Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Marown Bowling Club celebrate their 50^th anniversary this year, on Saturday they held the Marown Magic Carpets Bowl attracting 68 players. The competition was 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. Players were given a handicap ranging from 0 to 3. 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 Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) who lost 10-14 to last years Rayner Shield hero Peter Greenlees (Peel) who continues to impress, home greener Jamie Joughin who was defeated 7-15 by Bob Clark (Castletown) after a good run, Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) had his challenge ended by Andy Kennish (Peel) 11-15 along with another home greener Walter McCarthy who lost 10-15 to fellow club mate and the current Manx Champion Paul Dunn.

In the semi-finals Greenlees got off to a flying start to gain what looked like an unassailable 12-2 lead after nine ends. Clark fought back to win the next six ends to tie 12-12 after 15 ends played, which resulted in a one bowl shootout, with Greenlees winning the toss and sending the jack. Unfortunately his lead was just over a yard through, which allowed Clark to bowl in to claim the victory 13-12 and progress to the final. In the other semi-final Dunn had it all his own way to win 18-5 with 11 ends played there weren’t enough ends left for Kennish to come back the game ended there.

The final started with Dunn who was having his first competitive run out this season having ‘enjoyed’ 84 days in isolation since December due to family commitments and 40 days in lockdown claiming the first two ends, with Clark responding by taking the next three ends including the all important power end to lead 7-2. From there Dunn turned on the style to win the next eight ends to lead 14-7 which was impossible for Clark to recover from to with only two ends and a maximum six chalks available. Dunn became the first winner of this competition and also claimed the winners prize of £200 for his efforts. Clark could console himself with £100 for a good days work .

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by Phil Kelly, who thanked Kevin & Sarah Bettridge from Magic Carpets for their support with the clubhouse and for sponsoring the competition, the Ladies for the refreshments with free tea & coffee being provided all day, the players for entering, and all who came to support. £500 in prize money was paid out and the format proved popular amongst bowlers.