Monthly Archives: July 2022
Marown B Win Plate Knockout
Last Thursday morning, Onchan A had a good home win against Finch Hill in the Ladies Over 60’s league winning five games to one. Maureen Payne and Sylvia Kennaugh for Onchan both won to single figures with Jan Osborne for Finch winning 21-16. Marown also won 5-1 at home to Mooragh Park A with three games for the Crosby ladies being won to single figures. Janet Monk was the lone winner for Mooragh winning to 14. Mooragh Park B hosted Port Erin B and although the match finished three all, Mooragh won by 12 points with Susan Inch (Port) winning to 20 against Anne Kean. The two closest matches of the morning resulted in Port St Mary losing 4-2 away to Port Erin A but winning the match by one point, and Peel winning 4-2 away to Castletown A and by three points. Trish Bull (PSM), Mary Moffatt (Peel) and Kath Kinley for Castletown all won their games to single figures. The match between Ballaugh and South Ramsey was postponed to a later date. The following morning, Port St Mary B were at home to Onchan B. The match finished three all but Onchan took the honours by seven points.
In the Open Age league on Thursday evening Mooragh Park were at home for their rearranged match against Douglas. Douglas won 6-3 and by 31 points with four games being won to single figures. On Friday night, Castletown A won 8-1 at home to Port Erin with Jean Thackrah being the lone winner for Port. Marown B won 6-3 at home to Peel with Marown’s Rebecca Teare and Rebekah Kelly winning to single figures. Douglas had another 6-3 win but this time at home to Castletown B. The closest game saw Sue McCourt (Douglas) just pipping Charlotte Peach 21-20. South Ramsey entertained Marown A with the match finishing 6-3 to South. Closest game saw Kim Hargraves (South) cross the line 21-19 against Philippa Taylor. Ballaugh travelled to Mooragh Park coming away with a 4-2 win with all games bar two going into double figures. Port St Mary hosted Onchan and although Onchan won 4-2 on games, they lost the match by 11 points. Closest game saw Sandra May (Onchan) winning 21-20 against Margaret Tasker.
The Final of the Plate Knockout was played last Thursday evening at Douglas between Marown B and Ballaugh with Marown off +47 and Ballaugh off +38. First five games off saw Marown’s Clare Cooper giving the Marown ladies a boost by winning to single figures, Rebekah Kelly winning to 16 and Helen Withers winning to 14 with Ballaugh’s Maria Dimsdale winning to 17 and Julie Reilly to 11. With Marown ahead by only 16 points (not including handicaps) at the halfway stage, it was still all to play. Next three jacks on the green saw Ballaugh’s Louise Tebay winning to 18, Pat Mason to 10 and Christine McDonald to 12. Last jack on the green was between Deborah Leece (Marown) and Elaine Fenton. Deborah got the stronger start and not looking back won to 6. Although Ballaugh won 5-4 on games, Marown won the match by 17 points. Congratulations to both teams for playing well on a fast green and treating supporters and spectators to some excellent bowling. Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Janet Latham, Ladies Association Treasurer.
Junior Manx Ladies Championship: On Saturday morning the Junior Ladies Manx Championship was played at Noble’s Park attracting an entry of 15. Junior ladies were split into two groups played as a round robin. Group 1 was highly contested with Grace Gawne (Onchan) and Shannon McMullan (Mooragh Park) both tying on 74 points. With only one junior from each group able to go through to the final round, Grace won on a one shot shoot out. Group 2 scores were slightly more open with Madison McMullan (Mooragh) winning with 63 points and progressing to the final with Katie Jacobs (Douglas) runner up on 59 points. In the final both junior ladies played very well with Grace eventually winning 11-6. Congratulations to all the junior ladies, but especially to Grace and Madison. It is hoped both Grace and Madison will be able to represent the IOM at the British Crown Green Ladies Junior Merit competition being held at Heswall, Wirral, first weekend in September.
Ladies Association Millennium Fours: On Saturday afternoon at Noble’s Park, the Ladies Millennium Fours competition was played with an entry of 10 fours. Losing semi-finalists were Lynda Cadamy, Lil Smith, Philippa Taylor and Lyn Bolton plus Jayne Smith, Trish Bull, Margaret Tasker and Chris Holland. The final was between the South Ramsey four of Jenny Moore, Fiona Kennish, Kim Hargraves and Shelley Kennish against Maureen Payne, Paula Firth, Sue Gawne and Caroline Whitehead. First game saw Jenny win to 18 against Caroline Whitehead, second saw Fiona win to 14 against Sue Gawne and third game was the pairs resulting in a win for Shelley and Kim to 7 against Maureen and Paula. Final score 63-39 to the South Ramsey ladies.
Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Gill Morgan, Competition Secretary, who thanked all those for taking part and to Noble’s for the use of their green.
Barney makes it three in a row in Over 60’s Championship
Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who picked up his third successive Over 60’s Championship
Photo: Norman KneenIn Bingo parlance ‘Kelly’s Eye’ is number one and that was certainly the case at Ballaugh in the Men’s Over 60’s Championship as Dave (Barney) Kelly stormed to a third successive Championship win.
With the Ballaugh Green looking extremely good on Tuesday the last eight in the Competition saw Alec Taylor (Peel) beat Mike Alexander (Onchan) 21-16,while Bryan Corner (South Ramsey) beat his clubmate Lee Dawson 21-10. An epic battle between Steve Parker (Onchan) and Dave McCabe (Finch Hill) ended in a 21-19 win for the latter player. This left the much talked about match between Kevin Quirk (Onchan) and Dave Kelly (Peel) with both playing some great bowls but eventually the Peel man was just too strong as he took a 21-11 win.
In the semi-finals we saw an intriguing battle between Bryan Corner and Alec Taylor with Bryan doing well on longer marks and Alec preferring the shorter ones. This match ended with Alec keeping his calm under pressure to win 21-19.
The other semi-final saw Dave McCabe valiantly attempting to ‘split the green’ and prevent his opponent getting into the corners but Barney was able to take control and win 21-11.
The Final between Peel Sunset clubmates Dave Kelly and Alec Taylor saw Dave put on a master class in bowling to take a 21-3 win despite Alec playing some great bowls.
The Presentation was introduced by Over 60’s Bowling Chairman Norman Kneen who thanked Ballaugh for being wonderful hosts of the Competition and he thanked Ballaugh members for measuring and their Ladies for the wonderful catering provided. He also thanked Andy Kennish and John Ryder for their help and Competition Secretary Mark Kelly for his hard work. The trophies were then presented by Mark Kelly and on receiving his trophy Dave Kelly also thanked Ballaugh for their hospitality and great condition of the Green.
Gawne & Kelly Win Spar Mixed Doubles
Spar Mixed Doubles Winners 2022 - Sue Gawne and Brian Kelly
Photo: Glynn HargravesBallaugh Bowling hosted the Spar Mixed Doubles on Sunday afternoon with 36 pairs taking part on another glorious day, with those sat in the shade being more still feeling the heat.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Margaret Tasker (Port St Mary) and Derek Allen (Onchan) 8-21 to Clare Cooper (Marown) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary). Debbie Leece and Neil Withers lost out 16-21 to South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore and James Teare, with another South Ramsey pair Fiona Kennish and Steven Waters losing to the same score to Marown duo Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn. Sue Gawne (Onchan) and Brian Kelly (Marown) ended the home green hopes of Christine and Barry McDonald 21-11.
The first semi-final had Moore and Teare up against Cooper and Roberts with the South Ramsey pair winning 21-16. In the other semi-final Teare and Dunn were up against Gawne and Kelly with the latter pair lying three down a great last bowl secured their spot in the final with a 21-18 victory.
The final was expected to be a tight match with both pairs performing well all day, however it was Gawne and Kelly who got out of the blocks the quickest with two doubles to jump into a 10-6 lead, with Moore and Teare levelling the game up at 11-11 after six ends.
Gawne and Kelly then won the next two ends to go 15–11 up, only for the South Ramsey pair to score a single, two doubles to go 16-15 ahead. A double for the Onchan/Marown duo followed by a three put them 20-15 ahead and within touching distance of victory, only to concede two doubles to leave the game finely poised at 20-20. On the deciding end Gawne and Kelly got the point needed to secure their second open competition win.
The presentation was made by club captain John Maddrell, who thanked Richard Faragher, Maurice O’Reilly and the club members for helping run the competition along with the ladies for providing the catering throughout the day. Jonathon Kermode from Spar was then introduced to present the prizes.
Over 60’s Manx Championship Preview
Over 60’s Manx Championship Last 8 - 2022
Photos: Gary Weightman/Vannin PhotosOver 60’s Manx Championship Preview
The final stages of this years’ Over 60’s Manx Championship will be played to a conclusion at Ballaugh Bowling Club on Tuesday afternoon with action getting underway from 1pm. BCGBA dress code applies. Get yourself there for what promises to be a good afternoon of bowls. Think I will be taking a half day to watch things unfold.
Alec Taylor vs Mike Alexander
Alec was a good footballer in his younger days, who like his opponent has been on the bowls scene for quite some time now with Mike plying his trade in Division One in the night league for Onchan B, whilst Alec turns out for Peel C in Division Two having previously been an Onchan man.
In terms of head to head between this pair it is 2-1 to Alec, however Mike just pips it on chalks scored over the three games played. In terms of ranking position Mike edges it overall, is currently six places above his opponent in the Over 60’s merit.
Alec just can’t seem to let go of his football days, as he is often spotted kicking bowls that are half way across the green with the shout of ‘feet’ either encouraging him to give the bowl a good old welly or dummy the bowl completely and carry on walking as though nothing has happened.
Mike is a gentle giant behind closed doors with a passion unknown to many – that he holds the biggest collection of Care Bears on the Island, with his favourite being Grumpy Bear after a heavy defeat, with Good Luck Bear often not spoken to after a bad day on the green.
Bryan Corner vs Lee Dawson
Bryan is as keen as they come as he took up the game just five years ago having risen to 38th place in the Men’s rankings, he made the decision to cross over the Bridge from North Ramsey to South Ramsey a few years ago. Bryan loves nothing more than joining the ‘boys’ in Alan’s Café for a cup of tea in the morning as they put the world to rights with bowls being the hot topic of the day. His day will often consist of playing Over 60’s bowls, night league bowls, with lots of green time in between. It is very rare that I am up Ramsey and Bryan is not up having a roll. You can almost set your clock by him!
Bryan has an unknown number of vehicles, as I am sure he has a vehicle for every day of the week, instead of underpants of the day Bryan prefers a car of the day.
His opponent Lee or ‘Dawsy’ to most is a fellow club mate who has been around the block more than once, having started at Ballaugh, played for Peel for a good few years and more recently with South Ramsey C he appears to have got his mojo back having missed out on bowls for a good number of years due to family and work commitments. Dawsy has on the quiet won an open competition and was the ‘Collie slayer’ in qualifying, seeing off his much fancied club mate to reach finals day.
Dawsy for his sins is a die-hard Everton fan, has somewhat controversially decided to sport the official South Ramsey blue club shirt for Finals day rather than the hideous lime green shirt that his fellow C Team mates can still be seen in from Ramsey, when on the top of Snaefell in dense fog with a visibility range of two metres.
Steve Parker vs Dave McCabe
This is an interesting encounter with just four places separating these two in the Men’s rankings, with ‘Hooky’ Parker being the lower ranked of the two but interestingly with a 100%-win record over McCabe, with the pair having faced off three times. Both have been close in opens with McCabe losing out in the final of the Ken Williamson in 2019 and Parker reaching the final of the Over 60’s Manx Championship in 2018.
Steve can often be seen meditating around a bowling green in an attempt to keep his cool. Failing that Hooky will be creating a cloud of smoke, giving off a somewhat earthy smell as he frantically puffs on his shisha pipe throughout the day.
McCabe on the other hand will often be giving out dodgy tips to fellow bowlers on the horses ahead of a big race. I was struggling to put something in for Dave, but after a quick phone call we ironed things out with Dave giving me free rein to put whatever I wanted about him, however after hearing a story that went like this, I thought better of it… Dave was recently playing bowls at Fleetwood and there were a group of blokes sat behind Gill, who unknown to them was with Dave saying ‘That’s Dave McCabe from the Isle of Man, he’s not a bad player him’ as they went on to say ‘if he doesn’t beat you on the green, he will beat you off the green’. Gill held off asking Dave if he knew these guys at the time and only told Dave what had been said once they were well clear of the green. Given I actually like the ability to walk I will refrain on this one!
Kevin Quirk vs Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly
Never heard of these two before, but both have the potential to make good bowlers if they stick at the game. They are both new to the Over 60’s scene.
Joking aside this is a match-up between two of the games most successful players on the Isle of Man, with Barney’s success stretching back to the 1980’s, with five decades of winning pretty much everything there is to win in the game. Barney is the current holder of this title being undefeated in the Over 60’s Manx Championship to date, winning the title back to back in 2020 and 2021.
Kevin’s success has spanned four decades, no mean feat in itself, with two Manx Championships under his belt, one of which was won at Ronairco against Barney in the final in 2005. On his day Quirk is still one of the best perfect length bowlers on the Island, with the ability to pull out what can only be referred to as a ‘Kevin Quirk bowl’ – which to those who don’t know is to play the perfect bowl to beat what most would deem to be an unbeatable bowl.
Quirk or ‘Mad Dog’ as he is often referred to by his team mates is the ‘new born’ of the Over 60’s so to speak. This is Kevin’s first ‘bite’ at the Over 60’s Championship and he will be hoping that he does not bite off more than he can chew on Tuesday afternoon. Kevin has suddenly found himself with a lot more time on his hands having recently retired from the Post Office, so no doubt Rosemary has a list of things for Kevin to be getting on with at home. Speaking of the Post I am only mentioning this so you know who to blame if your Post is either turning up earlier or later than ever.
If Kevin is the new born then this would make Barney the toddler, which is a fitting description given his stature, even with his infamous Air Force 1’s being sported at greens all over the Island, they are now well travelled with trips abroad becoming a more common occurrence. I gave Barney a lot of stick in the last preview, so won’t go over old ground on this occasion.
Undoubtedly this is the tie of the round, with Kevin edging the head to head 2-1 in team competitions, although they will certainly have played each other a lot more in open competitions over the years, with the Manx Championship semi-final at Onchan in 2020 standing out, which Barney managed to get through 21-17. Whoever comes through this tie will certainly fancy their chances of going on to win the trophy.
Bradford Wins Ken Williamson Memorial
Ken Williamson Memorial Winner 2022 - David Bradford
Photo: Glynn HargravesAn entry of 32 took part in the Ken Williamson Memorial Cup. Ken was a popular player amongst the bowling community. The Onchan green was in superb condition on a fine day for crown green bowls.
Losing out at the quarter-final stage were Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), who was just edged out 20-21 by home greener Kevin Quirk, Rob Monk (North Ramsey) lost out 18-21 to Marown favourite Colin Kelly. South Ramsey’s David Bradford made light work of Bernie McPhee (Onchan) who failed to score and was beaten 21-6, whilst Neil Withers (Marown) ended the hopes of Steve Walmsley (North Ramsey) with a 21-15 win.
In the semi-finals Bradford had a good battle with Withers, with the South Ramsey man winning 21-16, whilst Kelly had to battle back from a 11-16 deficit against Quirk, with the former going on to win 21-19 to take his place in the final.
The final was both players fifth game of the day, with this the third weekend in a row that these two have played each other with Kelly winning their duel in the Ramsey Town Cup last weekend and Bradford having arguably the bigger bragging rights having beaten Kelly in the Manx Championship at Ballaugh on his way to victory two weeks ago.
Bradford took the early initiative in the game to lead 13-11 after nine ends. Kelly responded taking four of the next five ends to creep ahead 15-14. This kicked Bradford into gear as he grabbed the opportunity to score a double, a trick that he repeated on the next end playing along the shelter edge of the green with two great bowls. From there Bradford stuck to the clubhouse edge as his second bowl came to his rescue on the last three ends as he picked up three singles to win 21-15.
The presentation was made by Mike Thomas with special thanks given to Neil Dunwell who had stepped in to run the competition and to the ladies for putting on the refreshments. Ken Williamson’s niece Diane Crossley was then introduced to present the prizes. In his speech Bradford referred to a photo that had been taken of him bowling with Ken at Marown, which he believed was taken in 1994. This was the third time that Bradford has won the trophy having won the title in 2013 and 2017.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Exciting Plans for New PSM Bowling Green
Port St Mary Bowling Club - Old Green and Proposed New Site
Photos: Glynn Hargraves & Will CainPort St Mary Commissioners have put forward a planning application on behalf of the Village, having worked closely with the members of the Bowling Club and Haven Homes over the past 14 months, after the Commissioners were offered the lease on some land by a local family.
In reality the work has been going on a lot longer following a public meeting in March 2020, which was well attended to get matters to where they are today.
The Club formed in 1921, lost their home green after 100 years after the landlord decided not to renew the tenancy, have had plans put in for a new bowling green, clubhouse, car park and associated facilities – which is a stone’s throw away from the previous green, on the opposite side of the railway line, behind the Railway Station Pub.
The Club came to an agreement to share the green at Breagle Glen this season, which is occupied by Port Erin Bowling Club. With this application it gives the club and its members new hope for the future as they look to rebuild and grow for the next 100 years of their existence.
Chair of the Commissioners Bernadette Williams said in the application that the joint club/commissioners working group, ‘strongly supported by Haven Homes as a pro bono initiative’ has spent the last 14 months working to develop the plans which will hopefully see the club restored.
To view the full plans visit:-
Top Two to Face Off in 3R’s Limited Rayner Shield Final
Peel A prior to their Rayner Shield Semi-Final with Marown A at Crosby
Photo: Arnie WithersWith no league fixtures this week it was the latter stages of the 3R’s Limited sponsored Rayner Shield with South Ramsey A playing host to Port St Mary A on Monday evening.
The visitors were well beaten 8-0 with David Bradford performing to his absolute best as he ruthlessly took apart a fellow Top 10 ranked player Trevor Quayle, who won’t have taken a beating like this in a long time with the latter losing 21-1. A rare sight was spotted on Monday evening with John Kennish stepping in for his first team game since 2018, he wasn’t far behind Bradford as he won 21-2 against Nathan Hamilton to prove his time out of the game has not affected him. Peter Collister won 21-5 against Tim Williams and didn’t get a sniff of the team kitty. For Port Jordan Drewett fought back from a 10-19 deficit against Glynn Hargraves only to lose out 21-18, whilst the best comeback of the night – putting a bit of drama into the match was from James Teare who trailed 5-19 to Tom Collins, only to get in and miraculously run out with a 21-19 victory, scoring six consecutive doubles on the way.
The other semi-final, played on Thursday evening at Crosby between Marown A and Peel A was a bit less straightforward, but still comfortable for the home team who won 5-3. Neil Withers put a marker down for the home team as he romped home 21-1 against Dean Kinley, whilst Dean Kipling beat Peel captain Gary Smith 21-13. Peel hit back with two hard fought wins from Tom Kelly who got the better of his father Colin Kelly with a 21-18 win, as he put in a good performance throughout the game. Tommy McMeiken recovered from a 7-16 deficit to win 21-20 against Paul Kelly. With the score tied at 2-2 the chalks were heavily in favour of the home team ultimately meaning unless Peel could get some big wins themselves then they would need to win three of the four games in the second half of the match. Peter Greenlees gave them a glimmer of hope with his 21-16 win over Phil Kelly, however Harry Barton caused a mini upset as he beat Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly 21-19, Peter Jones won 21-7 against Dave Smith, whilst home captain Paul Dunn beat George Gadsby 21-11.
Marown A now face South Ramsey A on Friday 5th August with the venue to be confirmed.
3R’s Limited Rayner Plate
Division One outfit North Ramsey A (SCR) took on Division Three Marown D (+65) at Mooragh Park with the 65 chalk head start not enough for the visitors to cling on to, despite picking up two wins from Jay Waters 21-19 against Gary Merrill, whilst teammate James Kelly beat Jimmy Moffatt 21-20. Three single figure wins for the home team from Rob Monk, Adrian Skinner and Paul Allison pulled back 50 chalks, whilst their other three wins were also comfortable to ensure the Mooragh Men won by eight chalks (165-157) to reach the final.
Noble’s A (+30) took on Finch Hill A (+35) at the park with the home advantage paying off as they won 5-3 on games with the two single figure wins helping their cause on the all-important chalks as they won by 29 chalks (178-149). Mark Quinn was their best winner as he beat Dave Jones 21-5, whilst Jim Collister wasn’t too shabby either with his 21-7 win. Both of the points gained in these two wins alone were the difference with 30 chalks gained from these victories. Noble’s now go on to contest the Rayner Plate final against North Ramsey A (venue TBC), with the club in good spirits as they continue to rebuild.
Mixed Team Championship
In Canada Life International South Ramsey A can’t be caught in Group A as they beat Castletown A at the Crofts on Wednesday evening to reach the final. The visitors won 2-7 on games and by 48 chalks (122-170).
Onchan A hosted North Ramsey A with the home team winning by a huge 73 chalks (175-102) and 7-2 on games with five single figure wins from the home team showing their dominance on the night.
In Group B Marown A also took their spot in the final, with both South Ramsey and Marown now poised to face off in both the Mixed League and Rayner Shield finals. This time out they beat Port St Mary A, the team who did the double over them last season lost out by 71 chalks (183-112) at Crosby with Trevor Quayle the lone winner as he bounced back from Monday’s heavy defeat.
Port Erin A and Douglas A had a good battle at Breagle Glen with the visitors winning 4-5 on games and edging the chalks (151-157).
Mixed Team Plate
In Group A Noble’s stayed on course to reach the final of the Plate – barring a disaster with their last match away to Peel, who would need to inflict a heavy defeat on Noble’s. Noble’s came away from Mooragh Park with a 45 chalk victory (121-166) over North Ramsey B. Peel welcomed Castletown B to the Sunset City with the host winning by 55 chalks as they game themselves a chance of winning the group.
In Group B Ballaugh booked their place in the final as they can’t be caught having won all five games in their group, following their win away to Douglas B by 24 chalks (136-160), whilst South Ramsey B picked up a good win against Marown B by 69 chalks (172-103).
Canada Life International Players of the Month – June 2022
Canada Life International - Players of the Month - June 2022
Photos: Arnie Withers/Gill Morgan/Tina HampsonThe IOMCCGBA in partnership with Canada Life International are looking to recognise high performance across the sport each month.
Congratulations to June Award winners: –
Men’s Player of the Month: Philip ‘Rambo’ Kelly – Marown
Ladies Player of the Month: Janet Monk – Mooragh Park
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Alex Hampson – Noble’s
Rambo won all his Canada Life International Division One games in June, whilst more impressively going on to win his first Open Competition in ‘a few’ years by picking up the Henry Kissack Trophy on home turf, where he excelled on the day beating a fine list of players Paul Dunn, Colin Kelly and Neil Withers on the way to victory.
Janet had a great month on the green across all the association team events, winning all six of her games played, with all but one match being won to single figures, even this only just crept into double figures – very impressive. This follows on from Janet’s success in May with the Top Lady event won at Onchan, beating the Island’s Top bowlers on her way to picking up the title.
Alex won both of his Division Three games in June, whilst only just being pipped in his Mixed League game 21-16 against a very experienced Men’s Division One player. In addition to this Alex excelled for the Junior Island Team whilst representing the Isle of Man at Heaton Park in Manchester, winning all three games against Warwick & Worcestershire B, Cheshire and Yorkshire – winning one game 15-0, another fairly comfortably 15-10, whilst also demonstrating his ability to dig deep as he held his nerve to win 15-14 to cap off a superb day.
Castletown ‘A’ Ladies In Pole Position
At the halfway stage of both the ladies open age and over 60’s leagues, Castletown A ladies are in pole position. In the Open Age, second place is closely contested between Marown A and South Ramsey. The top positions were enhanced by all three teams having good wins last Wednesday night with Castletown A winning 7-2 away to Onchan and by 41 points; South Ramsey winning 6-3 away to Peel and by 36 points and Marown A having a good 8-1 home win against Douglas and by 80 points. Marown B ladies had a good away result at Mooragh Park winning 8-1 with Janet Monk being the lone winner for Mooragh. Ballaugh and Port St Mary A both had good 6-3 wins away to Port Erin and Castletown B with all games bar two in both fixtures going into double figures. Closest games were Pauline Worrall (Port Erin) winning to 17 against Barbara Graham and Barbara Young (Castletown B) winning to 18 against Trish Bull.
In the Over 60s’ league last Thursday morning, Castletown A ladies scored a maximum at home to Mooragh Park B consolidating their position at the top of the league with Peggy Freeman being the highest loser for Mooragh. Second placed Onchan A hosted South Ramsey resulting in a three all match with Onchan winning by only two points. The closest game saw Ann Gale for South pipping Marilyn Ellison to 20. Marown A won 4-2 at home against Finch Hill dropping only three points. The two winners for Finch were Jan Osborne and Wendy Cowin. Another close fixture saw Port St Mary A winning 4-2 and by two points away to Mooragh Park A with Janet Monk for Mooragh and Trish Bull for PSM both winning to single figures. Port Erin A hosted Castletown B winning the match 4-2 and by 44 points. Rita Callister (PE) and Elaine McElroy had a good game with Elaine eventually crossing the line 21-16. Ballaugh ladies were at home to Port Erin B and although match finished three all Ballaugh won by 10 points with all games bar one going into double figures. Last Friday morning, Port St Mary B won 4-2 at home against Peel but lost by 5 points. The two winners for Peel were Mary Moffatt and Joyce Kelly. On Tuesday morning, Castletown A scored another maximum away to Port Erin B with Anne Oates and Sue Peach winning to single figures. The home derby between Onchan B & A resulted in the A ladies scoring another maximum with Jean Quine and Norma Cowell (B) both losing to 17 against Caroline Corlett and Wendy McDowell. Marown and Port Erin A both had good 4-2 wins away to Castletown B and Mooragh Park A. Crosby ladies Rosie Winckle, Philippa Taylor and Celia Joughin all won to single figures as did Elaine McElroy for Castletown, with Jenny Cain (PE A) just getting the better of Chris Sims (Mooragh) winning to 19. Peel hosted Ballaugh ending in a three all match with Peel winning by 15 points. Ballaugh nearly made it 4-2 as Brenda Bowyer just lost to 20 against Terry Berry. South Ramsey were at home to Port St Mary B; match finished 4-2 to South with Ann Gale and Judy Kelly (South) both winning to single figures. The result from Wednesday morning’s match between Port St Mart A and Mooragh Park B awaited.
On Saturday 9th July, Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) and Sue Gawne (Onchan) travelled to Brighouse, Yorkshire to compete in the Ladies British Crown Green Senior Individual Merit competition. 64 of Britain’s top lady bowlers took part with the competition being played on two greens. Sue was the first of our ladies to play playing on the very fast green 1. Sue handled the green very well winning her first game to 16 against Dawn Parkes (Staffordshire). Jenny played her first game on green 2 against Amanda Nicholas (Wales). This green was slower in pace but tricky in places. Jenny, like Sue, handled the green well winning to 14. Both Jenny and Sue then swapped greens to play their next game. Sue took on Sonia Robson from North Warwickshire and with some excellent lead bowls won 21-13. Jenny played Louise Ollerton from Greater Manchester. Unfortunately for Jenny, Louise played extremely well on the faster green and not giving Jenny a chance won to single figures. In Sue’s third game she returned to green 1 this time coming up against Chloe Hirst from Yorkshire. Chloe got to grips with the green building up a strong lead and despite Sue’s best efforts, won to single figures. Chloe went on to win the competition beating Nicola Boulton from Mid-Cheshire 21-20 in the final. Both Jenny and Sue should be congratulated on their performances throughout the day; they certainly did the Island proud.
Junior Island Team Feel The Heat
The Island Junior Team who were performing at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe Isle of Man Junior Team took part in the British Crown Green Bowling Association six-a-side Championship at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday, having come through the group stages at Windle Bowling Club in St Helen’s in May.
As expected the opposition was a lot tougher this time round, as their group consisting of four teams included a strong South Yorkshire, Derbyshire B and Cumbria on a tricky green in blistering hot weather all day, with no shade available to provide any respite.
In the first round of matches they faced South Yorkshire who were widely fancied to win the group, with the Isle of Man team losing 1-5 and by 35 chalks. Shannon McMullan made it into double figures losing 11-15 to Jodie Dickinson, whilst younger sister Madison McMullan performed well on her debut for the Island Team and with it her first game on foreign soil as she scored 12 before losing out to Grace Rhodes. Rebekah Kelly was the lone winner in this fixture with a 15-12 win over James Haigh.
In the second round of games they faced Derbyshire B with the team performing well as they lost out 2-4 and by just 12 chalks (60-72) – just two chalks a player. Ryan Hargraves made his first outing in this fixture, led 9-8 against James Causer only for the latter to run out with a 15-9 victory. Madison McMullan picked up her first win as she performed brilliantly to pick up the best win of the day with a 15-6 victory over Max Pearson. Not to be outdone older sibling Shannon also won to the same score against Nathan Hawley. Rebekah Kelly cruelly missed out on a second successive victory as she was narrowly beaten 14-15 by Josh Leeson. Grace Gawne was unfortunate not to score more as she faced her second tough opponent of the day, with the score not reflecting the overall performance.
In their final round of fixtures they were up against Cumbria, the same team they lost out to by a solitary chalk to at St. Helens in May. This time they lost out by just five chalks (74-79) to show there is a very fine margin between the teams. Rebekah Kelly had to dig deep in this one as she got home with a 15-13 win over Sam Blackstone to cap off a good day. Shannon McMullan made it into double figures, only to lose out 10-15 to Harry Preston, Toby Hart bounced back from two tough games earlier in the day to beat Jack Preston 15-11, the same opponent he faced and won against back in May. Madison McMullan clocked up her second win of the day with a 15-10 win over Reuben MacPake, whilst Victoria Johnson also put her first round game out of her mind as she battled well and was unlucky not to run out on her opponent as she lost 13-15 to Jack Brannon.
South Yorkshire ended up topping the group, going on to the reach the final where they came up against a strong Warwick & Worcestershire A side who had also topped their group that included Derbyshire A, North Lancs & Fylde A and Greater Manchester A. In the final Warwick & Worcestershire proved to be too strong for South Yorkshire.
Once again the Islands Juniors represented themselves and the island in impeccable fashion, it was great to see more supporters than players there to help encourage our Junior bowlers. Thanks also to everyone who helped organise the trip.