Monthly Archives: June 2022
Family Fortunes for Moore and Kennish
Corkhill & Callow Over 60’s ACD Winners 2022 - Elaine Moore and Andy Kennish with Sponsor Tim Pressley
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey Bowling Club hosted the Over 60’s any combination doubles competition sponsored by Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors with a healthy entry of 24 pairs taking part on a superb surface on a glorious day. The competition was being played for the second time in its current format and was previously known as the Pro Tours Gold Cup.
At the quarter final stage Marown duo Lynda Cadamy and Joyce Ogden inflicted a heavy 21-6 defeat on home greeners Anthony Kelly and Richie Davies, while Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Les Brookes (Finch Hill) also won comfortably 21-10 against Ballaugh pair Pat Mason and Fred Waggett. In the other half of the draw Janet Monk and Steve Parker didn’t have far to travel from Mooragh Park as they overcame Paula Firth (Onchan) and Kevin Firth (Douglas) 21-17, whilst siblings Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) and Andy Kennish (Peel) seen off Derek Allen (Onchan) and Bernard Thackrah (Port St Mary) with a 21-13 win.
In the first semi-final Cadamy and Ogden got the better of Price and Brookes with a hard fought 21-18 win, while Moore and Kennish claimed their place in the final with a 21-14 victory over Monk and Parker.
The final was extremely well contested with Moore and Kennish being kept to singles early on, with Cadamy and Ogden scoring three doubles they built up a four-point lead at 14-10. The fightback from Elaine and Andy got underway when they levelled matters up at 15-15 with 17 ends played, having still not scored more than a single throughout the game. End 18 in the match was a key point in the match as they scored a three to lead 18-15 and then exchanged singles with their opponents over the next four ends to lead 20-17. Cadamy and Ogden weren’t done there as they capitalised on a poor end to score three to level things up at 20-20. With the mark being set along the edge of the green Kennish played a good second bowl which was good enough to secure a 21-20 win.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by South Ramsey Committee Member Geoff Collier, who thanked Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors for once again sponsoring the competition, the club members who helped with the running of the competition and the Ladies for the refreshments provided throughout the day. Tim Pressley from Corkhill and Callow was then introduced to present the prizes.
Second Half of Season Underway – South Ramsey A Edge Ahead
Port St Mary B prior to their game with Marown C at Crosby
Photo: Arnie WithersWith T.T. fortnight and the Isle of Man Bowls Festival only two league games took place in the month of June in Canada Life International Division One with the most recent round of matches being played this week as we head into the second half of the season.
South Ramsey A won 10-0 at home to Douglas A, with Peter Collister being pushed all the way before getting over the line 21-19 against Andy Cannell. Whilst the result was a whitewash it seems a strange thing to say that the home team struggled on the night, with the visitors next highest scores being to 12 with Steve Cook, Gary Conwell and Willie Cowley losing out to Jordan Cain, Bob Clark and Glynn Hargraves respectively, with David Bradford winning 21-10 against Merv Sayle. The rest of the wins were straightforward with single figure wins from Stefan Kelly, James Teare and Dido Kelly.
Marown A came away from Breagle Glen with a solid 2-8 victory over Port St Mary A, with three single figure wins from Peter Jones, Dean Kipling and Colin Kelly, whilst Neil Withers had to battle for his 21-17 win over Wayne Roberts, as did Sam Clague who beat Jordan Drewett 21-20. For the home team Nathan Hamilton had a fairly comfortable 21-14 win over Harry Barton, while Trevor Quayle managed to see off Paul Kelly 21-17.
Onchan A kept in touch as they won 9-1 at home to Port Erin A with four single figure victories, followed up by two 21-17 wins with Phil Kerruish beating David Cain and Steve Parker seeing off Peter Addison. The lone winner for Port Erin was Seamus Whelan who beat Onchan captain Peter Slinger 21-18.
Peel A were in better spirits at their temporary home as they beat Castletown A 7-3 at Noble’s 2 green. Winning for the visitors were Ian Watson who beat Dean Kinley 21-17, Mark Moorley took out George Gadsby 21-7, while Chris Lever left Gary Smith punch drunk with his 21-14 win over the Peel captain. For Peel Tom Kelly and Tommy McMeiken both won to single figures, with their other three wins being comfortable.
Marown B returned to full strength for the first time in what seems an eternity as they brushed aside Onchan B 9-1 at Crosby. Brian ‘Boothy’ Kelly was the best winner as he won 21-3 against Paul Clinton, whilst John Gelling beat Mike Kelly 21-9. Three of the home team wins were close with Darren Kerruish, Karl Parker and Juan Killip all being pushed close before getting over the line 21-18. Mark Kelly prevented the whitewash with his 21-19 win over Jerome Surridge.
North Ramsey A came away from their home fixture with an 8-2 win over Peel B, with Paul Allison just edging over the line 21-20 against Brian Lindsay to maintain his fine win percentage this season, whilst their five other winners were all comfortable. For the visitors Michael Kavanagh won well 21-13 against Paul Cannan, while Andy Mackie continues to impress as he held off the challenge of Adrian Skinner to win 21-19.
In Division Two South Ramsey B managed to extend their lead at the top with their 4-6 away win over Douglas B. The home team will have been delighted to get three winners home in close games as Geoff Mayles beat Tony Dugdale 21-19, Kevin Firth beat Steven Waters 21-20 as did Andy Foster with his win over Ben Dugdale. For the visitors Alan Moore, Chas Grills, Sid Bolton and Austin Hart all won.
The following evening after a day of heavy rain South Ramsey C did their B Team a huge favour as they defeated Ballaugh A 7-3 at home with four of their wins being close. David Corkill and Lee Dawson both won 21-17 against Tony Quine and John Keenan respectively, Anthony Kelly won 21-19 against Richard Hainge, whilst Tony Hart crept home 21-20 against Patrick Grant. For the visitors Phil Quayle was their best winner with a 21-9 win over Peter Kennaugh, with John Maddrell winning 21-19 against Ian Moore.
Marown C closed the gap on the teams above them as they beat Port St Mary B 8-2, as the Crosby men were were restored to a full strength team, they just missed out on a maximum by just six chalks with both games lost being 18-21 in the visitors’ favour.
Also matching the Marown result to stay in touch were Castletown B, who themselves dropped just eight chalks in their home 8-2 win over Onchan C.
Noble’s A had a good week in their bid to stay in Division Two as they had an outstanding 3-7 away win over Peel C, who were playing on the bottom green at Noble’s. For Noble’s Jay Elliott carried on his weekend form as he beat Harry Kelly 21-12, while for Peel Jimmy Corlett and Phil Clarke both won 21-8.
Finch Hill A came away from their visit North with a 2-8 win as they took on Ballaugh B. Dave McCabe was the best winner for Finch with a 21-7 win over Fred Waggett, whilst John Looney won 21-13 over Dave Jones for the home team.
In Division Three League Leaders North Ramsey B were one of three teams to max out 10-0 on Tuesday evening, maybe in part due to the conditions with all greens being heavy as they beat South Ramsey D at Mooragh Park with the visitors scoring just 71 chalks.
Noble’s B also won 10-0 in their home fixture with Douglas C, with Juan Readshaw and John Ferguson the Villa men who came closest to picking up a win.
Rounding off the 10-0 ‘wins’ were Marown D who ensured no ground was lost on League Leaders North Ramsey B, as Port Erin B had to forfeit the game due to being unable to field a team.
The most impressive result of the week was not Castletown’s 7-3 home win over Ballaugh C, but the performance of their Junior bowlers. Dylan Marsh and Freddie Palmer both scored well as they lost out 13-21 to their opponents, whilst Junior Keggen picked up his second ever win as he beat Jamie Hinchcliffe 21-19, whilst Rhys Moore won his first ever game with a superb 21-9 win over Michael Ellis.
Peel D came away from Breagle Glen with a 3-7 victory despite being a player short they edged the chalks (123-127).
Mixed League Competitions
The half way point was also reached in the Mixed league this week. In Group A in the Championship South Ramsey A show no signs of letter up with their 3-6 away win over Onchan A winning by 35 chalks (131-166), whilst Castletown A won 7-2 at home to North Ramsey A as they won by 21 chalks (159-138).
In Group B Marown A show no signs of taking their foot off the gas, with this 8-1 home win over Douglas A, with Andy Cannell the lone winner with a good 21-15 win over Neil Withers. In the other fixture in the group Port Erin A played host to Port St Mary A, despite the home team winning 5-4 on games it was the visitors who took the spoils by 20 chalks (142-162)
In the Plate competition in Group A Noble’s good form continued as they won by 27 chalks (170-143) at home to Peel. Castletown B performed well against North Ramsey B with five individual wins, they lost out by 35 chalks (150-115) at Mooragh Park with the visitors cause not helped by being a player short on the night.
In Group B South Ramsey B will have been buoyed by their 7-2 home win over Douglas B, winning by a 37 chalk margin (182-145) with Junior bowler Graiagh Smith getting on the right side of 21-20 against Billy Blair. Marown B once again fielded a team of Junior and new bowlers in their fixture with Ballaugh, with Sam Colquitt being the standout performer on the night as he won 21-4 against Ali Millard to help his team hit the 100 point mark as they performed well despite losing 1-8 and by 72 chalks overall, the experience gained from playing these games should not be underestimated.
Philippa Shines In The Manx Bowls Festival
Marown A were on fine form in the ladies open age league last Friday night away to Castletown B, although the match finished six games to three for Marown they dropped only nine points. Closest game saw Linda Dawson for Castletown just crossing the line 21-20 against Philippa Taylor. Two other winners for Castletown were Charlotte Peach and Barbara Young. Onchan also had a good six games to three win at Ballaugh with Onchan’s Libbi Andrade, Sue Gawne, Marilyn Ellison and Jo Smith all winning to single figures. South Ramsey played host to Port Erin winning seven games to two with three of South’s games being won to single figures. Two winners for Port were Rita Callister and Jean Thackrah. Port St Mary had a tough game at home to Peel winning six three and by 18 points. Val Allwood nearly made it another win for Peel losing to 20 against Dot Mylchreest. Matches between Mooragh Park and Douglas, and Marown B against Castletown A were postponed due to junior bowlers representing the IOM in England.
Ladies Over 60’s
On Tuesday morning, only five of the six matches were played due to the deteriorating weather conditions. Of the remaining five matches two maximums were scored by Port St Mary A who were away to Castletown B and Onchan A home to Port Erin B. Mavis Franks for PSM A won her game to single figures with the closest game being between Wendy Kennaugh (PSM) and Elaine McElroy with Wendy crossing the line 21-18. Four of Onchan’s ladies won their games to single figures with Sue Wilshaw for Port Erin B getting to 13 against Lynda Clarke. Castletown A had a good 4-2 win away at Ballaugh with all games bar one going into double figures. Two winners for Ballaugh were Barbara Graham and Julie Reilly who both won 21-11. Finch Hill travelled to Mooragh Park A coming away with a 4-2 win and by 21 points with Janet Monk (Mooragh) and Brenda Williams (Finch) winning their games to single figures. Port Erin A played host to Onchan B with the home side winning 5-1. Lone winner for Onchan B was Libbi Andrade who won her game 21-13. Postponed match between Marown and South Ramsey to be rearranged.
On Sunday, the Ladies Association held the Dorothy Piearce Ladies Doubles BCGBA qualifier at Finch Hill with the winners representing the IOM on Saturday 13th August at Fox Lane Sports and Social Club, Leyland, Preston. The competition attracted an entry of seven pairs. At the semi-final stage, sisters Rebecca Teare and Debbie Leece (Marown) beat Fiona Kennish and Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-13 with Elaine Moore and Gill Morgan (South Ramsey) winning 21-9 against Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden (Marown). In the final, although Gill and Elaine tried hard, Rebecca and Debbie were in devasting form playing some excellent bowls for a well deserved 21-10 win. Gill Morgan, Ladies Association Competition Secretary, thanked those who took part, Finch Hill for the use of their green and providing refreshments and wish Rebecca and Debbie all the best for when they play across in August.
Many congratulations to Philippa Taylor (Marown) for being the furthest manx lady in last week’s Bowling Festival reaching the last 8. Also to Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Paula Firth (Onchan) for reaching the last 16.
‘Yorkshire Is Best’ in IOM June Festival
June Festival Winners 2022 - Alexis Lunn-Gadd and James Wilcox
Photo: Arnie WithersThe top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with James Wilcox (Crossgates BC) winning the men’s event, whilst Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) won the ladies event.
James Wilcox picked up his second June Festival win, having previously won the title in 2017 and the winners cheque for £3,000 after overcoming the challenge of Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) who was the current holder with the event last being played in June 2019. With Dyson winning the toss of the coin, he put up a good lead only to knock the jack to Wilcox to lose the first end. An early exchange of ends saw Dyson go on to take the lead 9-8 with a great reaching bowl played to perfection to count for two with his opponent lying two himself. Wilcox did not let his focus drop as shortly after the setback as he went on a six end winning streak with five singles and a double on a longer length to gain control of the game with a 15-9 lead.
As the rain threatened to take hold in the second half of the game Dyson responded with three singles over the next five ends, however Wilcox scored two excellent doubles to pile the pressure on as he extended his lead to 19-12. Another mini fightback from Dyson looked to be on the cards as he scored a double followed by a single to reduce the deficit to four chalks at 15-19. On the 21st end Dyson left his bowl two foot short on a longer length, with Wilcox punishing the lead to count for one and within touching distance of the title. A good lead from Wilcox was beaten brilliantly by Dyson, only for Wilcox to play a few yards over to come in-off his own bowl to count game, with Dyson failing to disturb the end a 21-15 win was sealed with a triumphant fist in the air and a throw of his cloth. Whilst Dyson couldn’t retain his title the blow was somewhat softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.
Wilcox reached the final courtesy of a hard fought 21-19 win in a good quality game over another Thongsbridge player Chris Kelly, with the latter having led 19-17 Wilcox ran out to book his place in the final. Dyson took his spot in the final with a comfortable 21-11 victory over Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central).
In the quarter finals Wilcox ruthlessly ended the challenge of former winner David Jackson (Knutsford) with a 21-8 win, whilst Kelly was able to see off current September holder Callum Wraight (Llanrst) as he won 21-17. Dyson had the closest match of the round as he recovered from a 7-14 deficit to James Hynes (Springbank) to win 21-18, whilst Roberts put paid to the hopes of Dave McDermott (Birchleigh St Marys) with a 21-16 win.
Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Paul Dunn (Marown).
In the Ladies main competition Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) won her third June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved win over Sally King (Wrockwardine Wood). King received £600 as runner up. King made the better start to take an early 9-7 lead, with Lunn-Gadd responding with a run of six consecutive ends to lead 15-9. King got back in with a single and was counting for two only for a strike from her opponent which got the perfect connection and outcome to ensure she stayed firmly in control to lead 17-10. A single on the next end pushed Lunn-Gadd ever closer at 18-10, only for King to respond with a double and two singles to sit four points behind at 14-18. Three singles from Lunn-Gadd were enough to see the game out and secure the title with a 21-14 win.
In the semi-finals Lunn-Gadd had to battle hard to get over the line against one of the top bowlers in the game who was visiting for the first time as she ended the challenge of Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) with a 21-18 victory, whilst King had to dig deeper still to make the final as she got over the line 21-20 against Caroline Bushell (Co-op).
Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was Marown’s Philippa Taylor who received the Visit IOM.com trophy. Taylor’s challenge was ended by Bushell, whilst King put paid to the hopes of Kaye Coulthard (Cradley) with a 21-16 win. Lunn-Gadd won fairly comfortably 21-15 against Jane Glaister (Windermere), while Boulton reached the semi-final courtesy of a single figure win (21-9) against Vicky Mosley (Wirral).
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Owen Jackson (Parkfield) taking the Tourism title defeating Graeme I. Wilson (AEU) with a 21-17 victory in an entertaining game for the spectators.
Losing semi-finalists were Gareth Hughes 13-21 (Llanrwst) to Wilson, whilst Marown man Colin Kelly just lost out 18-21 to Jackson.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Ben Gloag (Grapes Hotel), Robby Fitzpatrick (Hoylake Central), Richard Goddard (Llanrwst) and Kevin Quirk (Onchan).
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) getting the better of Sarah Fox (Maltby BC) with a 21-14 victory.
Boulton earned her place in the final following a comfortable 21-12 semi-final win over Sharon Rigden (Penwortham Sports). In the other semi-final Fox had to work for her 21-17 win over Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) to book her place in the final.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Paula Garrett (Douglas), Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood), Natalie Hughes (Crossgates BC) and Elise Hormbrey (Wirral).
The Men’s consolation was won by James Higgins (Meersbrook) who beat Paul Bradley (Fairfield) 21-20. The Ladies consolation also went to the wire with Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) beating Sian Skelton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-20.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Callum Wraight (Llanrwst) who edged the final with a 9-8 win over John Gatley (Woolston), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Josh Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) who beat Gerald Merry (Delamere) 21-13.
The Open doubles was won by Billy Speed and Richard Goddard (both Llanrwst) who beat Sian Skelton (Wrockwardine Wood) and Chris Worthington (Stretton Anglesey) with a convincing 11-4 victory in an entertaining final.
The men’s pairs title went to Graeme I. Wilson (AEU) and Graham Hickey who saw off the strong challenge of Ian Johnson and Ross Meese (both Eastwood Park) 11-10 in a close final with a great last bowl from Wilson to claim the game.
The ladies pairs final did result in some local success with Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore (both South Ramsey) making no mistake with their 11-5 win over Kathryn Gee and Veronica Lyon (both Unison).
The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) and Ken Lethbridge (Victoria Park) losing out 4-9 to Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Mel Hobson (Meersbrook) in the final.
Jenny Moore Wins Ladies Pre-Festival
In the Over 60’s ladies league last Thursday morning, Castletown A and Finch Hill both scored maximums against Port St Mary B and Castletown B. Highest losers for Port St Mary B and Castletown B were Pauline Worrall scoring 11 against Hilary Kermode and Linda Dobinson who lost to 19 to Brenda Williams. Onchan A had a good five games to one away win at Mooragh Park B dropping only six points. Lone winner for Mooragh B was Peggy Freeman. Marown ladies were away to Peel coming away with a four games to two win, but this could have been five-one as Rosemary Winckle just lost out to 20 against Mary Moffatt. South Ramsey played host to Port Erin A winning the match four-two with Dawn Finlay making her first debut appearance for Port. Mooragh Park A visited Onchan B. Match finished three all, but Mooragh won overall by 13 points helped by Janet Monk winning her game to single figures. Following morning Port St Mary A took on Ballaugh at home winning five games to one with the lone winner for Ballaugh being Barbara Graham.
In the Open Age League, all matches were won by the home sides with all bar one match being won five games to four. Spoiling the pattern was Castletown A who had an impressive eight games to one win at home against South Ramsey although it could have been six-three as Gill Morgan and Elaine Moore both lost to 20 against sisters Tracy Moore and Amanda Lawler. Lone winner for South was Fiona Kennish who won to single figures. Closest of the remaining matches saw Marown A winning at home by five points against Onchan. Two highest scoring games saw Lynda Cadamy for Marown winning to 14, as did Grace Gawne for Onchan. Although Ballaugh won five games to four at home against Marown they won by 45 points. Closest games saw Helen Withers and Deborah Leece (Marown) both winning to 20 against Elaine Fenton and Cath Harvey. Mooragh Park won their game at home against Port St Mary by 13 points Madison McMullan (Mooragh) just pipping Kellie Maddrell to 20. Port Erin won by 31 points against Douglas with Caroline Whitehead, Voirrey Curphey and Pauline Worrall for Port all winning to single figures as did Sue McCourt for Douglas. Peel took on Castletown B at home winning by 20 points with Charlotte Clarke (Peel) and Aalish Moore (Castletown) being the highest winners for their teams.
On Sunday the Ladies Association Pre Festival competition was held at South Ramsey Bowling Club. The competition attracted a small entry of 26 ladies, including visiting bowlers and was sponsored by Andy and Gill Morgan.
Getting through to the final was Jenny Moore from South Ramsey, who beat Sally King from Wrockwadine Wood 21-18, and Lorraine Hirst from New Mill Bowling Club who beat Rita Manning from Browmoor Park 21-20.
The final was extremely well contested with both ladies playing exceptional lead bowls. With a little flourish at the end, Jenny ran out to win 21-16. The presentation of the trophy and prizes was made by Gill Morgan, sponsor and Ladies Association Competition Secretary, who thanked those for taking part, South ladies for providing excellent refreshments throughout the day, but most of all to everyone for a great afternoon of bowling and camaraderie.
Castletown Ladies Doubles
Castletown Ladies Doubles Winners 2022 - Paula Firth and Caroline Whitehead
Photo: Tracy MooreOn Saturday 18th June Castletown Bowling Club held their ladies doubles competition. With a new trophy to be won the format was changed to make it a more inclusive event.
With 17 pairs entered four groups were formed and they played round robins, with the winners of each group going on to compete in the semi-finals and final.
Group 1 saw Paula Gamon and Kellie Maddrell triumph over some strong competition. Group 2 winners were Margaret Tasker and Trish Bull. Group 3 Caroline Whitehead and Paula Firth won all their games to pip homegreeners by 1 point to progress. Group 4 winners, with the best overall score were Sue Gawne and Lynda Cadamy.
In the semi-finals Group 1 and 4 winners had a close game with Paula Gamon and Kellie Maddrell winning by one point on the last end, 8-7. Group 2 and 3 winners also had a close game with Caroline Whitehead and Paula Firth taking the game 10-8.
In the final the battle of the Paula’s began with Paula Firth leading so well it was very difficult to beat with Caroline Whitehead and Firth the overall winners 14-2.
The presentation was made by Kathryn Kinley, competition secretary, who thanked all who helped make the day the success it was intended to be.
Jamie is King Of The Town In Ballacashtal Cup
Ballacashtal Cup Winner 2022 - Jamie King who beat Steve Barber in an entertaining final
Photo: Arnie WithersThe ever-popular Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday attracting an entry of 69, made up of local and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in excellent condition, with the green running as well as it has done for a long time, with the blustery conditions making for a tricky green.
At the quarter final stages six of the eight players were visitors, with some excellent bowling and the green still running well as the shade started to fall on the green. Losing out were Marown’s Neil Withers who was heavily defeated 9-21 by former Ballacashtal Cup winner Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central), with Brian Thompson (Crescent) also losing to the same score to Steven Barber (Chapel Park). Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) the self-styled ‘Beast’ led 16-8 against James Higgins (Meersbrook) with the latter going on to score 13 chalks over the last 11 ends to win 21-19, while Jamie King (Wrockwardine Wood) knocked out the last standing home greener Nathan Cooil with a convincing 21-12 win to progress to the next round.
The standard in the semi-finals shifted up another gear, with doubles partners Roberts and Barber facing off, with the latter getting the better of his opponent on this occasion as he booked his spot in the final with a 21-18 win, while Higgins and King were nip and tuck throughout the game with Higgins leading 20-17, he couldn’t get the one he needed with his opponent scoring two quick-fire doubles to sneak home 21-20. King’s four doubles to Higgin’s two doubles ultimately made the difference in the game.
Both players were making their first appearance in the final of this competition, the final got underway with King making the stronger start taking an early 12-7 lead, only for Barber to punish a poor second bowl from his opponent as he played out the counting bowl to score two to bring the score back to 12-9. King went on to score seven singles to lead 19-14, with Barber clawing his way back in to the game winning four consecutive ends with three singles and a double to level the game at 19-19. A good lead from Barber putting him in the driving seat, with his second bowl not counting, King had the option to strike at the counting bowl, however he opted to play in with a perfect bowl to lead 20-19. A good second bowl on the last end which wasn’t beaten secured a 21-19 victory to win the famous trophy as he made a fantastic start to his week with his family arriving in time to see him claim the win.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Kath Kinley, who thanked the sponsors ABS Solutions for their continued support of the competition. Upon accepting the trophy and £300 first prize Jamie thanked everyone who had helped on the day, stating he was delighted to win the trophy on his first visit to the green.
Dido Kelly Claims Home Win in Jim Kernan Cup
Jim Kernan Cup Winner 2022 - Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a fair entry of 46, on a superb playing surface and ideal conditions to play bowls.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), who just lost out 19-21 to Neil Withers (Marown), home greener Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly beat visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook) comfortably 21-13, with another home greener Peter Collister just losing out 20-21 to team mate James Teare. Peel man Tom Kelly had his run ended with a 16-21 defeat to Steve Barber (Chapel Park).
In the semi-finals Withers was quickest out of the traps against Kelly taking an early lead 10-7, with the latter responding to win nine of the next 10 ends scoring 14 points to run out with a 21-11 win to book his place in the final, while Teare was always in control against Barber with his 21-13 win taking him through to his first singles final.
The final started between the South Ramsey team mates with Teare winning the toss of the coin and heading for the mark that he had been playing throughout the day, however Kelly got in immediately and took a single on the following end. Over the next seven ends the player who won the end scored a double, with five of them being scored by Kelly he leapt into a commanding 16-8 lead playing his customary short length. Teare hit back with three singles, only to concede another two doubles to be staring down the barrel at 11-20. On the next end Kelly was lying game, with Teare taking the jack off the green to kill the end to hang in the game, he then picked up a single in the middle of the green, with no choice but to head into the corner, Kelly jumped in at the opportunity to win the game and secure the title with a 21-12 victory.
The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore who thanked George Brew for once again sponsoring the competition, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day. During his speech Kelly said he was delighted to pick up the trophy, with not entering many competitions over the past few years.
June Festival Preview
September Festival 2021 Men’s Winner - Callum Wright. Inset - The finalists in action and a warm embrace at the end of the game
Photos: Arnie Withers and Mike AshmoleThe Isle of Man June Bowls Festival gets underway next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000. The event is being held for the first time since June 2019, with Jack Dyson the current holder looking to defend the title.
On the first page of the draw David Poole (Pudsey) makes a long awaited return to the island, hoping to go one better than in 2000 when he lost out in the final to Andrew Spragg, while Billy Speed is one of the stand out names in the top half of the page. Another familiar name is previous winner Geoff Telford (Budenbergs), with his success in this competition arriving 25 years ago with a victory in the final over Norman Fletcher one of the legends of the game, while Merseyside man Dave McDermott (Birchleigh St Marys) will be hoping for a good week.
In the next section is a former Ballacashtal Cup winner Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central) who takes on North Lancs & Fylde County man Ashleigh Woof (Parkfield) in the first round. Ben Gloag (Grapes Hotel) could face two previous winners as early as the third round with Martin Gilpin (Hale) taking on Paul Bailey (Thongsbridge) in what could be the game of the first round, with some potentially explosive ties on the Thursday afternoon should the top names get through with Gareth Herbert (Woodman) also appearing on the page.
Owen Jackson (Parkfield) is another name who hasn’t been over for some time, he will be hoping to get through to the latter stages, while Marown captain Paul Dunn could play previous Festival winner John Bailey (Llanrwst) in the third round.
On page four Dan Jones (Llanrwst) could face off against Matt Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey) in the second round, while current holder Jack Dyson should be able to navigate his way through his half of the page to make the Thursday afternoon session to reach the last 32.
Kez Smith (Crossgates BC) is another man to have his name etched into the history books in this competition, he will have to get past the likes of Chris Bly (Hopwood) and Conor Chamberlain (Stretton Anglesey) just to reach the latter stages of the competition.
The absence of bowls has obviously attracted a host of previous winners back to our shores, with one of the top names in the game Graeme I Wilson (AEU) making a long awaited return since his defeat to Jack Hargreaves in the final in June 2011, as Wilson looks to add to his four Festival titles. In the top half of the draw Craig Shore (Eastwood Park), James Wilcox (Crossgates BC) who picked up the title in 2017 and Stuart Mort (Parkfield) could all clash in the early rounds, while on the bottom half of the page Richie Goddard (Llanrwst) could face off with 2010 winner Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) in the second round at Onchan, with the latter having a tricky first round fixture against 1996 winner Carl Armitage (St Oswalds). There are a further two previous winners on the page with Ian Nicholson (Hale), Colin Kelly (Marown) in the mix. Danny Barwise (Birchleigh St Marys) has the unenviable task of taking on the Marown man in the first round.
On page seven Robby Fitzpatrick (Hoylake Central) the winner in 2012 may have to face Merseyside man Peter Jones (Wirral) with the latter having just relocated to the Island. On the bottom half of the page South Ramsey’s Jordan Cain will be hoping for a good week, while Jon Guess (Fairfield) will be in the mix.
June 2013 winner Neil Withers (Marown) could clash with another previous winner as early as the second round with David Jackson (Knutsford) potentially awaiting, while the rest of the page contains no previous winners this could be the chance for a new name to be etched on the famous trophy.
The runner up from June 1990 Colin Price (Dukinfield Central) will be looking to enjoy his week with a good run, while September 2002 winner David Bradford will be looking to juggle work commitments to be able to participate this week. Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge) will be looking to pick up his first Festival title to become yet another man from his club to have picked up the coveted title, however he will have to see off the challenge of Tommy King (Kirkham) in the first round.
On page 10 Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who won the title at the Villa in June 2000 with a 21-15 win over Kevan Shaw, could face Crossgates man Mark Hughes as early as the second round, while Lee Johnstone (St Oswalds) who is the son of one the top players in the game Tommy Johnstone, with Lee a good player in his own right he will be looking to go far, however there could be some tricky ties awaiting against some experienced bowlers just to reach the last 32 on Thursday afternoon.
Towards the bottom of the draw Andrew Spragg (Eastwood Park) winner in September 2000 and two-time runner up has to get past Joseph Cranston (Crossgates BC) to progress.
On the final page current holder of the September title Callum Wraight (Llanrwst) starts three points back on his opponents due to the handicap, with this unlikely to faze Wraight, as he looks to win back to back festivals having won his first Festival last year. Alan Gilpin (Hale) won the Festival 18 years ago, he may well clash with Nick White (Thongsbridge) in the second round, whilst Gareth Lally (Crossgates BC) will be looking to repeat his June 2015 success.
With a bumper entry of 374 in the Men’s event – the highest we have seen for a number of years along with a host of top names returning for the first time in a long time, it promises to be one of the best festivals for a long time.
With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week, there is plenty of bowls for everyone it will undoubtedly make for a great week of bowls. Have a great week!
Canada Life International Players of the Month – May 2022
Canada Life International - Players of the Month - May 2022
Photos: Gary Weightman/UnknownThe IOMCCGBA in partnership with Canada Life International are looking to recognise high performance across the sport each month.
Congratulations to May Award winners: –
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Shannon McMullan – Mooragh Park
Men’s Player of the Month: Matthew Quirk – Onchan
Ladies Player of the Month: Sue Gawne – Onchan
Shannon had a superb month winning three out of four games in the league for her night league team, starting the month in good form whilst representing the Isle of Man Junior Team in St Helen’s, again winning three games out of four scoring 54 points out of a possible 60 to help the team finish runners up in the group on what was a successful day. To top the month off Shannon came through a field of 29 players to win the Junior Manx Championship for the second time, following her previous success in 2019, after looking down and out in the final Shannon dug deep to recover from an 8-16 deficit to finish in style with a deserved 21-18 win on what her last opportunity to compete for the title. Shannon now goes on to represent the IOM in the BCGBA Junior Individual Merit at Royton Cricket, Bowling & Tennis Club in Oldham on Saturday 20th August.
Matthew received the award from the Men’s section for his performances in May, as he won eight games from eight played, with six league wins and two Rayner Shield victories. To evidence what good form he was in, Matthew comfortably defeated the previously undefeated Dido Kelly 21-10, with the latter having won the award the previous month.
Sue picked up the award as decided by the Ladies section having won eight games out of eight, having previously qualified for the British Senior Merit Finals to be played at Brighouse Sports Club in July. Sue also picked up a win in the Onchan Commissioners Cup picking up the title with Lynda Cadamy, whilst further success in the doubles arrived more recently winning the Port St Mary Cup with Andy Kennish.