Monthly Archives: March 2023
Noble’s C are United as they Look to ‘Leeds’ the Way In Division Three
Noble’s C Shirts for 2023 have a striking resemblance to Leeds United Shirts
Photo: Stevie CainLeague champions South Ramsey A will be wary of the challenge from Marown A, who might well be favourites for the league title in Canada Life International Sponsored Division One following the acquisition of Peter Jones midway through 2022, with John Gelling returning to the fold, whilst Glenn Boland has been promoted to the A team. South Ramsey A meanwhile have made just the one change from last season, with Alan Moore returning to the A team. Just two points separated the teams at the end of the 2022 season.
Newly promoted teams South Ramsey B and Marown C will be looking to consolidate their place in the top division, with Marown C looking well placed to hold their own.
In Division Two Onchan B and Port Erin A will be looking for an immediate return to the top flight. Noble’s A who settled into Division Two will be looking to improve on last year’s ninth place finish. North Ramsey B and Noble’s B were the teams promoted from Division Three last season, as they look to consolidate their place in the middle tier.
In Division Three a number of teams will be looking to push on and improve, with Marown D looking to take the next step as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
There are positive vibes coming from Noble’s, who have introduced two new teams this season. Noble’s C, which is made up of Leeds fans who are new to the game has been put together by Stevie Cain. Other than attending an open day at the end of last season and two weeks of practice recently, the guys really seem to have got the bug. This is a little bit more than a rumour as the team will be playing in Black and Orange shirts (pictured) this season, in line with the club colours, with the twist that they are actually Leeds United shirts!
It is a remarkable turnaround for the club who are one of the oldest clubs on the island which was on the brink of collapsing, to be in a position to now field four teams. The club is going from strength to strength thanks to the work from the new club members.
Bradford Retains Ian Kissack Shield
Ian Kissack Shield Winner 2023 David Bradford (Holding Shield) with the finalists and Kevin Druggan of Sponsor Ardern & Druggan
Photo: Arnie WithersMarown held the opening tournament of the 2023 season, with the Ian Kissack floodlight competition sponsored by Ardern & Druggan Limited attracting a healthy entry of 76. The competition was played over four days, with handicaps ranging from two to eight with two qualifiers from the four qualifying sessions.
The competition commenced on Sunday afternoon with two visiting bowlers qualifying, as Trevor Quayle managed to see off Port St Mary teammate Wayne Roberts, while new Peel captain Stevie Kelly got the better of his Dad Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly to take his place in the quarter finals.
Sunday evening resulted in two home green players qualifying with Paul Kelly seeing off his teammate Phil Kelly, while Paul Dunn progressed as he beat Marown B Team captain Daren Kerruish in their respective qualifying games.
Monday evening had South Ramsey’s David Bradford navigating his way through his three qualifying games, with Bradford being pushed hard by Andy Kennish (Onchan) in his first game before prevailing 21-19. In the other half of the session Marown’s Colin Kelly had a tough night, but managed to progress thanks to a 21-20 win in his second game, then went on to recover from a huge deficit against club mate Lil Smith to qualify for finals night.
The last qualifying session took place on Tuesday evening, as a further two home greeners navigated their way through to Wednesday evening. Brian Kelly ended the challenge of Stevie Cain (Noble’s), whilst Karl Parker took the bragging rights as he beat fellow Marown player Glenn Boland to take the last two spots in finals night.
The competition was redrawn at the quarter final stage with Paul Dunn taking on teammate Colin Kelly, with the latter winning 21-14. Trevor Quayle progressed thanks to a 21-17 win over Paul Kelly.
In the other half of the draw Karl Parker had a resounding 21-12 win over Stevie Kelly, whilst David Bradford finished strongly to beat Brian Kelly 21-13.
Both semi-finals were well contested, with Trevor Quayle shooting into a 17-8 lead against Colin Kelly, only for the latter to fight back in style and run out with a 21-18 victory as he booked his place in the final. In the other semi-final Bradford ended the hopes of Parker with a 21-15 victory.
The final between the top two bowlers on the Isle of Man – Kelly & Bradford was eagerly anticipated, with both players off a +2 handicap. With neither player taking the initiative in the early ends, it was Bradford who made the first move to build up a 12-7 lead on end 12, as he scored his only double of the game. The Marown man fought back to 12-15, only for Bradford to score three consecutive singles to lead 18-12. The next six ends were shared equally, as Bradford got the three points needed to retain the trophy with a 21-15 victory.
The presentation was made by Marown President Peter Kelly, with Kevin Druggan introduced from the sponsor Ardern & Druggan. Thanks were given to the Marown ladies for the excellent refreshments provided over the four days. In his speech Bradford thanked Marown for running the competition, Ardern & Druggan for the continued sponsorship and congratulated the green keepers on how well the green was running.