Monthly Archives: July 2023
Jenny Moore wins Jordan Cup at Nobles
Jordan Cup Winner 2023
Jenny MooreSaturday 22nd July saw the return of the Jordan Cup, kindly sponsored by Atla Group, at Nobles Bowling Club. The last time the competition was held was 2020, as drawn doubles. This year saw a return to its original singles format.
There were 21 entrants on what was expected to be a very miserable wet afternoon, however the weather held off and we only had minor drizzly outbursts towards the end of the afternoon.
The afternoon went well with the quarter final one, Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) v Paula Firth (Nobles). Paula led for most of the match until the 18th end when Kim made a comeback to bring the score to 17 across. Paula then managed a 2 to bring the game to 19-17 but Kim held the pressure to take the game 21-19.
In the second quarter final it was point for point between Sue Gawne (Nobles) and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) up until 15 across, then Jenny went up a gear to bring the game to 21-15.
The third quarter final saw newcomer Keri Hampson (Nobles) take on junior player Martha Butler (Marown). Martha took the lead early on to lead 16-6, when Keri started to get back in the game. After 22 ends Martha was at match point to Keri’s 15 but Keri held her head to eventually run out 21-20. This was her second 21-20 result of the day.
The last quarter final saw Tina Hampson (Nobles) take on mixed teammate Jayne Smith (Marown). Jayne was 17 -10 up after 17 ends but Tina started making a comeback to a 2 point deficit at 18-16. Jayne then took a 2 and a 1 to close out the game 21-16.
Semi-final 1 saw club mates Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore take on each other with Jenny coming out on top 21-9.
The second semi-final saw Keri Hampson take on Jayne Smith. Up until today Keri hadn’t won a game before so she was pleased to have reached this far. Jayne took control of the game but Keri fought well with the game ending 21-5.
Jenny Moore and Jayne Smith were the finalists. The score after 27 ends was 19-18 to Jenny, with both players giving everything. It was Jenny who rolled out victorious with single points in the last 2 ends, making the final score 21-18.
The presentation party consisted of Tina Hampson Nobles Comp Sec, for Atla Lisa Bradshaw and Jamie McKenna Director of Atla Fiduciaries Limited. Nobles thanked the sponsors, everyone who attended and as always the measurers, markers and volunteers. It seems a great day was had by all.
Ladies Open Age League
Port St Mary 112 V 164 Castletown A (4-5) The strong Castletown side winning 4 of the games to single figures, and losing only 2 of the games to just 21-20, meant that they still produced a good 164 points for a good match win.
Marown B 151 V 133 Mooragh Park (5-4) A close call for both sides, with a couple of single figures wins the Marown B side just taking a few more points to secure them the win.
Nobles 117 V 170 Marown A (3-6) The visitors just managed to take a few single-figure wins to keep them out of Noble’s reach. Marilyn Ellison, Tina Hampson and Sue Gawne all took wins for Nobles.
South Ramsey 188 V 132 Port Erin (8-1) A great win for the Ramsey side only 1 point off a maximum score. The Port Erin side came close with two 21-19 loses and a 21-20 and 21-17.
Douglas 131 V 150 Ballagh (4-5) Another close game, with both teams winning 3 games to single figures. Jane Lothian (Douglas) 21-20 just held off Cath Harvey (Ballagh).
Friday 14th saw only Peel Sunset prepared to play in the torrential rain, much to Nobles surprise. All the other games were called off due to green unable to be played on. So the rest of us were tucked up cosy with our feet up and no doubt a glass or two of something. Nobles seemed to like the heavy watered green winning 6 of their games to single figures. Peel Sunset 84 V 175 Nobles (2-7)
Jean Kelly Knockout Prelim
Port St Mary (+44) 175 V 200 Marown B (+58)
Port St Mary hosted the first prelim game. The Marown B team ended up being just to strong for them. Jo Corkill (Marown) found her confidence with a butal 21-8 win. Both teams had a couple of single figure wins. But even without the +14 advantage Marown push on to the Quarter Final round where they will face an away game at Castletown B.
Busy week for Over 60’s Ladies
Onchan A played Mooragh Park A, winning 4-2 and by just 2 points 105-103. Mooragh Park had 3 close games at 17,18 and 19.
Peel Sunset had a good win over Nobles 106 V 96 (4-2) with Shirley Corrin (Peel) and Dee Lewis (Nobles) both winning their games 21-6. Libby Andrade came a close second after just losing out to Peels Mary Moffett 21-20
Port St Mary A travelled across to Castletown B to draw on games, but take the win 90-105.(3-3)
Mooragh Park B Struggled this week at home to Finch Hill 65 V 117 (1-5). Gillian Malpass was the only Northern side to win 21-12.
Ballagh 120 V 88 Douglas A (4-2) Douglas A winners Kay McKierman 21-19 and Pauline Cowley 21-17 just stopped the Ballagh sie picking up a full house.
Marown hosted Port Erin B winning 3 of the games to single figures. Kay Primrose-Smith 21-17 and Gwen Tuck 21-20 put Marowns chances of a full house to a halt. 121 V 75 (4-2)
South Ramsey travelled the coast to Port Erin A 89 V 115 (3-3) which finished level on games, with 2 close 21-20 games and South Ramsey taking the win on points.
On the second games of the week. Nobles produced some good single figure wins to take the match against Onchan A 122 V 51 (5-1) Maureen Payne was Onchans lone winner 21-17.
Mooragh Park A 116 V 69 Port Erin A (5-1)The Ramsey side were on top form winning 2 of the games to single figures. The Southsides only winner was Pauline Worrall 21-11.
Port Erin B 70 V 115 Ballaugh (2-4) Rose Watterson 21-2 and Barbara Graham 21-4 both had great wins for the Ballaugh Side. Port Erin B winners were Kay Primrose-Smith 21-18 and Gwen Tuck 21-13.
Finch Hill 86 V 111 Peel Sunset (2-4) Mary Moffatt 21-2 and Joyce Kelly 21-7 are showing their experience and played some fantastic bowls on the away green.
South Ramsey 85 V 109 Castletown A (2-4) this was a match pretty even on games with the exception of Castletowns Hillary Kermode 21-7 and Kath Kinley 21-4 wins.
Castletown B 97 V 115 Marown (2-4) The Castletown green played its usual home advantage and Marown struggled to take the usual easy win and had to dig deep to win this one. Full credit to Castletown B who pushed hard to gain all the points that they did.
Douglas A 116 V 50 Mooragh Park B (5-1) Douglas A were on fire in this game, winning 3 of the games 21-5 and Sue McCourt also taking a 21-3 win. Chris Simms for the Ramsey side won her game 21.11.
Madison McMullan wins Junior Girls Merit Title
Junior Merit Finalists
Lola Tebay (Runner Up), Maddison McMullan (Winner)On Saturday 15th July the Junior Girls Merit took place at Douglas Bowling Club.
With an entry of 12 the format was 2 groups of 6 played in a round robin format, with the winners of each group playing the final.
Group 1 saw Aalish Moore, Emily Jacobs, Katie Jacobs, Madison McMullan, Lacey McMullan and Erin Quayle. With Katie and Madison both only losing 1 game it was then left to decide on chalk difference that Madison would go through to the final.
Group 2 saw Lola Tebay, Bailey McMullan, Grace Gawne, Graiagh Smith, Olivia Johnson and Grayse Blencoe. Lola was the clear winner of this group and she won all of her games to see her go through to the final.
The Final began with Lola and Madison. Madison took control of this game and Lola just couldn’t get inside. Which left Madison winner 11-1 to take the junior girls Merit title.
The presentation was made by the Ladies association where Douglas Bowling Club were thanked for hosting the event. All of the competitors received some goodies and winner Madison and runner up Lola received their prizes.
‘Nev’ Wins Maiden Dreswick Cup
Dreswick Cup Winner 2023 - Neil Withers
Photo: Arnie WithersA healthy entry of 40 players took part in Port St Mary’s Dreswick Cup men’s singles competition played at Port Erin Bowling Club on Thursday afternoon. Luckily the weather was warm and sunny making it a very enjoyable afternoon of bowls.
The Dreswick Cup has been going for over 50 years and has always been played on a Thursday afternoon when traditionally most local shops had half day closing on a Thursday.
A couple of big matches in the second round saw club mates competing with each other, in the top half of the draw South Ramsey’s Glynn Hargraves pushed David Bradford hard eventually losing to 19-21. In the bottom half of the draw Marown’s Colin Kelly also went close before losing to 20-21 against Neil Withers.
At the quarter final stage David Bradford beat teammate James Teare 21-18, Paul Dunn beat clubmate Walter McCarthy 21-11, Alan Moore (South Ramsey) ended home greener Bernie Durcan’s (Port Erin) run winning 21-17 and Neil Withers got the better of Nathan Hamilton (Castletown) 21-16.
Both semi-final matches involved players from South Ramsey and Marown, Bradford and Dunn have had many battles together, Dunn came out on top this time winning seven of the last eight ends to win 21-17.
In the second semi-final Moore and Withers had a good match with the lead constantly changing, Withers finished stronger though and won 21-18.
An all Marown final between team mates Dunn and Withers was a good quality game, Withers started strong building up a 16-7 lead, Dunn came back winning the next five ends closing the gap to 16-14 before Withers took control again taking the next four ends to win 21-14.
The Presentation was made by Port St Mary Club President Margaret Tasker who thanked all the members that helped through the day to run a successful competition. In his speech Withers said it was his first time winning the title having reached the final five times previously.
Peter Slinger Wins Over 60’s Manx Championship
Over 60’s Manx Champion - Peter Slinger
Photo: Norman KneenAfter two days of qualifying rounds in the Men’s 2023 Crown Green Bowls Championship last week the last eight met at Peel Sunset Bowling Club on Tuesday afternoon to decide a winner.
The first of the quarter finals saw Peter Collister (South Ramsey) put up a great performance to beat Neil Dunwell (Onchan) 21-5 while Brian Lindsay (Peel) lost 19-21 to Derek Allen (Onchan). The only past winner in Finals Day was Brian Colquitt (North Ramsey) who beat Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) 21-12, while Peter Slinger (Onchan) proved to be too strong for home greener Dougie Allan (Peel) as he took the win 21-10.
In the semi-finals we saw Peter Collister putting up another strong performance to beat Derek Allen 21-5 and despite a spirited performance Brian Colquitt went down 13-21 to Peter Slinger.
So to the final and here we saw Peter Collister struggling to match his great form from the earlier rounds, while Peter Slinger played good bowls to build up a 15-7 lead after 18 ends. Collister then won the jack and fought back to 16-16 after 25 ends and get himself back in the game, he then he lost three singles, but then he picked up two singles to make it 18-19. Slinger then scored a two to win his first Over 60’s Championship with a 21-18 victory.
The Trophies were presented by Mark Kelly the Competition Secretary of the Isle of Man Over 60’s League. Peter Slinger then thanked the spectators for staying to watch on what was an extremely wet day, he also thanked the organisers and Peel Sunset Bowling Club for hosting the event and said that it was enjoyable to play such a great opponent as Peter Collister who showed great sportsmanship throughout the competition.
South Ramsey A Extend Lead
Port St Mary A pictured at South Ramsey on Wednesday Evening in their rearranged fixture
Photo: Phil CainIn Canada Life International League Division One, the biggest clash of the night was between Onchan A and Marown A at the Park as the home team were defeated 4-6 but made a good fight of it, losing the aggregate by just nine chalks (138-147) with a couple of high profile upsets thrown in by Onchan, as Jamie Clague beat Dean Kipling 21-17, whilst Will Penhallurick got over the line 21-20 against seven time Manx Champion Colin Kelly 21-20, with Kelly having room to get in on the last end he was short with his last bowl. Other winners for Onchan were Matthew Quirk who beat Paul Kelly 21-8, whilst Peter Slinger had to dig deep for his 21-18 victory. For the Crosby men Glenn Boland had it all to do as he trailed Neil Dunwell before edging over the line 21-20, Peter Jones beat Mike Thomas 21-10, Paul Dunn won 21-11 against Reg Temporaza and Neil Withers performed well to beat Kevin Quirk 21-13.
North Ramsey A welcomed local rivals South Ramsey A to Mooragh Park with the home team taking four games off the current league champions in their 4-6 home defeat. In the first half the South men had three single figure wins from Dido Kelly, Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves as they beat Allan Callow, Mike Skelly and Jimmy Moffatt respectively. David Bradford was the only winner for the visitors in the second half of the match as he beat Gary Merrill 21-14. For the home team Steven Waters beat fellow Newcastle fan Bob Clark 21-9, captain Rob Monk beat Stefan Kelly 21-12, Steve Walmsley performed well to win 21-15 against James Teare, whilst Paul Allison just got over the line 21-20 against Peter Collister after leading 20-14.
Port St Mary A eased their relegation fears with a 7-3 win against Castletown A at Breagle Glen, as they won the aggregate by seven chalks (147-140), just missing out on a further two points as Dave Saxon lost 18-21 to George Foy, whilst Robbie Cooil lost to the same score against David Quayle. Nathan Hamilton was the third winner for the Town men as he beat Bernard Thackrah 21-6. For the home team Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle won comfortably against Ian Watson and Jordan Drewett respectively, Tim Williams beat Nathan Cooil 21-16, Tom Collins won 21-17 against Aaron Richardson, whilst Dan McCabe held off Chris Lever 21-18.
Peel A had the visit of Douglas A, with the home team winning five games this wasn’t enough to secure the chalks as two heavy defeats cost them the aggregate for a 5-5 draw (136-149). Winning big for the Villa men were Andy Cannell who beat Peter Greenlees 21-8 and Merv Sayle who won 21-6 against Dean Kinley. Ian Moore picked up a third win as he beat George Gadsby 21-17. In contrast all the home team wins were to high scores as David Proctor beat Shaun Seal 21-15, Pip Pemberton won 21-17 against Mark Kneen, with three 21-18 wins claimed by Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly, Gary Smith and Tommy McMeiken against Gary Conwell, Jimmy Sansom, and Keith Rise respectively.
Marown B took immediate revenge on Peel B at Crosby on Monday night just four days after they were put out of the Rayner Plate by just six chalks, thanks to a 7-3 home victory over the Peel men, also winning the chalks comfortably (151-124) to show home advantage goes a long way. Captain Darren Kerruish played his 12th game of the season and in doing so claimed his first league win of the season as he beat Thursday night hero Mick Kavanagh 21-9, whilst Harry Barton won 21-5 against Geoff Rice. Two 21-17 wins from Karl Parker and Walter McCarthy over Rob Middleton and Paul Quirk helped the home teams cause. For Peel Andy Mackie and Dave Smith took comfortable 21-13 wins against Brian Kelly and Juan Killip respectively, whilst Dewi Bartlett continues to impress as he beat Matthew Keggen 21-20.
South Ramsey B are rock bottom after another home disaster as they lost 3-7 to Marown C, who are moving ever closer to safety. Winning for the home team were Tony Hart who beat Steve Rough 21-19, Tony Dugdale won 21-16 against Sam Clague, whilst Eddie Carlyle won his game 21-15 against Dan Smith. For the visitors Kevin Kelly was the best winner on the night as he beat Christian Caley 21-4, Jamie Joughin beat Toby Hart 21-11, with Stevie Rundle, Peter Kelly and Tom Kelly all winning their games comfortably.
South Ramsey A played their rearranged home fixture with Port St Mary A on Wednesday evening with the league leaders extending their lead to seven points following a 10-0 victory as they kept the visitors below 100 chalks (168-95). Two games could have gone the other way, as Peter Collister fought back from a 2-9 deficit against Trevor Quayle to win 21-19, whilst Glynn Hargraves held his nerve to win his game 21-20 against Wayne Roberts after leading 14-7 before a spirited fightback from the Port Captain levelled the game at 20-20, only for Hargraves to secure the point on the deciding end.
In Division Two Finch Hill A are 13 points ahead of the second placed team as they beat Onchan B 7-3 at home. For the Finch men Dave McCabe was made to work for his 21-18 win over Mark Kelly, whilst Mike Kelly ensured it wasn’t a bigger win for Finch Hill as he beat John Qualtrough 21-19.
Second placed Ballaugh A bounced back from defeat in their last outing with a 10-0 home win over Noble’s B who scored just 80 chalks, as the home team secured five single figures victories. Mike Spooner had a game on his hands against Alex Hampson, with the latter just losing out 20-21 to the Ballaugh man.
Castletown B are in fourth place just five points off second place with a game in hand following their 7-3 home win over Peel C, as Willie Corkill won 21-2 against Steven Bradley, with Ross Moore also winning to single figures as he beat Kevin Mort 21-9.
Elsewhere in Division Two Noble’s A took home a solid 8-2 win over North Ramsey B at home, with John Andrew and Alex Yates helping secure two points with their hard-fought wins.
Douglas B made sure it was an unhappy journey home over the mountain for South Ramsey C with the Villa men winning 7-3. Willie Cowley was the best winner for the home team as he beat Richie Davies 21-5, Stuart Garrett won 21-6 against Anthony Kelly, whilst Greg Barlow stepped in for the visitors to beat Les Quayle 21-7.
Onchan C welcomed Port Erin A to the Park as the home team won 5-3 on games and edged the chalks (136-135). There were two single figure wins for the home team and two for the visitors. Winning close games for Onchan were Colin Brown who won 21-17 against Derek Allen, Brian Aspden won 21-19 against Christopher Dent and Denis Maxwell edged his game with David Cain 21-20, as Mark Stockham reversed the 21-20 for the visitors against David Tait.
In Division Three it was another night of wet weather, as league leaders Ballaugh B came away from Noble’s C with a 7-3 defeat (143-134) as the newly formed team caused on of the upsets of the season. Steve Cain continues to impress as he beat Fred Waggett 21-2, whilst their four other winners were Lee Price, Lee Greggor, Dean Sowerby and Steve Brennan.
South Ramsey D were at home to Finch Hill B, this resulted in a 6-4 win for the home team (142-132). Losing close games 18-21 for South Ramsey were Hakim Thomas and Frank Feeney to Chris Thompson and Chris Duggan respectively, whilst Steve Kelly beat John Smith 21-6. The best winner for Finch was captain Kevin Stannard who beat Geoff Collier 21-9.
Marown D welcomed Noble’s D to Crosby, the visitors came away with a 4-6 victory, with the potential to win more points missed as they lost games to 17, 18 & 20.
Peel D secured their best win of the season with a 9-1 home win over Port Erin B. Charlie McMeiken won the battle of the juniors as he held off Dylan Marsh 21-20, whilst Ken Horsley ensured there was no whitewash as he beat Joshua Trickett 21-11.
Port St Mary B postponed their fixture against Douglas D due to the weather, will have the opportunity to hit top spot.
Moore & Teare Win Spar Mixed Pairs
Spar Mixed Pairs Winners 2023 - James Teare & Jenny Moore
Photo: Glynn HargravesBallaugh Bowling hosted the Spar Mixed Doubles on Sunday afternoon with 34 pairs taking part with the rain holding off for the entire competition.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Douglas pair Pauline and Willie Cowley, who lost 14-21 to Marown’s Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones, Clare Cooper (Marown) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) were well beaten 8-21 by South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore and James Teare. Home green pair Rose Waterworth and Paul Cubbon put paid to the hopes of Marown duo Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn with a 21-16 win, whilst another South Ramsey pair Gill Dixon and Stefan Kelly won 21-10 against Margaret Tasker (Port St Mary and Les Brookes (Finch Hill).
The first semi-final saw Moore and Teare up against Bolton and Jones, with the Marown pair building up a four point lead after 10 ends at 15-11. The South Ramsey pair rallied over the next three ends scoring two consecutive three’s and a single to lead 18-15. Bolton and Jones responded with three singles to level the game up at 18-18, then three consecutive singles of their own saw Moore and Teare win 21-18 to reach the final.
In the other semi-final Waterworth and Cubbon took on Dixon and Kelly with the latter pair scoring just three doubles on their way to a hard earned 21-16 victory.
The final was expected to be a tight match with both pairs performing well all day. Dixon and Kelly scored a double first end to lead 8-6, then lost six consecutive ends as Moore and Teare scored heavily to go within touching distance of victory. A two for Dixon and Kelly on the eighth end for them into double figures at 10-20 and they were lying four on the following end only for Moore to find a gap and score the one point needed to secure victory.
The presentation was made by Chairman Gordie Moore, who thanked Maurice O’Reilly and the club members for helping run the competition along with the ladies for providing the catering throughout the day. In his speech James passed on his condolences to the members of Ballaugh Bowling Club following the recent loss of a great club man Richard Faragher, with a minutes silence held before play got underway for the day.
Over 60’s Manx Championship Preview
Over 60’s Manx Championship Qualifying Games
Photos: Norman KneenThe final stages of this years’ Over 60’s Manx Championship will be played to a conclusion at Peel Bowling Club on Tuesday afternoon with action getting underway from 1pm. BCGBA dress code applies. Get yourself there for what promises to be an intriguing afternoon of bowls.
Peter Collister vs Neil Dunwell
Collie is the most decorated player in the field, there isn’t much bigger an accolade than being a June Festival and Tourism winner at the tender age of 21 in 1983. Forty years on he is vying to get his hands on the Over 60’s Manx Championship. Collie came through his qualifying games with a 21-6 win over Bernard Thackrah and a hard fought 21-20 victory over Onchan man Kevin Quirk.
Dunwell should not be written off, as he is more than capable of an upset, he will quietly fancy his chances after taken out Peel’s Andy Kennish 21-16 to qualify for finals day, following a 21-7 win over South Ramsey’s Hakim Thomas in his first game. A keen competitor as he now plies his trade for Onchan A in the night league and Over 60’s.
Whilst Collister is clearly favourite, don’t write off Dunwell, who is more than capable of an upset,
Brian Lindsay vs Derek Allen
Lindsay is getting back into his bowls after a recent mysterious injury, if anyone ever finds out the real reason his arm was bandaged, please do let me know! One of two home greeners in the field, Lindsay has won eight of his last 10 games for Peel, came through qualifying with a 21-12 win over Ray Beattie, then beat David Buck 21-14 in his second game and just got over the line 21-20 against George Foy to reach the quarter finals.
Allen splits his bowls between Port Erin in the night league and Onchan in the Over 60’s, he will be hoping to go one better than 2020 when he reached the final only to come up against Barney. Derek gets in every competition going, is a good supporter of the open competitions all over the island. Allen came through his qualifying games as he beat Over 60’s Onchan clubmate Mark Kelly 21-11, then held his nerve as he held off night league teammate Seamus Whelan 21-20.
An evenly matched contest, could home advantage prove to be the difference?
Lee Dawson vs Brian Colquitt
‘Dawsy’ to most is a former home greener, so has good knowledge of the Peel green, he particularly enjoys playing the edge of the green, although he did start his bowls at Ballaugh. It is great to see Lee back on the green after a difficult winter. Dawson has won an open competition many moons ago, he came through qualifying following three tough games, beating Brian Aspden 21-18, Steve Parker to the same score and then beat Port Erin man Bernie Durcan 21-16 to qualify.
Brian Colquitt is a tough man to shift, he is a former Over 60’s Manx Champion and the only previous winner in the field having picked up the title in 2019. Colquitt came through his qualifying games with a hard fought 21-20 win over South Ramsey’s Bryan Corner and went on to beat Peel man Phil Clarke 21-8 to qualify.
An all-Ramsey battle, this is a tough one to call.
Dougie Allan vs Peter Slinger
Dougie is the second home greener in the draw, is a tough opponent and should not be under-estimated on Peel or indeed any green. Allan is in good form for Peel with nine wins from his last 10 games, with recent wins over James Teare, Tony Dugdale and a crucial 21-9 victory over Harry Barton in the Rayner Plate on Friday night, which went a long way to securing the win for his team. Dougie came through his qualifying games with two comfortable victories. Write Dougie off at your peril.
Onchan night league captain Slinger is in as good form as he has been for some time, with his run to the semi-finals of the Manx Championship taking the scalps of Peter Jones with a 21-5 win and Peter Collister 21-6. In the qualifying third spot play off the Onchan man beat Colin Kelly to secure a place in the British Senior Merit Finals at the end of the month. On Thursday Slinger came through his games with three single figure victories, with his most notable being his qualifying game to reach the quarter finals as he beat home greener Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who was the three-time champion and the current holder 21-7, despite trailing 5-2, Peter took apart Barney on home turf, later that day Slinger beat Alan Moore in the Rayner Shield semi-final in his fourth game of the day.
This could well be the tie of the round.
Dunn Wins Association Singles
Association Singles Winner 2023 - Paul Dunn (Marown)
Glynn HargravesPeel Bowling Club hosted the Association Singles on Sunday with the competition attracting an entry of 47 on a continuously improving Peel green, which held up well despite the heavy rain throughout the afternoon.
At the quarter final stage Marown captain Paul Dunn beat Noble’s captain Steve Cain 21-11, David Bradford (South Ramsey) put out the last remaining home greener, George Gadsby with a 21-12 win. In the other half of the draw Marown clubmates Matthew Keggen and Peter Jones clashed, with the latter winning 21-17, whilst another all club clash took place between South Ramsey’s Glynn Hargraves and Bob Clark, with the latter also winning to the same score to progress to the next round.
In the semi-finals Dunn was up against Bradford, with the latter looking to be well in control of the game as the South Ramsey man built up a six chalk lead at 18-12, however a seven end winning streak for the Marown man sealed an impressive comeback to run out with a 21-18 victory. In the other semi-final it was another South Ramsey versus Marown clash, however Jones dominated the game with Clark to take a comfortable 21-9 win to book his place in the final.
The final got underway with the best part of the day as the sun made a special guest appearance. Dunn took the early initiative to lead 12-8 after nine ends, however Jones turned the game around to win eight of the next 10 ends to lead 18-14. With a good comeback already secured in the semi-final Dunn started another as he won five of the last six ends conceding just one single to secure another good comeback with a 21-19 victory.
The presentation was made by competition committee officer Steve Moore, who thanked Peel for the use of the green, the club members for providing helpers throughout the day and the competition committee for the smooth running of the competition.