Hill A and Onchan A both recorded maximums against Castletown B and Mooragh Park B respectively. Port st Mary A travelled to Ballaugh coming away with a three all result and winning by 17 points. Mooragh Park A took on Onchan B at home winning five games to one; lone winner for Onchan was Libbi Andrade. Closest matches of the morning were between Port Erin A home to South Ramsey, and Marown home to Peel. Both matches finished three all in games with Port winning by 3 points and Marown by twelve. As there are now four Over 60’s teams playing at Port Erin, Port St Mary B hosted Castletown A on Friday morning. Castletown had a good 5-1 win with Hilary Kermode and Joy Stephens winning to single figures, as did Lesley Coker for PSM.
In the Open Age League last Friday, closest match of the night saw Castletown A winning six games to three and by 15 points at home to Onchan with Kim Foy and Tracy Moore (Castletown) winning to single figures as did Sylvia Kennaugh for Onchan. Port St Mary took on Castletown B winning five games to four with Mavis Franks (PSM) edging it 21-20 against Debra Cooper. Mooragh Park travelled to Crosby coming away with a 5-4 win against Marown B with Janet Monk, and sisters Lacey and Madison McMullan (Mooragh) winning to single figures as did Clare Cooper for Marown. Marown A won five games to four away to Douglas. Closest game saw Lynda Cadamy (Marown) just crossing the line 21-19 against Emma Sayle. South Ramey had a good 7-2 home win against Peel with four of the nine games being won to single figures.
British Merit Qualfier: The qualifier to play in the British Merit Championship at Brighouse Sports Club, Yorkshire on Sunday 9 July, took place at Finch Hill last Sunday attracting an entry of 12 ladies. The final saw Jenny Moore from South Ramsey, who is currently the UK holder of this title, playing Sue Gawne from Onchan. With both ladies playing exceptionally well, spectators anticipated a good final and they were not disappointed. Game was nip and tuck throughout with Jenny eventually winning 21-17. Thanks go to Finch Hill for the use of their green and their ladies for providing refreshments during the afternoon, and to Caroline Whitehead for running the qualifier.