Monthly Archives: June 2023
Clark Wins Ken Williamson Cup
Ken Williamson Cup Winner 2023 - Bob Clark
Photo: Arnie WithersAfter a week of Festival Bowls an entry of 27 took part in the Ken Williamson Memorial Cup. Ken was a popular player amongst the bowling community. As the sun shone this helped to quicken the pace of the Onchan green as the day went on.
The winner was Bob Clark who defeated South Ramsey teammate Glynn Hargraves 21-16 in the final to win the competition for a second time, with the first title being won in 2010 as a 17-year-old.
With Clark winning the coin toss, he headed for a mark that had served him well throughout the day to take an early 8-4 lead after three ends. On the fourth end Hargraves got his first points on the board, with Clark lying two a good last bowl won the end. A further two singles followed, with Clark getting back in he headed for his favoured mark. With Clark lying two Hargraves somewhat fortuitously grabbed the jack to make two and level proceedings up at 9-9.
Playing a fair length on a straight mark Hargraves put up a good lead, however Clark played a great first bowl which his opponent was unable to take out.
From there it became clear that both players were playing better to each others jack.
With Hargraves leading 11-10 a good lead bowl was beaten by Clark, with Hargraves just going through the gap with his second bowl the game was tied at 11-11.
The pair were tied once more at 13-13, with Hargraves playing two good bowls on a big round peg, with Clark’s last bowl being played to perfection to win the end and lead 14-13. The pair went level again at 14-14. Clark won the next two ends to lead 16-14 and was counting for one only for Hargraves to play Clark’s bowl out cleanly to sit one point behind at 15-16.
Clark then stepped up a gear to pick up a double and a single to lead 19-15. As Clark headed for a longer mark Hargraves picked up a single. With a last throw of the dice Hargraves opted for distance, however left ample room for Clark to play two good bowls to finish the game off with a 21-16 victory.
Clark had been in good form throughout the day on his way to victory as he navigated his way through five tough games to take a deserved win.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were Peter Jones (Marown) who was beaten 12-21 by Clark, whilst Hargraves ended the run of Port Erin’s Bernie Durcan with a 21-13 win to take his place in the final.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Matthew Quirk (Onchan) 14-21 to Clark, Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) was defeated 13-21 to Jones, Pete Collins (Port St Mary) reached the end of the road as Durcan won 21-13, whilst Hargraves beat Finch Hill man Dave McCabe 21-9.
The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk with thanks given to Mark Kelly for running the competition and to the ladies for putting on refreshments. Ken Williamson’s niece Diane Crossley was then introduced to present the prizes.
Phil Lee Lands Maiden June Festival Title
Men’s June 2023 Festival Winner - Phil Lee
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place this week, with the event attracting over 500 entries, as entries continue to improve. The weather from Monday to Thursday was glorious, with many seeking the shade with the heat getting the better of many of the visiting bowlers. Friday saw the fine weather break with the rain arriving, this did not deter the spectators, who were treated to an entertaining day of good bowls to cap off a fine week.
In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (Quarry) who picked up his first Isle of Man Festival win, with Lee wondering if he was ever going to get onto the Island on Monday due to travel difficulties on the day, just four days later he finally got his hands on the famous trophy and took home the winners cheque for £3,200 as he beat Thongsbridge man Paul Bailey who last won the June title in 2005 with victory over Blackpool man Tommy King. Bailey also won the September Festival in 2007.
Lee made a confident start in the final winning six of the first eight ends as he played a round peg mark off the edge of the crown to build up a 13-8 lead over Bailey, with the latter having to play several reaching bowls due to the pressure that his opponent was putting him under.
On the ninth end with Lee counting for two, a great last bowl from Bailey just tickled the jack to pick up a single. From there Bailey got a bit of momentum as he turned the match on its head winning five consecutive ends scoring three doubles as he headed for a mark that had served him well earlier in the day, with Lee struggling to get hold of the jack, Bailey took the lead 16-13.
Lee kept his composure brilliantly as he took the first opportunity granted to him by his opponent on the 14th end to pick up a two, before conceding a single on the following end, with Bailey letting him off the hook in the corner as his second bowl went too far past the jack.
Lee responded once more with a brilliant single along the edge, beating a great lead bowl from his opponent. Another two good bowls in the corners made a target which Bailey couldn’t refuse to strike at as he hit the bowls cleanly, only for one of Lee’s bowls to hit the other as it stayed in to count one to level the match up at 17-17.
Bailey then played two good bowls in the corners to re-take the lead 19-17 and with jack in hand he headed back into the corners, however the Merseyside man levelled things up once more to tie 19-19 after 19 ends.
A good lead on the following end was enough to score a single, with Bailey saving game with his second bowl. Heading from the gate to the steps to the clubhouse on a round peg Lee put his lead just under a yard away, with Bailey playing his first bowl too far through and narrow. Lee then improved on his first bowl as he promoted his own bowl to just over a foot to the side of the jack. Bailey sent his last bowl and looked to be on a good road and a decent length, only to agonisingly slide through the gap between the jack and bowl for Lee to secure a hard fought 21-19 win in an entertaining final, with Lee celebrating his first June Festival title with his arms raised towards his supporters, whilst Bailey could console himself with a cheque for £1,250 for his efforts during the week.
Lee or ‘Sooty’ as he is known across the bowls world reached the final courtesy of a determined 21-17 win over Michael Tunstall (Tixall BC), with the players sharing a warm embrace at the end of the game. Bailey also ended up with a game on his hands in the semi-final with Gareth Hughes (Castlefields) as he also won 21-17, with the latter battling back from a 10-17 deficit and 13-20 to just lose out.
The quarter finals were all fairly straightforward except for Lee’s first game of the day as he faced Josh Mordue (Pudsey), with the former having to battle for his 21-18 win. Tunstall ended the hopes of Steve McManus (Hesketh Arms) who had taken a number of scalps on his way to reaching his first Isle of Man finals day with a 21-10 win. In the other half of the draw Bailey ended the hopes of a first June Festival & Tourism double winner since South Ramsey’s Peter Collister became the only man to achieve the feat in 1983 as he disposed of Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with a comfortable 21-12 win, whilst Hughes put out another man who had performed well all week in Keith Middleton (Fairfield) who lost out 21-12.
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up another Tourism title to see off Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) to with a 21-17 win. Wraight never trailed in the game, however Cranston did level the game up at 13-13 after 13 ends, however the Shropshire man then won seven of the last 10 ends on his way to victory.
In the semi-finals Wraight’s path to the final was never in doubt as he stormed home with a 21-8 win over Chris Ellis (Spen Victoria), whilst Cranston had to dig deep for his 21-20 win over Jon Palmer (Castlefields).
In the quarter finals Wraight progressed with a 21-12 win over Dave McDermott (Tixall BC), while Ellis got the better of Michale Coupe (Castlefields). In the other half of the draw Cranston beat Paul Bailey (Thongsbridge) 21-14, whilst Palmer just got through with a 21-19 win over Daniel Jones (Castlefields) to reach the semi-final stage.
Photo: Gary Weightman (Vannin Photos)
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by Daniel Barwise (Tixall BC) who beat David Jackson (Knutsford) 21-13 in the final, with Barwise winning 21-17 against Myles Summers (Clayton Victoria) in the semi-final, whilst Jackson had a comfortable 21-9 win against Tom Maryland (Thongsbridge).
The Ladies consolation was contested between two locals with Paula Garrett (Douglas) overcoming Philippa Taylor (Marown) 21-16. Garrett reached the final courtesy of a 21-15 win over Diane Harrison (Lune Road), whilst Taylor edged through with a 21-20 win over Claire Frangleton (Burtonwood).
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry (Delamere) who had a close 9-7 win over Paul Morris (Chapel Park). whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Gareth Coates (Ackroyden Victoria) who beat Barry Simm (Lune Road) 21-15 in the final.
In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was won by Mark Hughes and Kez Smith (Both Crossgates) with an 11-10 win over Dean Butler (Two Gates) and Michael Coupe (Castlefields), as they fought back from a 5-10 deficit to run out with the win. Hughes and Smith reached the final with a 11-8 win over Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan), whilst Butler and Coupe fought back from a 5-10 deficit against Bob Clark (South Ramsey) and Chris Bly (Hoghton) to win 11-10.
The Men’s doubles were also well contested as Paul Roberts and James Fitzpatrick (both Wirral) performed well to see off favourites Richard Goddard and Billy Speed (both Castlefields) 11-10 in the final. Fitzpatrick and Roberts also crept into the final with a 11-10 win over Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan), whilst Goddard and Speed were too good for Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) and Graham Hickey (Lower Hopton) as they won 11-4.
The Ladies doubles were won by Lindal BC pair Caroline Bushell and Jessica Pickthall who had an emphatic 11-0 win over Wrockwardine Wood pair Sian Skelton and Holly Bishton in the final. Bushell and Pickthall reached the final with an 11-8 victory over locals Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Louise Tebay (Ballaugh), whilst Skelton and Bishton won 11-6 against Diane Harrison and Gill Simm (both Lune Road).
Winning the Mixed pairs were Rita Manning (Brownmoor Park) and Gavin Ratcliffe (Meersbrook) thanks to a 9-6 win over Elaine Hawkins (Port St Mary) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyden Victoria) in the final. Manning and Ratcliffe reached the final with a 9-4 win over Kathryn Gee (Unison) and Michael Coupe (Castlefields), whilst Hawkins and Coates won 9-0 against Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Ken Lethbridge (Victoria Park).
June Festival Glee for Helen Clee
Ladies June Festival Winner 2023 - Helen Clee on her way to Winning the Main Event
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event previously beaten finalist Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) took on June 2013 Festival winner Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) in the final. It proved to be Helen’s day, as Shropshire player Clee made a strong start to the game, winning the first four ends on a long length, scoring three doubles to settle into the game early to take a commanding 12-5 lead.
Quirk settled the early nerves scoring a good double, then took a further two singles to sit just three points behind Clee at 9-12. The Shropshire player responded with two good bowls to halt the comeback in its tracks, then restored the eight point lead with another double on the ninth end to lead 16-9, with Quirk going into the back of her opponents bowl with a certain winner with a miss.
The Crossgates player who used to live in the Isle of Man, took the next three ends with three good singles.
The mini-fightback ended there as Clee used her own bowl to count for one, then the following end gave Quirk the opportunity to play through, with Quirk not getting enough contact on the counting bowl. A good two on the following end put Clee 20-12 ahead.
With Clee heading into the corner, Quirk took the opportunity to make two to stay in the game with the score now 14-20. The following end proved to be the last as Quirk played just over the crown putting up a good lead, which Clee beat at the first time of asking with a bowl about nine inches short of the jack. This forced the former islander to play a reaching bowl, however this just got top side of the counting bowl which resulted in heartbreak for Quirk and delight for Clee who secured her first June Festival title and the £1,250 first prize, whilst Quirk could console herself with the runners up prize of £625.
In the semi-finals both finalists were always in control with Clee booking her place in the final with a comfortable 21-12 win over Helen Gilroy (Rufford Park BC), while Quirk’s win was never in doubt with a 21-11 victory over Sian Skelton (Wrockwardine Wood).
Clee started her day with a battle as she won 21-20 against Joyce Ogden (Marown) who received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local, Gilroy had a battle with Heather Johnson (Chesterfield) before winning 21-18. In the other half of the draw Quirk progressed thanks to a 21-17 win over Tracy Wraight (Castlefields), whilst Skelton recorded a comfortable 21-13 victory over Amanda Nicholas (Gresford Colliery).
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, it proved to be a good week for Lynda Hough (Norley) as she won the Tourism with a comfortable 21-12 victory over Holly Bishton (Wrockwardine Wood).
Hough reached the final with a 21-16 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), whilst Bishton booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park).
In the quarter finals Hough took a hard earned 21-17 victory over Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst Moore got over the line 21-19 against Rebecca Teare (Marown). In the other half of the draw Bishton progressed to the next round with a 21-16 win over Wrockwardine Wood club mate Barbara Hughes, with Monk taking a comfortable 21-8 win over Sue Gawne (Noble’s).
Kelly Wins Pre-Festival Ballacashtal Cup
Ballacashtal Cup sponsored by ABS Solutions - 2023 Winner Colin Kelly
Photo: Arnie WithersThe ever-popular pre-festival Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday attracting an entry of 70 bowlers, made up of local and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in good condition, the competition was once again sponsored by ABS Solutions.
At the quarter final stages five of the eight players were locals. Losing out were South Ramsey’s David Bradford who led 20-15 and was lying two for game against Colin Kelly only for the Marown man to run out with a 21-20 win. Steve Barber (Chapel Park) made it through to his second semi-final of the weekend with a comfortable 21-12 win over Marown’s Karl Parker.
In the other half of the draw Keith Middleton (Fairfield) was lying game down at 20-20 against Jordan Cain, with Cain attempting to get a second counting bowl he slightly opened the end up to give his opponent an opportunity to get in which he duly did with a great last bowl to progress to the next round. The final game of the quarter finals saw another Marown player Neil Withers put an end to the run of Paul Bradley (Fairfield) with a 21-10 victory.
The standard in the semi-finals shifted up another gear, with Barber taking on Kelly, with the latter trailing 6-11 and 14-17, with one last big push from the local man enough to see him book his place in the final with a 21-17 win.
The second semi-final was well poised with Withers against Middleton, the game was all square at 15-15 after 13 ends. Both players scored a single and a double to level up again at 18-18, with Withers then scoring a double to lead 20-18. A single for the Fairfields man put Middleton one end away from the final, however the local man got the one point he needed to progress with a 21-19 victory.
The final had most neutrals predicting a Kelly win, however an upset looked on the cards as Withers made a strong start playing his customary shorter length to build an 18-10 lead after 11 ends.
A fight back looked like it could be on the cards with a single and a two for Kelly was stopped in its tracks with a single for Withers to lead 19-13. Another point was picked up by Kelly, as he headed straight for the corner towards the gate, but proceeded to get low with both bowls gifting Withers the opportunity to make another for game. Withers failed to make another with his second bowl falling short.
This ultimately proved to be a game changer as despite leading 20-14 Kelly got in the following end, then headed for his less preferred corners with a last throw of the dice, scoring five singles with a double in between to run out with an unlikely 21-20 victory to win the Ballacashtal Cup to claim his first singles open win of the season.
The presentation was made by Castletown Club Chairman Phil Taubman who thanked the sponsors ABS Solutions for their continued support of the competition, the ladies for the refreshments and Kath Kinley for running the competition. Upon accepting the trophy Colin noted it was another good comeback which had helped get him over the line on the day.
Dunn Wins Jim Kernan Cup
Jim Kernan Cup 2023 - Sponsor George Brew with Winner Paul Dunn who lifted the trophy for the second time
Photo: Arnie WithersSouth Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a strong entry of 63. With heavy rain overnight and into the morning this took the pace out of the green, however it did help the competition finish at a reasonable time.
At the quarter final stage home greener Greg Barlow lost out 10-21 to Paul Dunn (Marown), club mates Matthew Keggen and Neil Withers (both Marown) faced each other with the latter winning 21-18. Visitor Wayne Jevons (Wirral) got the better of Finch Hill man Dave McCabe 21-14, whilst another visitor Steve Barber (Chapel Park) just got past Alan Moore 21-20.
In the semi-finals the two remaining locals faced each other, with Dunn up against Withers, as the former was quickest out of the blocks opting for a longer length to build up an eight point lead at 16-8. Withers responded to score eight of the next nine points to sit just one chalk behind at 16-17. Marown captain Dunn then finished the game off winning three of the next four ends to book his place in the final with a 21-17 win.
The second semi-final was also well contested between visiting bowlers Jevons and Barber, with the latter reaching the semi-final for a second consecutive year. The first 10 ends of the game saw just one double scored by Barber on the first end which put the score at 11-10. Jevons stepped up a gear to score four doubles to lead 20-13. Barber attempted to make a comeback with two doubles, however a great last bowl from Jevons with his opponent counting for two sealed a 21-17 win and his place in the final.
The final got underway with a crowd of almost 60 people still in attendance to see who would take home the trophy, it was local man Dunn who made the better start on a longer length to lead 11-6 after seven ends.
Merseyside man Jevons fought his way back into the game a shorter mark to sit just one point behind at 13-14. The Marown man rallied once more to see the game out with a single and three doubles to record a 21-13 victory and with it his second time of lifting the trophy, and follows on from his win in his last outing at Marown, Dunn is in fine form as we head into the festival and upcoming Manx Championship.
The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore who thanked George Brew for once again sponsoring the competition, the ladies for providing the refreshments throughout the day, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day. The prizes were then presented by George’s grandson Bailey.
June Festival Preview
June Festival Winners 2022 - Alexis Lunn-Gadd and James Wilcox
Photo: Arnie WithersThe 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 coveted trophy and pick up the winners’ cheque for £3,000. The festival numbers are heading in a positive direction with a bumper entry of 416 in the Men’s event – the highest we have seen for several years’ as it promises to be a fascinating week.
With most competitors starting off a +5 handicap, one of the previous winners John Bailey (Castlefields) appears on the first page of the draw as he starts off a +3 handicap, however Bailey should be able to navigate his way through the early rounds before facing some of the better-known names. In the other half of the page is Josh Mordue (Pudsey) who will be looking to claim his first Festival title.
On the second page local man Paul Dunn (Marown) has a tough early test as he faces Graham Hickey (Lower Hopton), whilst double winner and current holder James Wilcox (Crossgates) will he looking to create a bit of history and retain the trophy. Thongsbridge man and regular visitor Chris Kelly is in the draw, but rumoured not to be travelling, which could clear a path on the bottom half of the page for Billy Speed (Castlefields) to progress to the latter stages.
In the next section 1992 losing finalist Mike Telford (Knutsford) who lost out to Martin Bacon makes a long-awaited return. Ian Nicholson (Netherfield) is a three-time September winner, with all three wins picked up in the space of five years, the first title in 2004, then back to back in 2008 and 2009. Blackpool man Tommy King (Kirkham) who may still be celebrating Manchester City’s recent historic treble will be hoping for a good week on and off the green.
On page four local man Colin Kelly (Marown) is back in time from his tour of Canada as he looks to claim his second title, with his sole success arriving in 2008. Big hitter Chris Barton (Wirral) will be in the mix, whilst 1990 winner Kevan Shaw (Red Lion Whoughton) returns to our shores having not competed last year, he could well face 2018 Autumn Waterloo winner Jon Palmer (Castlefields) in the second round.
Moving onto the next page another familiar name features previous winner Geoff Telford (Knutsford), with his success in this competition arriving 26 years ago with victory in the final over Norman Fletcher – a legend of the game, as he faces local man Rob Monk (North Ramsey) in the first round. Recent South Yorkshire veterans merit winner Andrew Sorsby (Thongsbridge) looks well placed to go deep into the competition.
Another local man Matthew Quirk (Onchan) is on page six, he will be looking to go one step further than 2013, as he lost 18-21 to Marown’s Neil Withers in the final. The bottom half of the page looks open to anyone in good form, with James Higgins (Dronfield) featuring he will be keen to reach the latter stages,
September 2022 winner Stephen Glover (Liverpool CC) returns to the island for the first time since his success, he will be looking to have his name etched onto the June trophy. Two previous festival winners feature in the bottom half of the page as Neil Withers (Marown) plays Callum Wraight (Castlefields), with the latter carrying on where he left off last season picking up multiple titles in the UK. The winner of that tie could then face Dave McDermott (Tixall BC) with the winner undoubtably fancying their chances of a finals day appearance.
Regular visitor Mark Hughes better known as ‘Sparky’ will be another man from Crossgates looking to add his name to the Trophy, with his best effort to date reaching the final in 2017, only to lose out 16-21 to John Bailey. Former two-time winner (1999 & 2018) Martin Gilpin (Netherfield) could play 1998 winner David Jackson (Knutsford) in their second games should both men get through the first round.
On page nine 2016 winner Kez Smith (Crossgates) shouldn’t have too much trouble with his early round games, whilst September 2002 winner David Bradford (South Ramsey) could face previous winner Paul Bailey (Thongsbridge) as early as Wednesday morning.
On the next page Conor Chamberlain (Stretton Anglesey) features with 2019 winner Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) in the bottom half there is a potential clash on Thursday afternoon in the last 32 with both players having to win four games to get to that stage.
Appearing on page 11 is September 2000 winner Andy Spragg (Chesterfield) who will be looking to be crowned the champion for a second time, whilst in the bottom half of the page Joseph Cranston is another Crossgates man will fancy his chances of reaching the latter stages.
South Ramsey’s Bob Clark who lost out in the semi-finals in September 2022 is rumoured to be missing out due to work commitments, whilst Ballaugh man Nigel Tebay (Ballaugh) will have his work cut out with June 2003 winner Matthew Gilmore (Castlefields). 32 years have passed since Onchan stalwart Phil Kerruish had his finest hour as he picked up the title in 1991.
On the last page Chris Mordue (Pudsey) will be hoping for his first win on Manx soil, he could face Ballaugh Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly on Wednesday morning, with another former winner Robby Fitzpatrick (Wirral) potentially awaiting the winner. Marown’s Peter Jones who relocated to the island last year faces former Merseyside teammate Danny Barwise (Tixall B.C.) in the first round, in what could be a great spectacle.
The Noble’s greens have improved considerably following the work that has gone onto all three greens over the winter, I am fully expecting visitors to be pleasantly surprised by the condition of the greens. 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!
South Ramsey B Are All ‘Hart’
Ballaugh A pictured in the first round of the Rayner Shield at Marown in early April
Photo: Arnie WithersAfter a welcome week’s break due to the TT it was back to league and cup action in the Canada Life International bowling leagues.
Match of the week in Division One was between South Ramsey B and Port St Mary A on a tricky Ramsey green. The visitors came away pleased with a 4-6 win, as they took the aggregate by a solitary chalk (136-137). Helping the home team pick up three of their four points were the Hart family with Dad Tony who beat Tom Collins 21-16, youngest son Toby beat Bernard Thackrah 21-7, Toby’s older brother Austin impressed as he inflicted a rare league defeat on Trevor Quayle 21-19, whilst Tony Dugdale picked up the fourth win as he beat Dan Mccabe 21-11. For the Port men Paul Skelly held off Ben Dugdale 21-17, with comfortable wins picked up by Wayne Roberts, Robbie Cooil and Tim Williams over Eddie Carlyle, Frank Watson and Christian Caley respectively.
At the top end of the table Marown A hosted Castletown A at Crosby on Monday night, with the home team missing two regulars in Colin Kelly and Phil Kelly, however they still took home a convincing 9-1 win, with Ian Watson making a return to the A Team, he impressed with a convincing 21-9 win over Matthew Keggen. For Marown Dean Kipling won 21-7 against Nathan Hamilton, whilst Neil Withers beat Mike Hargraves 21-3.
South Ramsey A had a tricky looking away game against Marown C the following evening, so it proved despite winning 1-9 on the night they had to battle for three of their wins. Bob Clark was 19-11 up on Tom Kelly, before winning 21-18, Peter Collister led 18-13 against Marown captain Stevie Rundle, with Rundle levelling up at 18-18, only for Collister to rally to win 21-18. South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves trailed 7-13, then 16-19 to Andy Kennish, with the former finishing strongly to secure a hard fought 21-19 win. Preventing the whitewash for Marown was Peter Kelly who beat James Teare 21-12. The result ensured the top two matched each other once again.
Elsewhere Peel A had a comfortable 9-1 home win over North Ramsey A, with Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly leading the way with a 21-2 win over John Corteen, notably four of the home team wins were 17 or above. For the Mooragh Men Steve Walmsley picked up the only win as he held off Dean Kinley 21-19.
Onchan A picked up a solid 9-1 home win over Marown B, with home captain Peter Slinger the only single figure winner on the night as he beat John Kelly 21-8. Walter McCarthy was the man who prevented a 10-0 defeat as he beat Jamie Clague 21-11.
Douglas A hosted Peel B at the Villa, with captain Mervin Sayle winning 21-2 against Rob Middleton, whilst Gary Conwell held off Andy Mackie 21-20, with Gordon Wynne-Smythe also winning a close game 21-19 against Paul Quirk. For Peel Gordon Corrin beat Shaun Seal 21-19, whilst Dewi Bartlett continues to impress as he settles in to Island life winning to the same score against Andy Cannell.
In Division Two third placed Castletown B are in the mix with a 7-3 home win over Ballaugh A, with two single figure wins from Ross Moore and Derek Lewney, whilst George Peach and John Matheson both scraped home 21-20. The visitors are 11 points behind league leaders Finch Hill A, however they do have a game in hand to close the gap.
Finch Hill A came away from Onchan C with a good 2-8 win, as they stayed top of the table by two points on 70 points from 10 games played.
Port Erin A just missed out on a 10-0 maximum by two chalks following their 9-1 home win over South Ramsey C, as Andy Morgan prevented the whitewash with his 21-19 win over Mark Stockholm.
Elsewhere Douglas B occupy second place following their 3-7 away win over Noble’s A, North Ramsey B beat Noble’s B 7-3 at Mooragh Park, whilst Onchan B won 4-6 away to Peel B (123-127).
In Division Three the match of the night was between two of the top teams, with leaders Ballaugh B hosting third placed Noble’s D. The visitors managed to secure five wins to claim a 5-5 draw, with the home team edging the chalks (144-142). For the home team two single figure wins from Gary Griffiths and Mike Buckeridge ensured the aggregate went in favour of the home team.
Port St Mary B went joint top with Ballaugh B with a 3-7 away win over Douglas C.
Elsewhere South Ramsey D slipped to a 4-6 home defeat to end their recent good form, Noble’s C impressed with a 6-4 home win over Peel D, with the final two matches seeing a single chalk separate the teams as Finch Hill B claimed a 6-4 home win over Peel D (125-124), whilst Port Erin B drew 5-5 with Douglas D as the Breagle men managed to field a full team.
Plumbmaster Rayner Shield
The quarter final stages were played out on Wednesday evening on another fine evening, as the tie of the round saw South Ramsey A host Marown A.
The first two games off went in favour of the Crosby men as Colin Kelly beat James Teare 21-16, with Glenn Boland gaining revenge over Glynn Hargraves as he impressed with a 21-6 win. South Ramsey got their first win under their belt with Jordan Cain seeing off Neil Withers 21-16. Paul Kelly put the visitors 3-1 up at the half way stage getting over the line 21-17 after a spirited comeback from Stefan Kelly.
In the second half with South Ramsey trailing by 19 chalks, their back four turned the match around with David Bradford beating Paul Dunn 21-13, Peter Collister ran out with a 21-20 win after trailing 17-20 against John Gelling. With two matches left on the green the comeback was almost complete with Bob Clark well ahead against Peter Jones, as Clark went on to win 21-12. The last game on the green was between Dido Kelly, who was making his first appearance of the season and Phil Kelly who had just returned from holiday. A good start from Dido to lead 10-0 kept his opponent at arm’s length throughout the game, as they matched each other point for point from there for Dido to win 21-11 and secure a 5-3 win for the home team to progress to the semi-final stage. The match was well contested by both teams with Marown putting in a good performance as just nine chalks separating the teams (144-135).
Elsewhere Onchan A progressed to the next round with a solid 2-6 away win over Castletown B, with Peter Oates and Ross Moore the winners for Town. North Ramsey A made home advantage count as they won 8-0 against South Ramsey C, with four single figure wins, whilst Marown C won to the same score against Douglas B, with Stuart Garrett coming closest to snatching a consolation win for the Villa men as he lost out 18-21 to Steve Rough.
Plumbmaster Rayner Plate
Ballaugh A (+30) had to turn around a 20-chalk deficit against Noble’s A (+50), which they managed to do comfortably as they won by 27 chalks, with all six of their wins being comfortable which helped their cause.
Finch Hill A (+30) hosted South Ramsey B (+40), despite the home team winning 5-3 on the night, they couldn’t make up the 10-chalk deficit as they lost by 15 chalks (156-171), as two single figure wins for the visitors from Tony Dugdale and Tony Hart, along with Ben Dugdale’s 21-10 win over Paul Dougherty were enough to get them over the line.
First Division team Peel B (+20) hosted third division outfit Finch Hill B (+65) with the home team having to clawback a 45-chalk deficit, which they did by 17 chalks (188-171) thanks to an 8-0 victory.
The final match of the round was held on Thursday evening between third division leaders Ballaugh B (+45) and first division side Marown B (+15) with the visitors having to make up a 30-chalk deficit… Report to follow…
MADISON RETAINS RHEUBEN THOMAS JUNIOR TROPHY
Madison McMullan (holding the trophy) with her sisters Bailey and Lacey who also took part in the competition
Photo: Denise HoriskThe third running of the Rheuben Thomas Junior Bowling Trophy was held on the morning of Sunday 11th June on the glorious setting of the North Ramsey Bowling Club green in Mooragh Park. An entry of 22 competitors was split into two groups, the younger/less experienced bowlers playing in a Round Robin event with the older/more experienced bowlers playing in a knockout competition for the Rheuben Thomas Junior Bowling Trophy.
In the Round Robin event the competitors were split into two groups with the winner of each group meeting to decide the outright winner of the event. Enya Christian was a clear winner of one group with newcomer Landon Allison winning his group by just one chalk. In the final Enya got off to a flying start leading 4– 0 after the first four ends and despite a determined comeback by Landon in the last few ends Enya ran out as the winner 7–3.
In the knockout event Madison cruised through the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final meeting with Clark Kelly. Madison led 12-4 after 12 ends and looked to be well on her way to reaching the final however Clark fought back gamely and was leading 19-18 after the 27th end. It was Madison, however, who won the contest scoring a 2 and a 1 on the last two ends, winning 21-19. The other half of the draw saw Victoria Johnson playing Lola Tebay in the semi-finals. This was again a very close game with the lead changing multiple times and after 28 ends Lola led by 19-18. Mirroring the scoring of the other semi-final it was Victoria who ran out as the winner scoring a 2 and a 1 on the last two ends.
In the final Madison dominated the game and was never behind winning the match in the 18th end 21-7, thereby retaining the trophy she had won the previous year.
The prizes were presented by Heidi Thomas (Rheuben’s widow) assisted by NRBC Junior Coach Janet Monk. In addition to the main trophy presented to Madison she and Enya Christian received small trophies to keep whilst runners up Victoria and Landon received silver medals. All competitors received a bronze medal commemorating the event.
NRBC would like to thank Heidi and all her family for their efforts to support the event and everyone else who contributed to the running of the competition.
Tebay Triumps at Town Cup
Ladies Town Cup Finalists
Sue Gawne, Louise TebayThe Ladies Ramsey Town Cup was held on Sunday 11th June at North Ramsey bowling club in glorious sunshine, after the Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy, which is a junior competition and took place in the morning.
A good entry of 29 bowlers enjoyed a lovely, relaxed setting in the beautiful Mooragh park. Most bowlers playing off 6.
Through to the quarter finals were Caroline Corlett and Maddison McMullan. After 13 ends Caroline was 17/13 up but Maddison managed to win the next 6 ends to finish 17/21.
The other winning quarter finalists were Sue Gawne against Caroline Parker 21/14. Tina Hampson against Joy Morris 21/20 and Louise Tebay against Janet Monk 21/17.
The semi-finals saw a convincing win for Louise Tebay against Tina Hampson 21/8 and Sue Gawne sealed her place in the final with a 21/19 win against Maddison McMullan in an exciting game that was to and fro from the start.
The final between Louise and Sue was always going to be a tough match for both of these talented players. Sue got off to a good start and established an early lead, but Louise took command of the green in the final stages, finding a mark across the crown and the game ended Louise 21 Sue 13.
The prizes were presented by Gary Merrill from North Ramsey. Louise thanked Sue for a great game and all the other competitors, along with the helpers from North Ramsey, who had made the competition such a success.
May CLI Players of the Month
Congratulations to May Canada Life International Award winners:-
Men’s Player of the Month: David Bradford – South Ramsey
Ladies Player of the Month: Janet Monk – Mooragh Park
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Grace Gawne – Noble’s
David or ‘Drof’ was a clear pick for the men’s player of the month as the player ranked number one on the island picked up two singles titles during the month, as he won the big money Villa Classic, whilst also lifting the Association Cup for the second time. Bradford’s form for his team also saw him lose just one game in the month of May, at the hands of Kevin Quirk at Onchan Park.
The pick from the Ladies Section this month was Janet Monk who won the award for the second time as Janet won 15 games in the Over 60’s and night leagues, with 11 of those wins to single figures. Janet also demonstrated good form as she went on to win the George Hawkins Memorial Shield which is open to Over 60’s Men and Ladies.
Junior bowler Grace picked up the under 21 title, representing the Junior Island team in St. Helen’s dropping just four chalks on the day in her four games to score 56 chalks out of a possible 60. Ending the month on a high in the Junior Manx Championship, held recently at Noble’s Grace brushed aside all before her as she went one better than 2022 to pick up her first Junior Championship title. Grace will also travel to the UK later in the year to represent the Island.