Monthly Archives: April 2025
Routledge Takes Maiden Win
Magic Carpets Winner 2025 - Paul Routledge
Photo: David BradfordMarown Bowling Club were the host club on Saturday as they held the Marown Magic Carpets Mixed Singles for the fifth time attracting an entry of 56, an increase of 14 on 2024, this being the same number of Ladies bowlers participating.
The competition was once again played in a big smash style format, which has proved popular in the U.K. and is played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place to decide the winner of the game.
Losing quarter finalists were Brian Lindsay (Peel) 11-14 to Glenn Boland (Marown), whilst Colin Kelly beat fellow home greener Stevie Rundle 23-5. In the bottom half of the draw Toby Hart defeated South Ramsey clubmate and current holder David Bradford in a play off, with the score finishing 12-12 after 15 ends. Another South Ramsey player made through as Paul Routledge beat Marown man Walter McCarthy 16-13.
At the semi-final stage it was already decided that it would be a Marown versus South Ramsey final, the first game was settled after 13 ends with Kelly leading 13-6, the deficit was too large for Boland to claw back. In the other semi-final Routledge finished the game solidly, whilst also winning the three power ends to progress to his first final with a 17-8 win.
Kelly started the final as huge favourite on home turf, however Routledge kept calm throughout the game winning the first two ends taking singles. By the first power end Routledge won this to lead 8-2. Kelly then started to work his way back into the game scoring four chalks over the next four ends to close the deficit to three chalks at 6-9 ahead of the second power end.
The South Ramsey man picked up another single on the 10th end to keep his opponent at arm’s length with the score 11-6.
Two quickfire doubles on ends 11 and 12 left the game finely poised. The 13th end saw a good lead from Kelly beaten by Routledge in the corners with Kelly changing his peg and playing a brilliant bowl to count for two to lead for the first time in the game at 12-11.
On the 14th end Kelly was in ascendency in his favoured corners having picked up three successive doubles. A good last bowl from Routledge displayed nerves of steel to level the game at 12-12 going into the final end with the winner of the final power end certain to pick up the title.
If his winner the previous end was superb the lead on the deciding end was fantastic sitting just five inches away from the jack, perfectly in line to give Kelly no target. Kelly’s first bowl just slid through, then Routledge whilst failing to make two to really pile the pressure on left his second bowl in Kelly’s way preventing him from attacking the counting bowl, as the Marown man failed to beat it.
This was a superb achievement with Routledge plying his trade in Division Three for South Ramsey C, having never previously reached the quarter finals of an open competition, he played great throughout the final and the day, crucially winning all three power ends in the final, which ultimately proved to be the difference.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by competition secretary Brian Kelly, who thanked Magic Carpets for their continued sponsorship, the Ladies for the refreshments, the players for entering.
Leagues Take Shape
Onchan A prior to their 7-3 defeat away to South Ramsey A on Wednesday evening
Photo: Phil CainAfter a week’s break of league action following first round Rayner Shield fixtures, the third round of league fixtures were held this week. On Wednesday evening the top two Division One teams Marown A and South Ramsey A had tricky fixtures for different reasons.
South Ramsey A faced Onchan A with the visitors in a very false position having played teams that usually occupy the top spots in the league in their previous two fixtures Peel A and Marown A. The game resulted in a third consecutive 7-3 defeat for Onchan, with three of their top four players picking up wins with Matthew Quirk edging home 21-19 against David Bradford, Peter Slinger beat Dido Kelly 21-18, whilst Reg Temporaza held off a late fightback from James Teare to win 21-15. Alan Moore stepped into the A team with a solid performance to beat Kevin Quirk 21-13, whilst four single figure wins arrived from Bob Clark, Glynn Hargraves, Jordan Cain, and Peter Collister albeit the last win 21-0 against Steve Parker who injured himself during the first end of the game and was unable to continue.
Marown A had a tough fixture away to North Ramsey A, which is notoriously a tough place to go, so it proved as they had to battle for a 3-7 victory, despite keeping the home team under 100 chalks, thanks to four single figure wins from Peter Jones, Paul Kelly, Colin Kelly, and Marown captain Paul Dunn. Winning for the home team were captain Rob Monk with a 21-2 win over Tom Kelly, Steve Walmsley beat Dean Kipling 21-16, John Cannan picked up an impressive 21-12 win over Neil Withers, whilst Tom Collins just missed out 18-21 against Glenn Boland.
Castletown A bounced back in style from their Rayner Shield defeat to beat South Ramsey B 9-1 at the Crofts, just missing out on the whitewash by a solitary chalk as Toby Hart ensured they didn’t go home empty handed with a 21-20 win over Nathan Cooil. The Town men are sitting pretty in third place, with Kieran Krypner getting his first Division One league win under his belt beating Eddie Carlyle 21-14, as he played with his new bowls, Dean Kinley and Jordan Drewett won to single figures, whilst Ian Watson had the toughest game on his hands with Tony Dugdale, with the former winning 21-16.
The closest match in the top division took place between Marown B and Breagle Glen A at Crosby, with a 6-4 win going to the home team, with 11 chalks separating the teams (145-134). Phil Kelly was the only single figure winner for the home team beating Bernie Durcan 21-6, whilst Dan McCabe responded with a 21-8 win over John Gelling. Chris Lever edged the battled of the captains with a 21-19 win over Juan Killip.
Douglas A were defeated 4-6 at home to Peel A, losing the aggregate by 35 chalks (110-145). Three single figure wins arrived from Gary Smith, Tommy McMeiken, and Stevie Kelly, with the latter winning 21-0 against former Villa teammate Mark Kneen. Hitting back for the home team were Andy Cannell, Ian Moore, Dave McCabe, and Gordy Wynne-Smythe.
In Division Two Noble’s A were the biggest winners of the week as they beat Douglas B 9-1 at the Park, with the Villa men struggling for form in the early part of the season. The lone winner for the visitors was Willie Cowley who delivered a 21-15 win against Mark ‘Postie’ Quinn. For the home team Alex Yates, Stephen Corkill, Mark Bradshaw, and Jim Callister kept the visitors down to just 86 chalks.
Finch Hill A, who are notoriously poor on the road, pulled off the biggest shock of the season, as they won 4-6 away to early pacesetters Marown C, just pipping the aggregate by five chalks (134-139). For the home team Jamie Joughin won 21-4 against Dave Dixon, whilst Stephen Oates hit back with a 21-2 win over Dan Smith. Three home wins were close – 21-17 going in favour of Darren Kerruish, Walter McCarthy, and James Kelly, whilst Sam Stannard-Duke beat Sid Bolton 21-19 for the Finch men.
Noble’s B came away from Onchan Park with a hard fought 4-6 win over Onchan B, as they took the two-point aggregate by just two chalks (140-142). Captain Steve Cain led the way for his men, as he was the only single figure winner beating Sid McKnight 21-8, whilst Lee Price held his nerve to beat Neil Richmond 21-20. The Noble’s men have settled into Division Two life without any issues, they will look to see how far they can go this season.
Castletown B remain winless but managed to pick up four points in their 6-4 defeat away to Breagle Glen B, losing out by just seven chalks (155-148) in a high scoring match. The Town men could have picked up a further three points with James Drinkwater, Patrick Cooper, and John Holden just losing out 20,19, 19 respectively. The Breagle men may also have felt two or three games could have gone their way with Seamus Whelan, Rod Swift and Derek Cadamy losing out 17, 18, and 20 respectively. Derek Cain’s win was never in doubt as he beat Sam Quayle 21-6.
Peel B suffered a heavy defeat 2-8 at home to Ballaugh A, with Dougie Allan and Phil Clarke the two winners. Just losing out for the home team were Jimmy Corlett 18-21 to Tony Quine, Jeff Wilson 19-21 to Richard Hainge, and Ross Menton 20-21 to Mark Dimsdale. For the visitors captain Phil Quayle led the way for the Ballaugh men with a 21-9 win over Ian Gray. Despite suffering defeat just 15 chalks separated the sides (139-154).
In Division Three Peel C sit in top spot with a four point lead following their 8-2 home win over Noble’s D. Home captain Jimmy Lee beat John Andrew 21-14, Matthew Venables won convincingly 21-7 against Rob Bell, whilst Nathan Jones crept home 21-20 against Alex Hampson. For the visitors Stephen Hampson beat Stuart Morrison 21-19.
Occupying second spot North Ramsey B hosted Ballaugh C at Mooragh Park, with the home team prevailing 8-2.
Elsewhere Nobles C drew 5-5 at home to Marown D despite winning 5-3 on games, as they lost the aggregate by just three chalks in a high scoring game (145-148). Ballaugh B picked up their biggest win of the season 9-1 at home to Breagle Glen C, with Alan Crebbin preventing the whitewash with a 21-12 win over Steve Bassil.
In Division Four Onchan C secured a 10-0 home win over North Ramsey C, with the Mooragh men unfortunate not to pick up any points with losing scores of 17, 18, 19 and 20. Onchan extended their lead to nine points after the third round of fixtures.
Castletown C sit in joint second on 17 points following their 7-3 home win over South Ramsey D. The Town team fielded four juniors, once again it was Freddie Palmer who pulled off another win as he beat Chris Brown 21-8, whilst his father Chris Palmer beat Billy Blair 21-16.
Elsewhere Finch Hill B lost 4-6 at home to Douglas D, with the home team suffering three defeats to single figures which ultimately sealed their fate. Douglas C won 9-1 at home to Peel D, with five of the games finishing to single figures.
CASTLETOWN ‘A’ LADIES ON FORM
Open age league : Wednesday night of week four saw Castletown A ladies travel to Marown B coming away with an 8-1 win dropping only three points. Alison Kearsley for ‘Town’ won to single figures with the lone winner for Marown, Rosie Winckle, winning 21-18. Marown nearly won two more games as Grace Cooper and Sue Hammond both lost to 19. South Ramsey played host to Breagle Glen B winning 8-1. Six of South’s wins were won to single figures with Roz Cannon being the only winner for Breagle winning to 13. Nobles travelled to Peel winning 5-4 with four of Nobles ladies winning to single figures. Emilie Moss (Peel) and Tina Hampson had a nip and tuck game with Tina crossing the line 21-19. Ballaugh A were at home to Marown A with the Crosby ladies winning 5-4 with four of these games being won to single figures. Rose Waterworth (Ballaugh) and Zoe Bolton had a good game resulting in a 21-14 win for Rose. Mooragh Park were at home to Douglas with the Northerners winning 6-3. Grayse Blencoe, Olivia Johnson and Janet Monk for Mooragh plus Rebecca Jacobs for Douglas all won to single figures. Closest game saw Mooragh’s Bailey McMullan win to 18 against Paula Garrett. Breagle Glen A had a good 7-2 home win against Ballaugh B with three of Breagle’s ladies winning to 9, 8 and 7. Katy Williams (Breagle) had a good battle with Alison Millard with Katy eventually winning 21-20.
Over 60’s league: Castletown A ladies continued with their good form this week scoring two maximums. On Tuesday morning they made their way north to Mooragh Park B scoring their third maximum of the season with five of the six games being won to single figures. Irene Goodall was the sole player for Mooragh to reach double figures losing 21-15. Peel were home to South Ramsey B winning the match 5-1. Closest game saw Peel’s Joyce Kelly just get the better of Anne Buck to win 21-14. Sole winner for South was Sue Collier who won to 8. Nobles ladies made their way south to Breagle Glen A coming away with a 4-2 win. All games went into double figures with Caroline Whitehead (Breagle) and Sue Gawne (Nobles) winning their games to 16. Ballaugh A put in a solid performance winning 5-1 at home to Marown dropping only four points. Pat Mason and Christine McDonald for Ballaugh won to 7 and 6, with Marown’s lone winner, Rosie Winckle, winning to 17. South Ramsey played host to Finch Hill winning the match 5-1. It was a battle of the ‘Caleys’ as Finch’s sole winner Sue Caley won 21-12 against Helen Caley. Ballaugh B made their way to Castletown B with the match finishing three all. Elizabeth Faragher and Shirley Watling for Ballaugh both won to single figures with Castletown’s Elaine McElroy and Marie Ashurst both pipping their opponents 21-18. Onchan hosted Mooragh Park A with Mooragh winning 4-2. Onchan’s two winners were Maureen Payne and Pauline Cowley who won to 12 and 18 respectively. Only player to win to single figures was Mooragh’s Janet Monk. On Wednesday morning, Breagle Glen C played their B team with the B winning 5-1 and dropping only four points. Sole winner for the C team was Joan Ryder who won to 17 with Edwina Reid just missing out on another win for the C team when she lost to 18 against Jean Thackrah.
On Thursday morning, Castletown A recorded their fourth maximum to date at home to Finch Hill although due to unforeseen circumstances Finch were two players down. Sue Caley for Finch almost clinched a win losing to 20 against Joy Stephens. Mooragh Park A had a good 5-1 win at home against Castletown B dropping only two points. All players reached double figures with Castletown’s Judith Moore putting up a good fight against Maureen Hamilton before losing to 15. Sole winner for Castletown was Elaine McElroy who won to 19. Ballaugh A travelled to Breagle Glen B putting in a solid performance winning 5-1 dropping only three points. Ballaugh’s Kay McKiernan, Julie Reilly and Rose Waterworth all won to single figures, with Breagle’s lone winner, Jenny Cain, winning to 18. Marown played Mooragh Park B at home. Match finished 5-1 to Marown with four of Marown’s wins being won to single figures. Mary Bruce was Mooragh’s sole winner winning to 15. Peel visited Ballaugh B coming away with a 5-1 win. Val Allwood, Mary Moffatt and Joyce Kelly for Peel, plus Shirley Watling for Ballaugh won to single figures. Closest game saw Peel’s Lynda Wilson just getting the better of Elizabeth Faragher 21-18. Nobles were at home to Breagle Glen C winning 5-1 on games and dropping five points. Stopping a full house was Gwen Tuck who won to 16 against Marilyn Ellison. Sue Gawne, Paula Garrett and Jo Smith for Nobles all won to single figures. Breagle Glen A travelled north to South Ramsey B and although the match finishing three all, Breagle won by 37 points. Closest games saw South’s Lorraine Moore and Jackie Murley winning to 16 and 19. South Ramsey’s A team travelled to Onchan winning 4-2 with all of South’s wins being won to single figures. Two winners for Onchan were Maureen Payne who won to single figures and Sue McCourt who had a good battle with Gillian Jopson coming from 7-17 down to win 21-19.
£1,250 raised for Local Charity – Hargraves, Quirk and Cain Retain Trophy
Chas Grills Memorial Trophy 2025 - Glynn Hargraves, Matthew Quirk, and Jordan Cain with Chas Grills' sister Suzanne Nicholas
Photo: Kim HargravesSouth Ramsey Bowling Club held the Chas Grills Memorial Trophy for the third time on Sunday. The format of triples once again proved to be popular amongst the Islands bowlers as 24 teams – 72 bowlers took part. The competition was once again supported by CTH Insure.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were the Ballaugh trio of Becky Mitchell, Stephen Swift, and Richard Green 11-21 to the Marown team of Colin Kelly, Walter McCarthy, and Tom Kelly. In a repeat of the 2024 final Marown’s Glenn Boland, Peter Jones and visiting bowler Jamie Box took on Jordan Cain, Glynn Hargraves (both South Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) with the latter team prevailing 21-8 as they kept their opponents down to three singles.
In the other half of the draw another Marown team reached the semi-finals as Rebecca Teare, Clare Cooper, and Debbie Leece held off a late fightback from home greeners Sue Collier, Geoff Collier, and Greg Barlow having led 20-12, before getting over the line 21-19. The shortest game of the round was between the home team of Jenny Moore, James Teare, and David Bradford, who made light work of Brian Lindsay, Eddie Carlyle, and Les Brookes (Peel/South Ramsey/Finch Hill) in just nine ends with a 21-9 win.
Both semi-finals were keenly contested as the Kelly’s and McCarthy took on Cain, Hargraves and Quirk, with the Marown team needing to win just four ends to build a 14-9 after eight ends. This breathing space turned into a four-chalk deficit three ends later as a single followed by two quickfire fours from the current holders saw the game at 14-18. The Marown team hit back with two doubles and a single to lead 19-18, were counting one in the corners only for the last bowl up by Tom to somewhat unluckily flick in their opponent’s bowl. With this Jordan, Glynn, and Matthew rallied to finish with three consecutive singles to book their place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win.
The second semi-final didn’t lack any drama either as the home green team of Moore, Teare, and Bradford took on the Marown Trio of Teare, Cooper, and Leece. The visiting bowlers won 10 ends of a 16-end game, it was the South Ramsey team that progressed to the final despite only winning six ends, when they did score, they scored heavily with a full house (six), a four, two doubles, two singles to see the game out with a 21-18 win.
In the final it was one-way traffic early in the game with Jordan, Glynn, and Matthew leading 14-6 after just six ends on a short mark over the middle of the green. A four scored on the eighth end, extended the lead to 18-9, with Jenny, James, and David having picked up a single and a double in between conceding the four. Within two ends the game was over as a double, followed by a single secured a deserved 21-9 victory for Cain, Hargraves, and Quirk to retain the trophy.
The presentation was made by competition secretary James Teare, with Chas Grill’s sister Suzanne Nicholas then introduced to present the prizes. Upon accepting the trophy Glynn thanked his fellow players Jordan and Matthew, the competition sponsors CTH Insure, also Darren Kerruish for providing prizes to the finalists on behalf of local businesses Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks and KFC for a second successive year. Thanks were given to Steve Moore for running the sheet on the day, competition secretary James Teare, along with the work that had gone in by club members to prepare the green, the ladies for the superb choice of refreshments, also everyone who had supported the competition with their generous donations.
It was then confirmed that Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man were the charity supported this year, with a grand sum of £1,250 raised on the day, thanks were given to the generosity of everyone who had entered and supported the charity.
Photo: Alan Moore
Bradford & Kelly Win Cringle Fours
Cringle Fours Winners 2025 - David Bradford and Dido Kelly with Murray Cringle’s son - Phil Cringle
Photo: Glynn HargravesCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Charity Cringle Fours men’s open competition on Saturday attracting 24 pairs to compete for the trophy, an increase of eight pairs on last year.
The quarter finals saw Glynn Hargraves and Jamie Box (South Ramsey/Quarry) beat Marown pair Neil Withers and Paul Dunn, whilst the Peel/Marown combination of Pip Pemberton and Peter Greenlees ended the run of James Kelly and Trevor Quayle (Marown/Breagle Glen). In the other half of the draw Jordan Drewett and Dean Kinley were the furthest home greeners after seeing off Castletown clubmates Nathan Cooil and Aaron Richardson, whilst Crosby duo Glenn Boland and Peter Jones lost out to South Ramsey pair David Bradford and Dido Kelly.
Hargraves and Box booked their place in the final, with the score tied at 15-15 after 13 ends, it took a one, two and three in that order to secure a 21-15 win over Pemberton and Greenlees, helped in part by two full houses earlier in the game. The other semi-final saw Drewett and Kinley close the deficit with Bradford and Kelly to just two chalks (12-14) after 14 ends. A strong finish from the South Ramsey men ensured a 21-14 win.
The final got underway with the score tied at 6-6 after five ends, then a couple of fours for Bradford and Kelly gave the South Ramsey pair plenty of breathing room as they took a 15-9 lead. This quickly turned to 20-9, with Hargraves and Box lying one a great last bowl from Kelly sealed a deserved 21-9 victory. Bradford was looking for a partner in the morning, with Kelly stepping in at the 11th hour, it proved to be a successful partnership.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Nathan Hamilton, who introduced Murray Cringle’s son Phil Cringle to present the prizes. A grand total of £325 was raised for Sight Matters, with all prize winners putting their winnings back into the pot, this boosted the final figure raised.
PlumbMaster Rayner Shield Underway
Castletown A pictured prior to their Rayner Shield Match with South Ramsey A
Photo: Phil CainThe Plumbmaster Rayner Shield got underway last week, this gives teams from the lower divisions the opportunity to test themselves against stronger teams, with preliminary and first round losers going into the draw for the Rayner Plate.
Just one first division team went into the Rayner Plate as Castletown A suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat away to South Ramsey A, in what was a replay of the Rayner Shield final from last season. The visitors scored just 65 chalks, with David Quayle the highest scoring Town player with 13 chalks, whilst Jordan Drewett was the only other Castletown player to reach double figures, scoring 12 chalks. A subject that seems to get raised every year if first division teams suffer heavy defeats like this, this begs the question should lower division teams automatically go into the Rayner Plate?
Marown A hosted Ballaugh A at Crosby, the home team recorded an 8-0 win with four of the Ballaugh men reaching double figures, with Richard Hainge losing out 14-21 to Peter Jones.
Onchan A crushed Division Two league leaders Marown C 8-0, however the visitors passed the 100-chalk mark losing out 168-106. Three of the games were close with two losses to 18 and a defeat to 19. Just one game didn’t go to double figures as Will Penhallurick beat Steve Rough 21-3.
A much-changed Peel A team didn’t have it all their own way away to Onchan B, as they won 2-6 on the night with 15 chalks between the teams (124-139). Mike Kelly beat Phil Clarke 21-8, whilst Neil Richmond won 21-5 against Michael Kavanagh. For the visitors three of the Peel men had to battle for their wins as Pip Pemberton won 21-17 against Mike Thomas, whilst Tommy McMeiken and Harry Kelly won 21-19 against Colin spence and Bernie McPhee respectively.
Douglas A beat seven-man Castletown B 7-1 at the Villa, with green keeper Ian Moore the recipient of the walkover. The Town men were probably not expecting a result against a first division team, especially away from home.
Division Four side Peel D hosted North Ramsey A in the Sunset City, with Adam Kelly the only winner on the night 21-6 against Junior bowler Landon Allison, with the latter given the opportunity to make his A team debut against a lower league team.
South Ramsey B were in a tough game away to Noble’s D, with the score 2-2 at the half way point, only for the visitors to win 3-1 in the second half of the match to secure a 3-5 win. Winning for the home team were Alex Hampson, Grahem Moore, and Michael Johnson.
Marown B just missed out on an 0-8 away win against Breagle Glen C as they won 1-7, with Arran Dunn fighting back from a huge deficit against Alan Crebbin, only to cruelly lose 20-21. The Crosby men had the return of John Gelling, who made his first appearance of the 2025 season.
Of all the first division teams to progress to the second round Breagle Glen A had the toughest test, as they won 3-5 away to Finch Hill A, with just 10 chalks separating the teams (138-148). Two of the games that could have swung the result the other way had the scores been reversed were Pat Maher losing 19-21 to Pat Maher, whilst Paul Dougherty just lost out 20-21 to David Cain.
Ladies League Reports
Over 60’s League Tuesday
Tuesday morning saw three maximums being scored. First of these saw the Nobles ladies travelling to Castletown B with Paula Garrett (Nobles) winning to single figures. Second and third maximums were scored by South Ramsey A who were at home to Mooragh Park B and Castletown A who were away to Breagle Glen C with eight games between the two matches being won to single figures. Peel hosted Breagle Glen B winning 5-1 on games. Lone winner for Breagle was Kay Primrose-Smith who won to 6. Finch Hill ladies travelled to Ballaugh A with the match finishing 4-2 to Ballaugh. Pat Mason and Julie Reilly (Ballaugh) both won to single figures with Lil Smith and Wendy Cowin for Finch winning to 10 and 12. Breagle Glen A drew three all at home against Marown but won by 10 points. Rita Callister and Caroline Whitehead for Breagle, plus Lynda Cadamy for Marown all won to single figures. Mooragh Park were at home to Ballaugh B winning 5-1 and dropping only 3 points. Stopping the full house was Carol Holt who won to 18. South Ramsey B visited Onchan. Unfortunately despite a good effort, South lost 4-2 and by 14 points. Anne Bannan for Onchan won to single figures as did Sue Collier for South.
Thursday morning fixtures
There was only one maximum scored on Thursday by Finch Hill at home to Mooragh Park B. Closest game saw Joan Henderson (Mooragh) losing to 18 against Pat Heesom with Lil Smith, Anne Hon and Wendy Cowin for Finch winning to 7, 9, 4 and 6. Marown hosted Breagle Glen C winning 5-1, only dropping five points. Stopping a full house for Marown was Kay Primrose-Smith who won to 16. Local derby between Mooragh Park A at home to South Ramsey A ended with a 4-2 win for Mooragh in a low scoring match. Janet Monk, Maureen Hamilton and Gill Malpass for Mooragh all won to single figures as did Joyce Ogden and Elaine Moore for South. Ballaugh A made their way to Castletown A. Town won 4-2 with four of their players winning to single figures. Christine McDonald and Julie Reilly were the two winners for Ballaugh winning to 14 and 13. Nobles won 4-2 at home against Peel dropping only four points. Libby Andrade and Dee Lewis (Onchan) won to single figures with Joyce Kelly and Val Allwood (Peel) winning to 20 and 18. Home derby between Breagle Glen B and A resulted in a 4-2 win for the B team. Trish Bull (A team) just missed out making it a three all draw losing to 20 against Pauline Worrall. Onchan travelled to Ballaugh B coming away with a three all draw but winning the match by two points. Closest game saw Ballaugh’s Brenda Clayton winning to 18 against Norma Cowell. South Ramsey B were at home to Castletown B and although match finished three all, Castletown took the honours by 10 points. Sue Collier for South, plus Castletown’s Pat Rigby, Marie Ashurst and Elaine McElroy all won to single figures.
Open Age League
Wednesday night saw the second set of fixtures played. Ballaugh A recorded a maximum at home to Castletown B with four of Ballaugh’s games being won to single figures. Closest game saw Joy Stephens (Castletown B) narrowly losing to 19 against Julie Reilly. Castletown A won 7-2 at home against Nobles with Aalish Moore, Hilary Kermode and Hannah Drewett all winning to single figures, as did Paula Firth for Nobles. Douglas travelled to Peel coming away with a 5-4 win. Winning their games to single figures were Harley Garrett for Douglas and Jo Corkill for Peel. Closest games saw Louise Horsfall and Beverly Wilson (Peel) winning to 19 and 18 against Katie Jacobs and Emma Sayle. Home derby between Breagle A and B resulted in a 7-2 win for the A team. Margie Tasker (A) had a good battle with Hannah Leece with Margie just pipping Hannah 21-20. Two winners for the B team were Roz Cannon and Alison Stockham who won to 7 and 16. Marown B were at home to Ballaugh B winning 6-3 with Crosby ladies Lil Smith and Sue Hammond winning to single figures. Elaine Fenton narrowly missed out winning another game for Ballaugh when she lost to 19 to Grace Cooper. South Ramsey played host to Marown A winning 6-3 on games with Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves (South) winning to single figures. Closest games saw Rebekah Kelly for Marown and Gillian Jopson for South winning their games to 20 and 19 respectively. Mention must be made about the game between Lauren Groen and Clare Cooper – it was such a good game that both sides of the scorecard were used with Lauren eventually winning to 18. As Clare said ‘it was lovely night for a game of bowls and we were trying for a record number of ends’ – not sure if they did enough!
On Friday night Marown A were at home to Castletown B. Marown won 7-2 with Rebecca Teare and Helen Withers, plus Barbara Young for Castletown all winning to single figures. Closest game of the match saw Marown’s Jayne Smith just edging out Anne Oates 21-19. Castletown A hosted Ballaugh A winning 7-2 on games. Two winners for Ballaugh were Louise Tebay and Caroline Parker winning to 7 and 16. Closest game saw Stella Watterson just pip Ballaugh’s Christie McDonald 21-20. Marown B travelled to Nobles coming away with a 5-4 win. Celia Joughin and Jo Kelly for Marown plus Jo Smith and Colese Creer for Nobles all won to single figures. Marown’s Pippa Clague and Charlotte Clarke plus Nobles Kerri Hampson for Nobles all won their games to 18. Breagle Glen A visited Douglas winning the match 6-3. Two games for Breagle were won to 18, with two games for Douglas being won to 17. Margie Tasker (Breagle) was the only player to win to single figures. Ballaugh B were at home to Peel with the Peel ladies winning the match 6-3. Four of Peel’s wins and one of Ballaugh’s were won to single figures. Closest game saw Gill Clarke for Peel winning to 20 against Brenda Clayton. Mooragh Park travelled to Breagle Glen B coming away with a 7-2 win. Janet Monk, Katie Johnson and Madison McMullan all won to single figures for Mooragh with the two winners for Breagle, Angela Bennett and Roz Cannon, winning to 17 and 11 respectively.
Ladies Association Triples Competition
The Ladies Association triples competition was held on Sunday at Breagle Glen attracting an entry of 11 triples. Getting through to the first of the semi-finals were Tracy Moore, Joyce Ogden and Caroline Whitehead who played Debbie Leece, Helen Withers and Clare Cooper. This was a close game with Debbie, Helen and Clare eventually winning to 16. Second semi-final saw Sue Gawne, Paula Firth and Lynda Cadamy put in a solid performance to beat Voirrey Curphey, Jacqui Elliott and Jean Thackrah 21-9.
In the final, Debbie, Helen and Clare took control of the game and never looking back won 21-8 against Sue, Paula and Lynda. Congratulations to Debbie, Helen and Clare, and to all the lady bowlers who took part. Also thanks to Breagle for hosting the competition and to the Competition committee for the smooth running of the competition.
Kelly Does Weekend Double
Ken Williamson Cup Winner 2025 - Colin Kelly with Caroline Heathcote
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe first official men’s singles competition of the season was held on Sunday, with an entry of 37 taking part in the Ken Williamson Cup, with entries higher than when the competition is traditionally held in June after a long week of festival bowls.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were James Teare (South Ramsey) 14-21 to Tom Kelly (Marown), Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) 15-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown). Walter McCarthy just lost out 19-21 to Marown clubmate Neil Withers, whilst Castletown man Nathan Hamilton beat Nigel Tebay (Ballaugh) 21-13.
Both semi-finals were plain sailing for the winners as Colin Kelly beat his son Tom 21-11, whilst Hamilton’s hopes of a first open win were ended by Withers 12-21.
The final got underway with Kelly winning the first two ends with singles, only for Withers to score 10 chalks over the following eight ends to lead 12-6. Kelly responded with 10 chalks of his own over just ends in the corners to lead 16-12. Withers managed to close the gap to just two chalks at 15-17, however one more burst from Kelly sealed a 21-16 victory.
The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk with thanks given to Dave Tait for running the competition and to the ladies for putting on the refreshments. Ken Williamson’s relative Caroline Heathcote was then introduced to present the prizes on behalf of Ken Williamson’s family. In his speech Colin stated it was the third time he had won the trophy having won it for the first two years the competition was played in 1996 and 1997.
Happy Families in Noble’s Pairs
Ladies & Men’s Noble’s Pairs Winners 2025
Photos: Glynn HargravesLadies
Noble’s Bowling Club hosted the ladies pairs on Saturday afternoon with 17 pairs competing for the trophy, it was the ladies turn to play on number one green this year.
The semi-finals saw Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk just lose out 19-21 to South Ramsey’s Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore, whilst the other semi-final was more straightforward for sisters Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare (Marown) against Villa pair Katie Jacobs and Emma Sayle 21-9.
The final saw the Marown pair score in seven of the first nine ends against the South Ramsey pair to lead 16-10. A comeback was on the cards after the 14th end with the match finely poised as Kennish and Moore levelled the game at 17-17. The following end saw the Marown pair score a three, only to concede a two on the next end. Leece and Teare ensured they got the once chalk need to seal a 21-19 victory to retain the trophy.
Men’s Pairs
At the same time that the ladies pairs was being played on the top green the men played their competition on number two green, with 26 pairs entering.
The semi-finals saw the end of the road for Marown’s Phil Dunn and his Grandson Arran Dunn after a great run, as they lost 13-21 to fellow clubmates Glenn Boland and Peter Jones. The other semi-final was keenly contested between Glynn Hargraves and Matthew Quirk (South Ramsey/Onchan) who were up against father and son Colin Kelly and Tom Kelly, with the former pair taking an early 10-6 lead, only to trail 10-11. Another two end winning burst resulted in Hargraves and Quirk going into the lead 15-11, only for a good four and a double from the Kelly’s to see the lead slip away. Four more chalks ensured safe passage to the final for Tom and Colin with a 21-17 win.
The final saw neither side able to get a run of winning ends early on with the score tied at 10-10 after six ends. A winning run of four ends in a row in the corners for the Kelly’s gave them a bit of breathing room to lead 15-10, with three successive singles from Boland and Jones closing the deficit to just two chalks. The fightback was halted there with Tom and Colin seeing the game out to claim a deserved 21-14 victory.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Tina Hampson, with Club Chairman Phil Salmon also presenting the prizes. Thanks were given to Jim Callister Garden Designs for sponsoring both competitions.
Men’s Night Leagues Take Shape
South Ramsey A pictured in the Sunset City on Monday Evening
Photo: Phil CainEarly Division One league leaders Marown had a tricky looking home fixture against Onchan A on Monday evening, the Crosby men took home a 7-3 win, which could have been a 9-1 win with the visitors winning two games 21-20, as Will Penhallurick beat Marown captain Paul Dunn, whilst Kevin Quirk held off Paul Kelly to the same score. The other win for the visitors was from Matthew Quirk as he beat Tom Kelly 21-10. For the home team Neil Withers returned to winning ways with a 21-5 victory over Steve Parker, whilst Colin Kelly beat Jamie Clague 21-8. Dean Kipling came through a tough game with Peter Slinger 21-18.
Douglas A pulled off a great 2-8 win away to Breagle Glen A, with the home team disappointed to suffer a heavier defeat than the week before away to South Ramsey A (7-3). Nick Firth having stepped up to the A team performed brilliantly to beat Trevor Quayle 21-11, whilst Gordy Wynne-Smythe crept home 21-20 against David Cain. Winning for the Breagle men were Bernie Durcan 21-17 against Shaun Seal, whilst Wayne Roberts beat Andy Cannell 21-16.
Peel A played their first home fixture of the 2025 season, as they hosted South Ramsey A in the Sunset City. Things were looking rosy for the Peel men as it was 2-2 after the first half of the match, with Tommy McMeiken and Paul Quirk the two winners beating James Teare and Peter Collister respectively, whilst Bob Clark and Dido Kelly responded for South. The second half of the match resulted in four wins for the visitors with Glynn Hargraves pushed to 21-16 with Gary Smith, whilst John Kennish was the biggest winner on the night with a 21-8 win over Stevie Kelly.
South Ramsey B caused a mini upset as they beat Marown B 7-3, in a game that could just as easily been a 9-1 home win or a 5-5 draw, with 15 chalks separating the sides (163-148). For South Tony Hart and Ed Carlyle were the 21-20 winners over Matthew Keggen and Sid Bolton. For the Crosby men Karl Parker and Phil Kelly won to the same score against Ben Dugdale and Toby Hart respectively. South Ramsey B currently sit in the dizzy heights of fourth place with 11 points from their first two fixtures.
Castletown A picked up their first home win of the season with a 7-3 victory over North Ramsey A. For the home team Nathan Cooil caused a mini upset seeing off Mooragh captain Rob Monk 21-19, whilst Dean Kinley claimed a 21-4 win over Ray Beattie. Winning for the visitors were John Cannan, Allan Callow and Steve Walmsley.
In Division Two Marown C continue to set the pace following their 2-8 win at the Crofts over Castletown B, with the Town men firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, as they suffer another poor start to the season. David Quayle having dropped down form the A team won 21-8 against James Kelly, whilst John Holden beat Darren Kerruish 21-11.
Noble’s B continue their positive start following promotion from Division Three, with an 8-2 home win over Finch Hill A. Just 13 chalks separated the sides (147-134). Whilst promotion may not happen this season, after a full season of second division bowls, I would expect them to challenge for promotion to Division One next season, as they continue to improve individually and collectively.
Ballaugh A occupy third place on 14 points following the visit of Noble’s A, with the Ballaugh men winning 7-3.
Douglas B picked up their first points of the season with a 6-4 home win over Breagle Glen B, following on from their whitewash at the hands of Marown C the previous week.
Onchan B made light work of Peel B at the Park on Monday evening with a 9-1 win. The lone winner for Peel was 2024 Division Three merit winner Andrew Cover who beat Marcus Avery 21-13, whilst Colin Moore just missed out on a second win for the visitors losing out 20-21 to Derek Allen.
In Division Three Peel C are sitting pretty at the top on 18 points, following their 0-10 away win over Breagle Glen C, with four single figure wins resulting in the home team scoring just 75 chalks.
North Ramsey B came away from Noble’s C with a 4-4 draw, securing the aggregate by just three chalks (143-146) for a 4-6 win.
Marown D recorded a 7-3 home win over Ballaugh B, again just three chalks separated the sides (143-140) with two of the wins being close for the home team as Richard Bregazzi won 21-19 against Steve Bassil, whilst Ryan Holdaway beat Richard Fisher 21-18.
Rounding off Division Three in a high scoring fixture Noble’s D hosted South Ramsey C, with the visitors taking home a 4-6 win by 11 chalks (142-153). The best win on the night was from Greg Barlow who beat John Short 21-10, whilst the other seven games finished to scores of 15 or above.
Division Four saw South Ramsey D play their first match of the season having sat out the first round of fixtures, they got their season up and running in style with an 8-2 home win over Douglas C. Junior bowler Kian Bradford showed his dad David how to make a comeback having trailed 13-16, a strong finish to the game resulted in a 21-18 win over John Harrison. Single figure wins from captain Frank Feeney, Steve Kelly, and Geoff Collier helped secure the win.
North Ramsey C came away from the Villa with a solid 3-7 win over Douglas D, helped in part by the home team being a player short. Two single figure wins from Phillip Hassall and Matthew Molesworth ensured the home team secured the aggregate two points despite a 21-2 defeat for Steve Taylor at the hands of Stuart Garrett.
Finch Hill B could only draw 4-4 on games at home to Castletown C despite winning by 40 chalks for a 6-4 win (154-114) with Peter Woods, Dave Dixon and John Harris all winning to single figures.