Future of the Game is Bright

Phil Johnson Memorial Trophy Competitors and some of the Coaches

Photo: Arnie Withers

Saturday 3rd August saw the Phil Johnson Memorial trophy return in a revamped format. The IOMCCGBA would like to thank Canada Life International for supporting the association for helping get this event up and running.

Phil worked at Canada Life International before he suddenly passed away in 2011 with an undiagnosed heart condition, thought to have been Long QT Syndrome. His family came up with the idea of remembering Phil by presenting this trophy after speaking with Mark Kneen who at the time was the IOM Bowls Development Officer and worked at Canada Life with Phil and Mike Johnson (Phil’s father).

The IOMCCGBA have been working on the development of a junior league with great strides being made in 2019. The focus on the monthly events being held are effectively follow on events from the Manx Youth Games to ensure opportunities are given to all the young bowlers to continue their bowls in a fun yet competitive environment.

The format of the events is that the regional teams (North/South/East/West) all compete against each other in doubles games with some fun events added in along the way.

Over 20 juniors took part in the most recent event held at Marown Bowling Club, with the East team being crowned as the Phil Johnson Memorial Trophy winners for 2019 just pipping the other teams in a very tight contest.

Results (Points Per Game Average)

East – 3.8
West – 3.5
North – 3.4
South – 3.5

Thanks must also go out to all the coaches who volunteer their time every week to run the junior clubs around the Island as well as Phil Kelly as head coach on the Island and Sonya Mercer as MYG Coordinator.

Post published by Neil Withers