Yearly Archives: 2024
Thrilling Finish to Mixed Plate Final as Port Erin Triumph
Mixed Team Plate Winners 2024 - Port Erin
Photo: Arnie WithersThe final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Plate competition took place at Noble’s 1 green on Thursday evening, with Port Erin and Peel Sunset battling to become the third winners of this competition after Noble’s A and Noble’s B won the previous two years. There was a good crowd in attendance throughout the evening in perfect conditions for bowls.
The first three games to come off the green saw Peel’s Shirley Corrin beat Jackie Elliott 21-13, with Dougie Allan winning 21-18 against Ed Benson. Port Erin captain Ben Mowle struck the first blow for the Breagle Glen side as he held off Jo Corkill 21-17.
The next game off was from Port Erin stalwart Bernie Durcan who stormed to a 21-6 win over Gill Clarke. The next two games off went in favour of Peel as Phil Clarke beat Mavis franks 21-20, whilst Gordon Corrin held off Derek Allen 21-14. The match could not have been closer with both teams tied on 107 chalks.
Two big wins followed, with one from each team as Caroline Whitehead beat David Allwood 21-10, whilst Harry Kelly rolled back the years with a 21-9 win over Alison Stockham, as a chink of daylight emerged between the two sides as Peel led by a chalk (138-137) and had won five games to Port Erin’s three games.
With the Championship final now a dead rubber all eyes turned to the last game on the green in the Plate which was tied at 10-10 between Steve Durcan and Val Allwood. The Peel lady seemed to respond to the announcement over the tannoy of the match score as Val went on to lead 16-10, had played a good bowl which Durcan had just beaten, with the end decided on a measure. Durcan had to win 21-19 or better to ensure the Plate made it’s way to Port Erin.
Winning the end on the measure seemed to settle the Port Erin man who played straight pegs along the edge of the green, as he went on to score four quickfire doubles on the bounce, followed by two singles to runout with a 21-16 victory.
The overall result was Port Erin winning by just four chalks (158-154) with the individual games going in favour of Peel 5-4.
The presentation was made by Association Competition Secretary Matthew Keggen who thanked Noble’s for the use of the green, their club members for the refreshments and providing measurers, with Port Erin captain receiving the Shield, as the Breagle Glen side went one better than 2023.
| Port Erin A | Score | Score | Peel Sunset |
| Ben Mowle | 21 | 17 | Jo Corkill |
| Jackie Elliott | 13 | 21 | Shirley Corrin |
| Ed Benson | 18 | 21 | Dougie Allan |
| Bernie Durcan | 21 | 6 | Gill Clarke |
| Mavis Franks | 20 | 21 | Phil Clarke |
| Derek Allen | 14 | 21 | Gordon Corrin |
| Caroline Whitehead | 21 | 10 | David Allwood |
| Alison Stockham | 9 | 21 | Harry Kelly |
| Steve Durcan | 21 | 16 | Val Allwood |
| 4 Games Won | 158 | 154 | 5 Games Won |
Photo: Arnie Withers
2024 Canada Life International League Titles Decided
Canada Life International Division Three League Winners 2024 - Noble’s D
Photo: Steve CainThe 2024-night league season ended this week across all four divisions this week in the Canada Life International sponsored bowling leagues.
In Division One Marown A officially wrapped up their first league title since 2019 as they started the week eight points ahead. Securing the Warburton Trophy for the 14th time was a formality, as they required only three points to ensure they brought the title home, they won comfortably 2-8 away to Castletown A.
The race for the Division One individual merit was a straight shootout between Marown teammates Paul Dunn and Colin Kelly, with the former having led the merit table for most of the season, a win would ensure an unbeaten season. Town man Dean Kinley turned in a superb performance to cruelly take away the individual merit as the Marown captain lost 20-21, to allow Colin Kelly to win the individual merit trophy. Also winning for Castletown was Andy Clark, who beat Dean Kipling 21-19.
South Ramsey A ended the season in second place with a 9-1 home win over Douglas A, with Mark Kneen preventing the whitewash with a 21-17 win over James Teare. The Ramsey men will no doubt lick their wounds over the winter as league defeats home and away to Marown A ultimately cost them.
Onchan A ended the season in third place, they won 6-4 at home to Peel A who finished in fourth spot, 10 points behind Onchan in a keenly contested match with just two chalks separating the sides (130-128),
Marown B jumped up two places to finish in fifth place, as they beat North Ramsey A 9-1 at home, with the captains battling it out with Rob Monk emerging with a 21-13 win over Juan Killip.
On Tuesday evening Marown C took on fellow strugglers Port St Mary A with the Crosby men picking up their fourth win of the season as they won 6-4, thanks to taking the aggregate by 15 chalks (137-122).
In Division Two there was little change at the top with South Ramsey B winning the league to lift the Rayner Cup despite suffering a 7-3 defeat away to Douglas B, as they look to make an immediate return to Division One.
Peel B were the other team that were in Division One last year, as they finished in second place following their 6-4 home win over fourth placed Onchan B, with the home team needing a 10-0 win to stand any realistic chance of being crowned league champions.
Ballaugh A claimed third place, coming away from Breagle Glen with a 3-7 win over Port Erin A, as they are likely to remain in Division Two, unless there is a restructuring of the leagues in 2025.
Finch Hill A finished in a mid-table spot following their 8-2 home win over Castletown B, with Noble’s A also winning to the same score at home to North Ramsey B. The Noble’s men finished safely outside the bottom two with the Mooragh men consigned to bottom spot.
Winning the Division Two individual merit with 15 wins from 18 games played was Finch Hill’s Stephen Oates, who made the most of South Ramsey’s Tony Dugdale missing a few games during the season, with Dugdale winning 14 games from 15 played.
The real drama proved to be in Division Three with all to play for between the Noble’s C and D teams who were vying for the title, with both teams facing tricky fixtures.
Noble’s C were leading the table going into the final round of fixtures, they were at home to Ballaugh B on Noble’s Two green, with the Noble’s men winning 6-4 on the night, taking the chalks by a comfortable 15 chalks (144-129).
Noble’s D took on clubmates Noble’s B on Noble’s One green, as the away side, with the lower ranked team playing their home fixtures on Noble’s Two. The D team, which is made up of Leeds fans, only took up the game at the start of 2023 put in a superb display to beat the higher ranked team 9-1 on their own turf.
This allowed them to leapfrog their C Team, ensured that next season they will plying their trade in Division Two next season. Having played the 2023 season as Noble’s C, this season they were Noble’s D, however in 2025 they will be Noble’s B due to their league position. The improvement out of all their players, will come from the time they put into their game, along with a group of mates who undoubtedly all want to out-compete each other – something which can’t be underestimated. I said at the end of last season in my final league report that they would be the team to watch out for, who would argue that in 2025 that they can’t finish above their A team, to then become Noble’s A in 2026? Watch this space…
South Ramsey C ended the season on a positive note to finish in third place on 103 points, albeit 11 points off second place following their 8-2 win at home to Port St Mary B.
Onchan C aren’t safe from relegation despite their 6-4 win at home to Peel C, with eight chalks separating the teams (146-138).
Elsewhere the bottom two clashed on Friday evening at Crosby as Marown D took on South Ramsey D. The Crosby men did what they had to do to go ahead of Onchan C and Port St Mary B as they needed to secure five points or more, they did this with some to spare with a 9-1 win to finish in 7th place.
Winning the Division Three individual merit despite missing three games was Peel man Andrew Cover with 15 wins from 15 games played.
Division Four had been dominated by Ballaugh C all season, however they suffered their first league defeat of the season at home to newly formed North Ramsey C 3-7. The Mooragh men are another team who have gelled well to finish in second place five points behind Ballaugh C. North needed to pull off a miracle with a 10-0 win to finish in top spot, however they can be proud of their efforts this season, ending the season with a win against the league champions.
Castletown C also ended the season on a positive note with an 8-2 win at home to Douglas D, as they look to the future with three junior bowlers featuring, along with two ‘older’ young lads as they look to kick on next season.
Peel D won 8-2 at home to Finch Hill B, with the result good enough for them to finish in fourth place one point ahead of Finch.
The first ever E team to feature in the league finished in a respectable sixth place with six wins from their 14 league games.
Winning the Division Four individual merit was North Ramsey C man Bryan Corner, with 13 wins from 14 games played.
Photo: Paul Arthur
Tebay Delight for Saskia and Louise, McMullan Wins First Junior Title and Bradford Lifts Trophy for 4th Time
Felton’s Manx Masters Winners 2024 - Louise Tebay & David Bradford with Lynnette & Chris Perry of Felton’s
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey hosted the Manx Masters on Sunday, one of the highlights of the Manx bowls calendar with four separate competitions taking place throughout the day. Rain featured in the morning for the Juniors, with glorious conditions in the afternoon for the Senior competitions.
JP Corry Young Manx Masters
The Young Manx Masters was contested by four players – three girls and one boy. This competition was played in a round robin format playing eight ends with the last end played as a ‘power’ end with points scored counting double.
After a good morning of bowls, it was Ballaugh’s Saskia Tebay who was the winner with 25 points, to win the Young Manx Masters title for the first time. The runner up Lara Johnson (Noble’s) who also finished on 25 points, however Lara lost 7-3 to Saskia in their individual game.
Photo: Glynn Hargraves
JP Corry Junior Manx Masters
The Junior Manx Masters was played as a straight knockout 21up off a handicap of +10 for the older and more experienced players with a healthy entry of 18 players braving the early morning start.
The title was won for the first time by Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park) to cap off a fine season as Alex Hampson (Noble’s) lost in the final for the second successive year losing 16-21, having lost 18-21 last year to Noble’s teammate Sam Colquitt.
Losing out at the semi-final stage was the current holder Sam Colquitt (Noble’s) 13-21 to McMullan. In the other semi-final Hampson got over the line 21-19 against Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) as the former led 20-15, before eventually getting over the line.
At the quarter final stage McMullan edged home 21-19 against Grace Gawne (Noble’s), whilst Colquitt beat Katie Jacobs (Douglas) 21-17. In the other half of the draw Bailey McMullan beat Kian Bradford 21-14, whilst Hampson beat Bobby Kerruish (Marown) 21-13.
The standard of play in both events was excellent and some of the bowls played would not have been out of place in the senior events taking place in the afternoon. JP Corry Isle of Man supported the event once again, all competitors who took part received a prize.
Thanks were given to everyone who had helped throughout the morning, including those who had helped with the preparation in the lead up the event.
Once the Junior competitions concluded the Felton’s sponsored Men’s and Ladies events got underway with the Ladies event being an invitation of 16 players, whilst the Men’s event had 32 invited to play.
Felton’s Ladies Manx Masters
In the Ladies event losing out at the quarter final stages were home greener Gill Dixon 17-21 to Louise Tebay (Ballaugh), current holder Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) beat Stella Watterson (Castletown) 21-9. In the other half of the draw Lyn Bolton (Marown) beat home greener Judy Kelly 21-13, whilst Clare Cooper beat Marown teammate Debbie Leece 21-16.
At the semi-final stage Tebay ensured it wasn’t going to be seven Manx Masters wins in a row for Moore, putting in a strong performance with a 21-15 win. In the other semi-final it was another all Marown clash as Cooper took on Bolton, with the pair tied at 14-14, a strong finish from Cooper secured a 21-16 victory to take her place in the final.
Cooper having appeared in several Manx Masters finals, only to come up against the unstoppable force that is Jenny Moore on more than one occasion would have fancied her chances against Tebay who is only in her fourth season of bowls, whilst Cooper has over 30 years of experience. One thing for certain at the start of the final is that a new name would be on the trophy.
Tebay had other ideas, storming into the lead 13-5. Cooper got in and headed for the corners, managing to close the deficit to five chalks at 8-13. Tebay stopped the comeback in its tracks to score six chalks over four ends playing the corners that Cooper had taken her in. With the score 19-8 to Tebay, Cooper managed to pick up two singles to reach doubles, however Tebay ensured it was her day scoring singles with two good bowls over the last two ends to secure a well-deserved 21-10 victory, to secure her first Manx Masters title, undoubtedly her biggest win since taking up the game in 2021.
It proved to be a great day for the Tebay family, with Mum Louise’s win having been followed up with daughter Saskia having won the JP Corry Young Manx Masters earlier in the day, with Saskia only last year having won a special prize for having the biggest smile all day when playing her games.
Felton’s Men’s Manx Masters
In the Men’s event seven of the first and second round matches were well contested with the player losing out scoring 17 or more. Losing out at the quarter final stage were Tom Kelly, who lost 20-21 to Marown teammate Paul Dunn, whilst Onchan’s Kevin Quirk was beaten comfortably 12-21 by Stevie Kelly (Peel).
In the other half of the draw, it was a blockbuster game between two South Ramsey men John Kennish and David Bradford, with the former taking the lead 15-11. Five doubles were scored over five ends with Bradford scoring four of them to lead 19-17. Kennish fought back once more to level the game at 20-20, led a good bowl on the deciding end, albeit to the side of the jack. Bradford snapped up the opportunity to reach up with his first bowl connecting perfectly to seal the game 21-20. The final game of the quarter finals was won by Marown man Colin Kelly 21-12, as he beat North Ramsey’s Paul Allison.
Convincing wins followed at the semi-final stage as both winners kept their opponent to single figures, with Dunn the first man to reach the final with a 21-7 win over Stevie Kelly. Bradford also performed brilliantly beating 2023 Manx Masters winner Colin Kelly 21-8 to take his place in the final.
The final was tough to call, with Dunn in good form, also having previously defeated Bradford on South Ramsey, so it proved with a final that was an entertaining watch for the spectators. Bradford won the first end, only to then concede the next three ends to trail 4-7. Bradford got in, went on to win five consecutive ends playing the edge by the long hut to lead 11-7.
Dunn responded with a two, then moved around the green playing his renowned sweeping round pegs, with some great lead bowls, being careful not to play back onto the edge that Bradford had success on earlier in the game, winning seven ends on the trot to take a healthy five chalk lead at 16-11.
Bradford got back in thanks to a loose end from Dunn, then followed up with a single with the Marown man going into the back of his bowl. Dunn got back in with a good last bowl, scoring two singles to edge 18-14 ahead.
A pivotal moment of the game took place on the next end, with Bradford lying two down, he changed his peg using home green knowledge to grab hold of the jack to score one, which was swiftly followed by a single and a double to level the match at 18-18.
Bradford played two great bowls going into the clubhouse corner, there looked to be no route in for Dunn, however his bowl pegged with pace to spring the South Ramsey’s man nearest bowl onto the jack which moved the jack to his back bowl, to count for one, which was a great result, very nearly scoring two from the end.
With the score now 19-18 to Dunn, Bradford scored two to lead 20-19, then took his time before setting the mark. A different mark was set to what Bradford had played throughout the game, with a two-foot lead, a very similar second bowl leaving Dunn with a tough route into the jack. Dunn halved Bradford’s second bowl, however lost out on the measure as Bradford won his fourth Manx Masters title.
The presentation was made by competition organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked everyone who had accepted the invitation to play, everyone who had helped with the running of the competitions. The Ladies who once again outdone themselves with the catering and the club members who assisted throughout the day. Long term supporters of the event Chris & Lynnette Perry of Felton’s Ironmongers were then introduced to present the prizes who without their support this event would not be possible. Upon accepting the trophy Bradford stated he was delighted to have won the trophy, having beaten who he believes to be two of the best Manx bowlers ever John Kennish and Colin Kelly, also the man in form in the final Paul Dunn.
Photo: Glynn Hargraves
McCarthy, Boland & Teare Win Threesomes Cup
Threesomes Cup Winners 2024 - Walter McCarthy, Glenn Boland & Rebecca Teare
Photo: Wayne Roberts22 teams took part in the Port St Mary any combination threesomes ‘open’ competition on a blustery afternoon at Breagle Glen.
The fallers at the quarter final stage were the Port Erin trio of Derek Allen, Steve Durcan and Bernie Durcan 15-21 to Marown’s Glenn Boland, Walter McCarthy and Rebecca Teare. Pauline Cowley, Alison Stockham, and Andy Cannell (Ballaugh/Port Erin/Douglas) lost 18-21 to home greeners (Nicci Cain, Robbie Cooil, and Derek Cain. The Marown trio of Jayne Smith, Lyn Bolton and Sid Bolton lost 14-21 to Jenny Moore, James Teare, and Wayne Roberts (South Ramsey/Port St Mary) whilst the current holders Margaret Tasker, Trish Bull, and Mavis Franks beat the Castletown team of Joy Stevens, Marie Ashurst, and Linda Dawson 21-16.
In the semi-finals Boland, McCarthy, and Teare ended the good run of Cain, Cooil, and Cain with a 21-16 victory after the Port trio had led 16-11 only for the Marown team to score 10 chalks over four ends.
The other semi-final was a low scoring affair as Moore, Teare, and Roberts lost out 13-21 to Tasker, Bull, and Franks.
In the final the Marown trio started strongly storming into a 15-6 lead against the home greeners, with a three, a five and a single. A comeback looked to be on the cards as the deficit was reduced to just three chalks at 13-16, however Boland, McCarthy, and Teare extinguished any hopes of their opponents retaining the trophy with a four, followed by a single to secure a 21-13 victory.
Port St Mary President Wayne Roberts presented the prizes, thanked all those that took part in the competition, Chris Holland for running the sheet, and everyone that helped through the day.
South Ramsey B Edge Closer to Division Two Title
Division Four Side Castletown C featuring three Junior Bowlers
Photo: George PeachThe penultimate round of fixtures took place in Canada Life International League Division One this week as Marown A gained another point over second placed South Ramsey A as the Crosby men took on their B Team on Monday night. The A Team took home a 9-1 win over their B Team, as Brian Kelly was the only winner for the B with a 21-14 victory over Dean Kipling.
Douglas A slipped to a 3-7 home defeat to Onchan A, however Villa captain Mervin Sayle was one of the home team winners as he beat Matthew Quirk 21-15.
Peel A beat Castletown A 8-2 in the Sunset City, with Town man Dean Kinley returning to his former stomping ground as he beat Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly 21-19. Winning to the same score for the home team Gary Smith held off Nathan Hamilton.
On Tuesday evening South Ramsey A took on bottom side Marown C at Crosby, with the visitors claiming a 2-8 win. Winning for the home team were Sid Bolton, who beat Stefan Kelly 21-9 after trailing 1-7, whilst Marown captain Stevie Rundle beat Peter Collister 21-15. The visitors kept Marown under 100 chalks with four single figure victories.
Port St Mary A hosted North Ramsey A at Breagle Glen as the home team won 5-3, however the final result was 6-4 as the teams tied on chalks to share the aggregate. Winning for the visitors were Steve Walmsley who beat Tom Collins 21-15, Rob Monk won 21-12 against Paul Skelly, whilst Steven Waters beat Robbie Cooil 21-6.
In Division Two league leaders South Ramsey B were the biggest winners of the week as the teams below them slipped to defeat, as they did themselves a massive favour seeing off Ballaugh A 8-2 at home, however things could have been worse for the visitors as Patrick Grant held off Tony Hart 21-17, whilst John Keenan beat Alan Moore 21-19.
Peel B would have fancied coming away from the Crofts with a win against low lying Castletown B, however the Town men had other ideas as they picked up their fifth league win of the season to damage the Peel men’s hopes of winning Division Two with a 7-3 victory.
Onchan B won 6-4 at home to Douglas B in a keenly contested match as 13 chalks separated the teams (152-139). Three games won by the visitors were close to 17, 18, and 20 as David Pease, Steve Gregg, and Paul Cowley beat Neil Richmond, Mike Alexander, and Mike Kelly respectively.
Port Erin A hosted North Ramsey B with the Breagle men winning 8-2, with 14 chalks separating the teams (151-137).
Finch Hill A won 6-4 at home to Noble’s A. The Finch men won comfortably on chalks (152-126) thanks to all four wins being to 13 or less.
In Division Three two Noble’s teams look nailed on to finish in the top two, as Noble’s C won 2-8 away to South Ramsey D. Noble’s D are hot on their heels, just one point behind as they won 8-2 against South Ramsey C to end any hopes of promotion for the Ramsey men. Both Noble’s teams have tricky fixtures this week as the C team take on third placed Ballaugh B at home, whilst Noble’s D face their B team, who occupy fourth place. The matches take place on separate evenings, so the C team will know what result they will need to finish in top spot.
Noble’s B slipped to a 4-6 home defeat to Ballaugh B as just four chalks separated the teams (122-126).
Peel C recorded the biggest win across all four divisions this week as they won 10-0 at home to Marown D, with the visitors scoring 100 chalks, whilst Port St Mary B lost 3-7 at home to Onchan C.
In Division Four Castletown C (pictured) look to the future with a team featuring three juniors as they won 5-3 on games at home to Peel D, however they lost out on the aggregate by just three chalks (134-137) as the Peel men secured a 5-5 draw.
Another close encounter took place at the Villa as Douglas C beat Noble’s E 6-4, with seven chalks the difference between the teams (142-135).
North Ramsey C won 1-9 away to Douglas D, as the home team were only able to field four players, as the Villa men could only muster 50 chalks from the four games played.
Drewett Wins Pre-Festival Open
Pre-Festival Open Winner 2024 - Hannah Drewett
Photo: Kath KinleyOn Sunday 1st September, Castletown Bowling Club hosted the pre-festival Ladies’ Open. 39 bowlers from the Island and the UK took part, playing on a green in excellent condition in showery conditions.
Losing at the quarter final stage were home greeners Joy Stephens, Marie Ashurst and Kath Kinley, and visitor Kath Watkinson (Mere Brow). In two well contested semi-finals, home greener Hannah Drewett just got the better of visitor Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) and Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) beat Olwen Edwards (Llanfairpwll).
In a very good final, Hannah Drewett was victorious 21-13 against Helen Clee.
Club President, Hilary Kermode, made the presentation and thanked everyone who had supported the competition and helped in any way. Special thanks were given to The Sidings who kindly sponsored the competition.
Cadamy and Boland Win Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2024 - Lynda Cadamy and Glenn Boland
Photo: Arnie WithersCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 27 pairs with the competition sponsored by the Sidings Pub.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Pauline and Willie Cowley (Ballaugh/Douglas) 14-21 to Douglas pair Emma and Mervin Sayle, whilst Kay McKiernan and Shaun Seal (Douglas) lost to Lynda Cadamy and Glenn Boland (Marown). In the other half of the draw Kim and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) lost 17-21 to home greeners Hannah Drewett and Dean Kinley. Another Douglas pair Rebecca and Daniel Jacobs lost out to Castletown pair Alison Kearsley and Nathan Cooil.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were the Villa daughter/father pairing of Emma and Merv Sayle 18-21 to Cadamy and Boland in a keenly fought game, whilst Kearsley and Cooil got the better of Drewett and Kinley 21-16 in the other semi-final.
In the early stages of the final the Marown pair made the better start to lead 12-6, with the Town duo fighting back to close the deficit to within one chalk at 11-12 by winning five consecutive ends, scoring five singles. This proved to be their last point as Cadamy and Boland also won five ends, scoring nine points in the process to seal a deserved 21-11 victory.
The presentation was made by Castletown Bowling Club competition secretary Kath Kinley who thanked the sponsors for their support, everyone who had entered, along with the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day.
Dunn Claims Thurlwell Bowl Title
Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2024 - Paul Dunn
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 44 taking part after a great week of Festival bowls.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Richard Hainge (Ballaugh) 6-21 to Peter Jones (Marown), Phil Clarke (Peel) 17-21 to Rob Monk (North Ramsey). In the other half of the draw Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) got the better of Walter McCarthy (Marown) 21-17, whilst Paul Dunn (Marown) saw off Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-15.
At the semi-final stage Jones took a 16-9 lead against Monk, only for the latter to score four consecutive singles to close the deficit to three chalks at 13-16. Jones responded to finish the game strongly to runout with a 21-14 win to book his place in the final. In the other semi-final Dunn started strongly against Hargraves to lead 15-6, with the South Ramsey player closing the deficit to just two chalks at 15-17. Four singles scored over the last five ends was enough to secure a 21-16 win for the Marown man.
The final got underway with Dunn taking a 14-11 lead, scoring his only double of the game on the second end. Jones closed the deficit to just two chalks at 14-16, with the Marown captain rallying to secure the victory as he scored five singles over six ends to secure a 21-15 victory over teammate Jones to pick up the trophy for a second time following his previous win in 2020.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Tina Hampson who thanked the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winners were awarded with IOM Steam Packet vouchers, with Juan Qualtrough presenting the prizes.
Lally Secures 2nd Festival Title
Men’s IOM September Festival Winner 2024 - Gareth Lally (Crossgates)
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man September Bowls Festival took place last week, with the competition played out in mixed weather conditions, with the sun shining on Finals Day in glorious weather to end the week on a high.
In the Men’s event it was Gareth Lally (Crossgates) who secured his second September Festival title, following his first success in 2015 when he beat Martin Gilpin 21-17. This final was never in any doubt as the Crossgates man won 21-6 against 83-year-old John Colebourne (Chesterfield) who came the closest he ever has to winning the festival having been a regular visitor to the Isle of Man for several decades. Reaching the final was a huge success for the Chesterfield man, as he proved age is just a number in bowls. Lally won the final in just 10 ends, scoring seven doubles and two singles, conceding just one chalk on his way to victory. Lally took home the winners’ cheque for £3,200, whilst Colebourne could console himself with a cheque for £1,250 for his week’s work.
At the semi-final stage on paper the tie that the crowd were expected to have their eyes on was the clash between Lally and Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), with the game keenly contested up to the 16th end with Gilmore one point ahead at 16-15, however a strong finish from Lally saw him book his place in the final with a 21-16 win. The other semi-final proved to be the one to watch for a different reason as the crowd sensed a huge upset was on the cards, no doubt with some bets being placed for the underdog on the heat, as Colebourne performed brilliantly to beat June 2012 Festival winner Robbie Fitzpatrick (Castlefields) 21-11 to progress to the final.
The quarter finals were all keenly contested, with Lally starting his day with a 21-18 win over Ian Nicholson (Netherfield), whilst Gilmore seen off Conor Chamberlain (Stretton Anglesey) with a 21-17 victory, with Gilmore’s cause helped by four consecutive doubles halfway through the game. In the other half of the draw Colebourne beat Mark Booth (Thongsbridge) 21-17, whilst Fitzpatrick battled to a 21-19 win over Peter Jones (Castlefields).
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Zach Walker (King Alfred) who managed to see off three previous Festival winners on his way to picking up the title and the winners’ cheque which was over £1,000.
Walker had it all to do against John Bailey (Castlefields) who is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man, is a two-time winner of the main event. Walker found himself one ahead after 12 ends as he led 13-12, however Bailey being the top player that he is found an extra gear to take the lead 18-13. Walker cheered on by his club mates, playing with his distinctive white bowls, dug deep to fightback and secure a stunning 21-19 victory with a measure on the final end.
Walker beat James Wilcox (Crossgates) with a nail biting 21-20 win, having trailed 17-20, with a single, a double followed by another single to secure his spot in the final. Bailey progressed thanks to a hard fought 21-17 win over James Teare (South Ramsey), with the latter having fought back from a 10-17 deficit before losing to the Castlefields man.
The quarter finals were well contested with Walker taking the biggest win over David Jackson (Knutsford) with a 21-14 victory, whilst Wilcox held off James Fitzpatrick (Wirral) 21-19. In the other half of the draw Bailey won 21-17 against Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), whilst Teare impressed with a 21-17 win over a previous winner of the BCGBA Champion of Champions Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge).
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by Terry Brook (Meersbrook BC) who beat Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 21-16 in the final. Brook won 21-19 against Tony Whitehouse (King Alfred) in the semi-final, whilst Johnson beat Liam Howard (King Alfred) 21-12.
The Ladies consolation was won by Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) emphatically defeating Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) 21-6 in the final. Rigden reached the final with a 21-13 win over Kathryn Gee (Unison), whilst Whitehead beat Debbie Barnes (Hesketh Arms BC) 21-10.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry (Delamere) who had a good 9-8 win over Callum Wraight (Castlefields), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Tommy Richardson (King Alfred) who beat Tom Lowndes (Gresford Colliery) 21-15 in the final.
In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was retained by Marown’s Neil Withers and Paul Dunn with an 11-9 victory over Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria). Withers and Dunn reached the final with an 11-2 win over Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bhetherton), whilst Gilmore and Coates also won comfortably 11-2 against Crossgates pair Mark Hughes and Gareth Lally.
The Men’s doubles were won by Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria) as they beat Ryan Clark (Meersbrook BC) and Graeme Wilson (AEU) 11-5 in the final. Gilmore and Coates whitewashed Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicolson (both Netherfield) 11-0 in the semi-final, whilst Clark and Wilson also beat Marown pair Paul Dunn and Neil Withers 11-5 to reach the final.
The Ladies doubles were won by Joan Jolly and Eileen Pye (both Canberra) as they beat local bowlers Rebecca Teare (Marown) and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) 11-7. Jolly and Pye won 11-2 against South Ramsey pair Kim Hargraves and Fiona Kennish in the semi-final, whilst Teare and Moore beat Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) 11-9 to book their place in the final.
Winning the Mixed pairs were Kathryn Gee (Unison) and Roger Morgan (Knutsford) with a convincing 9-2 win over Lisa Bolton (Freckleton) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield). Gee and Morgan reached the final with a 9-6 win over Kath Watkinson (Mere Brow) and Andy Mailer (Woodlands Park), whilst Bolton and Colebourne beat Lynne Rimmer (Royton Cricket Club) and Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 9-8.
The Triples was played once again this year with the competition played on three greens over six ends on Wednesday morning down to the winner from each green. Winners at the Villa were Colin Kelly, Neil Withers, and Juan Killip (all Marown). Winning on Noble 1 green were Joe Cranston, Josh Mordue, and Ryan Clark (all Meersbrook), whilst Callum Briddon, Stuart Sutton, and Matt Bradwell (all Fairfield) were the winners on Noble’s 2 green.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Boulton Wins September Festival
Ladies IOM September Festival Winner 2024 - Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion)
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event visiting bowler Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) added the Isle of Man September Festival to her list of top titles won in the game, with a resounding 21-8 victory over Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) to pick up the winners’ cheque for £1,250, while Pickthall took home £625. The final started with Boulton, one of the top players in the ladies’ game the clear favourite, she didn’t disappoint as she stormed into a 16-5 lead. Pickthall got in to score a two, then a single on the following end. Boulton then put a stop to any hopes of a comeback as she won the next four ends to see the game out.
Boulton booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over regular visitor Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst Pickthall recorded an emphatic 21-9 victory over current holder and three-time Festival winner Jenny Moore (South Ramsey). Jenny received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.
Boulton started her day with a 21-9 win over Paula Garrett (Douglas), whilst Weaver beat Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-8. In the other half of the draw Pickthall recorded the biggest win with a 21-7 victory over Sue Tuft (Aston Bowling), whilst Jenny Moore, who was heavily handicapped (+1) due to her previous successes won 21-15 against Olwen Edwards (Llanfairpwll).
Boulton had already secured her place in the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) Event at Owley Wood on Sunday 29th September.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, it was two locals who competed for the title, with Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) taking on Jayne Smith (Marown). Moore went into an early 12-5 lead, only for Smith to pull the score back to 11-12, however Moore responded to lead 18-11. Smith took the following two ends, however Moore wrapped up the title with a double and a single to secure a 21-14 victory, with it the South Ramsey bowler qualified for the BCGBA Champion of Champions event at Owley Wood at the end of the month.
Moore booked her place in the final with a comfortable 21-11 win over Joan Jolly (Canberra), whilst Smith won to single figures 21-8 against Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood).
In the quarter finals Moore progressed with a 21-12 win over Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion), whilst Jolly beat Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15. In the other half of the draw Smith beat Diane Harrison (Lune Road) 21-14, whilst Weaver battled to a 21-18 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park).
Photo: Arnie Withers