Monthly Archives: July 2024
Bradford Wins 3rd Dreswick Cup
Dreswick Cup Winner 2024 - David Bradford
Photo: Arnie WithersThe Dreswick men’s singles took place on Thursday afternoon at Breagle Glen, this is Port St Mary’s longest running ‘Open’ competition, first played back in 1947. A good entry of 44 players took part, including 14 visiting bowlers on tour from the Owd Nell’s pub in Preston. A damp start didn’t dampen the atmosphere around the green and conditions improved throughout the day.
The fallers at the quarter final stage were Ben Mowle (Port Erin) to Paul Dunn ( Marown), Andy Tiffin (Owd Nell’s) to Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) to David Bradford (South Ramsey). The closest quarter final match was between Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) and Chris Dransfield (Owd Nells), with the game at 20-20 and a front toucher for Quayle, Dransfield managed to play into the touching wood and leave himself on to win the match 21-20.
The first semi-final was between Dunn and Hargraves, the latter started with three singles before Dunn won nine ends in a row to take an 18-9 lead. Hargraves got it back to 18-14 before Dunn finished it off to win 21-14.
The other semi-final between Bradford and Dransfield was a more one sided match, Bradford kept Dransfield down to scoring four singles to win 21-10.
The final between Dunn and Bradford was always going to be a close match, after 16 ends the score was 15-15, Bradford finished the stronger to win The Dreswick for the third time, adding to his wins from 2005 and 2022.
The prize presentation was made by Wayne Roberts thanking Port St Mary competition secretary Christine Holland for running the comp, and everyone else at Port St Mary bowling club that helped make the day a success.
League Leaders Change Again
Marown D 2024
Photo: Arnie WithersIn Canada Life International Division One this week Marown A travelled to the park to take on Onchan A, who sat in third place at the start of play, it looked to be a tough fixture however the visitors pulled off their best performance of the season to win 9-1. The lone winner for Onchan was Peter Slinger, who won 21-14 against Glenn Boland, whilst Gary Conwell lost 19-21 to Phil Kelly. Next closest to winning was Reg Temporaza, with Tom Kelly prevailing 21-17. A notable result was Peter Jones inflicting a rare home league defeat on Matthew Quirk 21-8, in one of three single figure wins for the visitors.
South Ramsey A hosted Castletown A, with the home team winning 10-0 for the first time this season, however the Town men could well have snatched two points on the night. George Foy trailed Glynn Hargraves 1-10, before scoring 10 chalks on the bounce to lead 11-10, then went on to lead 17-12. A spirited fightback from the South Ramsey captain ensured there was no upset as Hargraves won 21-17. This comeback was surpassed in the second half of the match as James Teare was on course for a defeat to single figures at home, trailing 8-18 to Nathan Hamilton, however a superb display from Teare saw him score 13 chalks on the bounce to win 21-18.
Peel A came away from Breagle Glen with a 4-6 win over Port St Mary A, however they could have snatched two extra points as Tony Carroon lost out 20-21 to Robbie Cooil, whilst Peel captain George Gadsby lost 19-21 to Chris Lever. The result was good enough to take Peel above Onchan to occupy third place, whilst Port St Mary got out of the bottom two, leapfrogging Castletown.
North Ramsey A played Marown C at Mooragh Park, with the home team winning 9-1. John Kelly ensured it wasn’t 10-0 as he beat Gary Merrill 21-19, whilst Sid Bolton just lost out 20-21 to Steven Waters.
Marown B beat Douglas A 7-3 at Crosby in a keenly contested match, as just two chalks separated the teams (146-144). Steve Wilson just lost out 20-21 to Kevin Firth, however the home team had the same score go in their favour as Matthew Keggen held off Shaun Seal. For the Villa men Paddy Murphy was the best winner on the night as he stepped up from the B team to win 21-8 against Brian Kelly.
In Division Two Peel B suffered a second successive defeat, as they lost 4-6 at home to Port Erin A, losing the aggregate by nine chalks (141-150) to seal their fate. The result could have been worse but for Jimmy Corlett beating Steve Durcan 21-20.
Despite the defeat Peel B didn’t sacrifice top spot, as Finch Hill A made the most of South Ramsey B missing two players to win 7-3 with 11 chalks separating the sides (140-129).
Ballaugh A are in third place, were the biggest winners in Division Two this week in more ways than one as they beat Noble’s A 8-2 in third place and close the gap on South Ramsey B to one point, with Peel B top two points ahead of the Ballaugh men.
Castletown B continue to struggle as they suffered a 3-7 defeat at home to Onchan B, with Phil Cannon just missing out 20-21 for the Town men, as Paul Dougherty got over the line.
In Division Three Noble’s B remain five points clear at the top following their 8-2 won win over Peel C, with all games reaching double figures.
South Ramsey C moved up to second place following their 9-1 win over their lower ranked D Team, as Greg Barlow continues to lead the way at the top of the individual merit in Division Three.
Noble’s D won 8-2 at home to Port St Mary B to remain five points off top spot, whilst Noble’s C are just one point behind their D Team on 67 points, following an impressive 2-8 win away to Onchan C
Ballaugh B are 10 points adrift of the league leaders, following their 3-7 away win over Marown D.
In Division Four Ballaugh C remain 12 points clear at the top despite their 5-5 draw at home to Finch Hill B. Crucially the home team lost five home games to the Finch men, with four games finishing to close scores that didn’t go in their favour (17, 19, 20, 20) which ultimately cost them as they won the chalks comfortably (153-119), with all three home wins to single figures (3, 5, 6).
Douglas C beat their D Team 8-2, with four single wins keeping their lower ranked team to under 100 chalks (155-92).
Peel D brushed aside Noble’s E 8-2 in the Sunset City, with three single figure winners on the night.
North Ramsey C are well placed for a title charge following their fixture against Castletown C on Friday evening, as the Mooragh men won 8-2, have a game in hand on the top two.
Plumbmaster Rayner Shield
The second semi-final of the Rayner Shield took place between Castletown A and Marown C at the Crofts on Tuesday evening with both teams suffering heavy defeats the night before, this was always going to be a close encounter despite the Town men brushing aside Marown C 10-0 earlier in the season.
With both teams winning one game to single figures, there were four games which were keenly contested. Walter McCarthy held off George Foy 21-18, whilst the other three games went in favour of the Town men as Nathan Hamilton beat Peter Kelly 21-17, Andy Clark won 21-18 against Sid Bolton, whilst the battle of the captains was won by Jordan Drewett 21-20 against Stephen Rundle. Castletown sealed the win 5-3 to book their place in the final, with a nervy finish to the match with just eight chalks in it (146-138). Castletown A will face South Ramsey A on Friday 9th August, with the venue to be announced shortly.
Over 60’s Manx Championship Preview
Over 60's Manx Championship Last 8 Qualifiers
Photos: Norman KneenThe final stages of this years’ Over 60’s Manx Championship will be played to a conclusion at Marown Bowling Club on Wednesday afternoon with action getting underway from 1pm. BCGBA dress code applies. Get yourself there for what promises to be an intriguing afternoon of bowls.
With qualifying taking place on Monday and Tuesday last week, 60 Over 60 bowlers entered this years’ competition.
It is a completely different eight to last year’s finals day line-up, with Peter Slinger lifting the title in 2023 with a 21-18 victory over Peter Collister in the final at Peel in extremely wet conditions.
Dave McCabe vs Phil Kelly
McCabe is the less experienced of the two bowlers having ‘only’ played for 11 years, however McCabe has had a taste of victory in the past year, having picked up the Association Non-Winners’ Cup in 2023, then won the ever-popular Howland Pairs with Barry McDonald later that season. Dave’s toughest game in qualifying was against former Finch Hill teammate Les Brookes, with a 21-16 win in his second game.
Phil Kelly came through the Monday session beating a hattrick of Kelly’s to qualify – Harry, Peter, and Brian. ‘Rambo’ is the last home greener left in the draw, turned 60 at the start of the year to become eligible to play. Rambo has won 13 open competitions over five decades, including the Manx Championship and the first Manx Masters when it changed to its current format. Rambo’s most recent success was winning the Henry Kissack Trophy in 2022, beating a host of top names along the way. Having won the Manx Championship Rambo will be hoping to take the ‘Senior’ title on home turf.
Kelly starts as favourite for this clash.
Paul Cubbon vs Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly
Ballaugh man Cubbon is the underdog in this tie, having only taken up the game in 2017, with his participation in league bowls increasing over the past few seasons, this has tied in with a better win percentage to show year on year improvement. Don’t write him off.
Barney has won over 50 singles competitions over six decades, including the IOM June Festival, Champions of Champions, and Manx Masters. When Barney turned 60, he won the Over 60’s Manx Championship three times on the trot, will be keen to regain it after missing out on home turf last year. If he does lose out, then Barney will reluctantly take a short walk up the road to the Crosby to drown his sorrows. Barney came through qualifying conceding just 28 chalks in his three games.
Steve Parker vs Kevin Quirk
Parker has had previous success in Over 60’s competitions having won the George Hawkins Trophy in 2022, with further success in a couple of any combination doubles with his quarter final opponent. Steve had three tough games to qualify winning to 17, 17, and 18.
Quirk is the second most decorated player in the last eight, with 38 titles to his name including two Manx Championships, with a 2005 win over Barney in the final at Ronairco, his second success arrived three years later in 2008 as he beat Neil Withers at Noble’s. Kevin is renowned for playing the perfect bowl when others would strike. When he gets going Quirk is difficult to shift. Kevin won his final qualifying game comfortably 21-7 against Peter Collister.
Both players will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, will be looking to exploit this, however Quirk will start as clear favourite.
Bryan Corner vs Bernie Durcan
Corner has a delivery most of us can only dream of which can only be described as textbook, getting them out as smoothly as anyone. Corner has been splitting his time between South Ramsey and North Ramsey this season, he will be looking to lift his first Over 60’s Manx Championship. Bryan came through his qualifying games with wins over three South Ramsey clubmates.
Durcan turns out for Port Erin, he has enjoyed success in the popular end of season competition winning the now traditional Juan Kelly Cup in 2018 with his son Steve, to become only the second winners of the title. In qualifying Bernie went from strength to strength with his opponents scoring less in each round, as he qualified with a 21-2 win. Should Durcan lift the title, he would become the first Port Erin player to be crowned Over 60’s Manx Champion.
A North versus South battle, this is a tough one to call.
Island Juniors Compete in Junior Six-a-Side
Island Junior Team (with Manager Tracy Moore) 2024 who competed at Windle BC in St Helens on Sunday
Photo: Leanne MarshThe Island Junior Team competed in the 6-a-side consolation competition on Sunday, having narrowly missed out on going through to the next stage in May.
The squad consisted of nine players Dylan Marsh (Port Erin), Grace Gawne and Alex Hampson (Noble’s), Katie Jacobs and Erin Quayle (Douglas), Aalish Moore (Castletown), Bailey McMullan and Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park), and Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey), with all Juniors playing two games each.
The group consisted of three other teams North Lancs & Fylde, Cheshire B, and Cumbria.
In the first round the Island Team faced North Lancs & Fylde, it was a full house as all six Juniors won their games, as they went on to win by 26 chalks (90-64) to pick up the two points for the win.
In round two this a tougher test, however the team won by 21 chalks (83-62), winning 4-2 on games with both losers reaching double figures. Two single figure wins from Grace Gawne and Aalish Moore ensured it was a comfortable win on chalks.
In the final round they faced Cumbria, which was always going to be the toughest test. In a high scoring match the team lost by 14 chalks (73-87), with five of the six players reaching double figures, as they lost 2-4 on games, with both wins being close as Alex Hampson and Lacey McMullan won 15-13 and 15-14 respectively, with both players battling back to get over the line.
The team finished runners up in the group to Cumbria, who won the consolation competition with six points, with the Isle of Man two points behind on four points.
Once again thanks to everyone who helped organise the trip, also to the parents for accompanying and supporting the Juniors.
For full results click on the following link…
Teare & Dunn Win Spar Mixed Doubles
Spar Mixed Doubles Winners 2024 - Rebecca Teare & Paul Dunn
Photo: Clare CooperMarown pair Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn won the Spar Mixed Doubles on Sunday at Ballaugh with a 21-19 win over South Ramsey’s Gill Dixon and Alan Moore.
The South Ramsey pair made the better start to the final going into a 12-6 lead, with the Marown duo fighting back to level the match at 14-14. Dixon and Moore scored a three to lead 19-18, with Teare and Dunn scoring a single, then a double to see the game out to take the win.
Full report to follow…
Withers Wins Association Singles
Association Singles Winner 2024 - Neil Withers
Photo: Paul DunnDouglas Bowling Club hosted the Association Singles on Saturday with the competition attracting 45 entries on a wet afternoon.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Neil Dunwell (Onchan) 14-21 to home greener Andy Cannell, Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) lost out 10-21 to Peter Jones (Marown). In the other half of the draw Marown’s Neil Withers beat David Bradford (South Ramsey) 21-16, whilst Paul Dunn won 21-10 against Marown clubmate James Kelly.
Both semi-finals were well contested, with Withers having a tough battle with Marown teammate Paul Dunn, with the former winning 21-18. The second semi-final was won to the same score, with Cannell leading 13-5 and 17-11 against Jones, with the Villa man going on to book his place in the final.
Withers made the better start to lead 12-6 playing his customary length. A fightback from Cannell saw the deficit close to just one chalk at 13-14, with Withers finishing the game strongly to run out with a 21-14 win to take the title.
The presentation was made by Association Competition Officer Wayne Roberts, who thanked the host club for the use of the green, providing measurers and the refreshments throughout the day.
June 2024 CLI Players of the Month
June 2024 - CLI Players of the Month
Photos: Arnie WithersMen’s Player of the Month: John Kennish – South Ramsey
Ladies Player of the Month: Jenny Moore – South Ramsey
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Grace Gawne – Noble’s
The men’s pick went to John Kennish who impressed as he won the inaugaral Sheila Freeman Memorial invitational event coming through a field of 32 top bowlers, including a win against arguably the games number one player Callum Wraight on his way to victory. Incredibly John wasn’t done there as he picked up a staggering 12th Manx Championship at Peel, with finals day seeing him beat some of the Islands best bowlers, with wins against Matthew Quirk, Colin Kelly, and a 21-20 win in the final against Neil Withers with a superb last bowl when lying game down, as he proved beyond doubt that he is still the number one bowler on the island.
The Ladies award went to Jenny Moore who picked up the award for a second successive month, reaching the final of the June Festival only to agonisingly lose out 20-21, despite putting up a great lead bowl on the deciding end, won all four games representing South Ramsey, then capped the month off winning the Ladies Manx Championship for a 7th time.
Grace Gawne picked up the Under 21’s award, winning the Junior Girls Championship, comfortably winning her games in the group stages, then taking a dominant win in the semi-final against Enya Christian, then going on to hold her nerve in the final with a 11-10 victory over Bailey McMullan.
League Leaders Change in Top Two Divisions
Noble's B - Canada Life International Division Three League Leaders
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe second half of the men’s night league season commenced this week in Canada Life International Division One with games on Monday evening being blessed with some much-needed sun.
Marown A returned to top spot following their 8-2 away win over North Ramsey A at Mooragh Park, with five single figure winners ensuring the chalks were never in doubt. The two winners for the home team were Paul Allison 21-11 over Peter Jones, whilst Steven Waters beat Sam Clague 21-14. Just missing out on a third win for the team was John Cannan who lost 20-21 to Glenn Boland, in what could prove to be a vital point for the Crosby men.
Game of the week was undoubtedly Peel A who hosted South Ramsey A. The home team led 3-1 after the first four games as Stevie Kelly beat James Teare 21-8, Pip Pemberton led 15-5 against Peter Collister, going on to win 21-17, whilst George Gadsby trailed 15-19 to Glynn Hargraves, with the former running out with a 21-19 win. Winning in the first half for the visitors David Bradford won 21-9 against the previously unbeaten Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly.
The second half of the match flipped the other way, as Jordan Cain beat David Proctor 21-13, Dido Kelly won 21-4 against Peter Greenlees, whilst Bob Clark won 21-8 against Tommy McMeiken. Winning for the home team in the second half Gary Smith beat Stefan Kelly 21-14. South Ramsey did manage to secure the chalks comfortably (118-142) to secure a 4-6 away win.
Douglas A took on Port St Mary A at the Villa, with the home team winning 8-2. Andy Cannell won 21-3 against Chris Lever, with Dave McCabe winning 21-8 against Tim Williams, whilst Mark Kneen got over the line 21-20 against Dan McCabe. For the Port men Trevor Quayle beat Gordon Wynne-Smythe 21-19, whilst Wayne Roberts won 21-15 against Andy Foster.
Marown C took on their higher ranked B Team on Tuesday evening in poor conditions, in complete contrast to the night before. The C team did manage to take three games off their club mates, with wins from Jamie Joughin, James Kelly, and Steve Rough, with the latter winning 21-6 against Karl Parker. For the B Team Walter McCarthy and Matthew Keggen won to single figures, which helped secured the aggregate on chalks (128-145).
In Division Two Peel B surrendered top spot for the first time this season, as they lost 8-2 away to South Ramsey B, with both teams tied on 67 points. Captain Ben Dugdale led the way for his team with a 21-7 win over Gordon Corrin, with Dougie Allan matching this for the visitors as he beat Christian Caley.
Third placed Ballaugh A (61 points) kept in touch with the top two following their 3-7 away win over North Ramsey B, as both teams won games 21-6 and 21-9 to cancel each other out.
Finch Hill A continue to be something of a Jekyll and Hyde side, as they lost 9-1 away to Onchan B, with Les Brookes the lone winner for the Finch men as he beat Mike Kelly 21-16.
Noble’s A won 5-3 on games at home to Castletown B, however they lost out on the aggregate by three chalks (151-154) to draw 5-5 in a high scoring contest, as four of their five wins were keenly contested with wins to 20, 19, 19, and 18. Two of the three wins for the visitors ultimately made the difference on chalks.
Douglas B managed to win 7-3 at home to Port Erin A, despite having to give a game away to the visitors, with three of their players winning big to ensure they took the aggregate comfortably by 16 chalks (128-112).
In Division Three Noble’s B are five points clear at the top following their 3-7 away win against Port St Mary B at Breagle Glen, as they missed out on a bigger win as they lost two games to 18-21 and 19-21.
South Ramsey C sit in third place following an impressive 2-8 win away to Peel C, with Colin Moore and Andrew Cover the two winners for the home team.
Noble’s D lost ground on their B Team following a 6-4 defeat away to Ballaugh B, with two single figure defeats for the visitors sealing their fate on the aggregate.
South Ramsey D picked up their second successive win, as they beat Onchan C 6-4 at home, taking the aggregate by just two chalks (126-124). Single figure wins from Austin Hart and Alan Moore, along with good wins from Geoff Collier and Steve Kelly helped secure the win.
In Division Four Castletown C hosted Ballaugh C at the Crofts, with young Freddie Palmer continuing to progress as he sealed his third league win of the season, with a 21-18 victory over Paul Cubbon, whilst Kieran Krypner who only took up the game last season beat Dan Kelly 21-17.
Finch Hill B hosted Douglas D on Tuesday evening, with the Finch men conceding a game 0-21 due to being a player short, this didn’t stop them from securing a 7-3 home win, as single figure wins from Tony Epifani and Peter Smith helped them win by six chalks on the aggregate (129-123)
Plumbmaster Rayner Shield
The first semi-final of the Rayner Shield took place on Wednesday evening with players from both sides agreeing an earlier start time to ensure they could watch England take on the Netherlands. The home team were huge favourites going into the match, so it proved with five single wins, conceding just 22 chalks, whilst James Teare, Dido Kelly, Stefan Kelly had to work a bit harder for their wins over Sam Clague, John Gelling and Karl Parker respectively.
The remaining fixture is on Tuesday (16th July) with Castletown A hosting Marown C, as South Ramsey A await their opponents, with the final to be played on Friday 9th August. Town are also huge favourites, having won their home league fixture 10-0 earlier in the season.
Plumbmaster Rayner Plate
First division side Peel A hosted second division side Finch Hill A on Wednesday evening, despite having to give the visitors a 45 chalk start on the night, they managed to win by 11 chalks (154-143). Sam Stannard-Duke was the lone winner for Finch, as he beat Mike Ashmole 21-7.
Ballaugh B (+50) hosted South Ramsey C (+60), with both sides in the third division a close match was expected, so it proved as the home team won 5-3, however the Ballaugh men were unable to recover the 10 chalk start they had to give their opponents, as they lost by just two chalks (182-184).
South Ramsey C will face Peel A on Friday 2nd August, with the venue to be confirmed at a later date.
Kennish Wins Omega Cup
Omega Cup Winner 2024 - Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey)
Photo: Kim HargravesThe Omega Cup held at South Ramsey Bowling Club on Saturday 6th of July 2024, sponsored by Jill Quayle, a member of the club.
We had the minimum of 16 entries, which allowed the competition to go ahead, on what turned out to be a lovely afternoon. The first part of the afternoon was played as a Round Robin, where all ladies played in a group of four, each having a different coloured jack. Each game was played over eight ends with the eighth end being a power end, the winner of each group went into the semi-finals.
The semi-finals were played to 15 off scratch. The first semi-final was Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) taking on Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey), this was a close game but Kim just took the win scoring the required 15 whilst Bailey scored 13.
The second semi-final saw Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) take on Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey), unfortunately for Caroline, Fiona seemed to thrive on the green and took the win 15-6.
This led to a final between team mates Fiona and Kim, after a battle on the green Fiona took the win 15-11.
Thanks were given to all players and supporters and the sponsor Jill Quayle. Thanks were also given to everyone who stayed to the end and watched the finalists during their battle.
Thrilling Finish to Mixed Doubles Qualifier
Castletown Bowling Club hosted the Mixed Doubles Qualifier on Sunday with 23 pairs taking part to play in glorious sunshine throughout the day.
Losing out in the quarter finals were the Ballaugh pair of Julie Reilly and Mike Spooner 11-21 to South Ramsey’s Elaine Moore and Greg Barlow. The Husband and Wife pairing of Willie and Pauline Cowley (Douglas/Ballaugh) lost out 15-21 to home greeners Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton. In the other half of the draw South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore and James Teare won comfortably (21-12) against Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones (Marown), whilst another South Ramsey pairing Fiona Kennish and Alan Moore lost out 17-21 to Sue Gawne (Noble’s) and Andy Kennish (Peel).
Both semi-finals were keenly contested with Moore and Teare fighting back from a 10-18 deficit to Gawne and Kennish to level up at 18 across, only for the latter to score a two and a single to reach the final 21-18. In the other semi Moore and Barlow were up against home greeners Drewett and Hamilton with the match going in scoring runs for both pairs. With the score level on the 17th end at 19-19 the South Ramsey pair got over the line with a two to win 21-19.
The final saw both pairs draw level on five occasions in the first 13 ends, with Kennish and Gawne making a move to win four ends on the bounce to lead 19-14. Winning three of the next four ends, scoring six points – in between conceding a single saw Moore and Barlow draw level once more at 20-20. On the deciding end Gawne and Kennish breathed a huge sigh of relief as they got the single needed to seal a 21-20 victory.
It will be confirmed at a later date how many pairs have qualified to play in the BCGBA Mel Evans MBE Centenary Mixed Pairs at Owley Wood Recreation Club, Cheshire on Saturday 5th October.