Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Saturday afternoon saw Onchan host the Ken Williamson Memorial Trophy men’s singles held in memory of Hall of Famer, Ken Williamson with 48 players entering the competition.

Play commenced in breezy conditions on a slightly heavy green following Friday’s rain. The 16 preliminary round games went pretty much to form with no major shocks. In the first round, every player managed to achieve double figures. Arguably, the shock of the games came when Walter McCarthy (Marown) beat home A team captain Peter Slinger 21-20. 

Wayne Roberts won his second round derby game against Port St Mary teammate Trevor Quayle, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) did similar to McCarthy. David Bradford (South Ramsey) took two on the final end against Neil Withers (Marown) to secure a 21-20 win. Quietly working their way through the round were Bob Clark (Castletown) & Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey). Local hero Kevin Quirk, winner of the trophy for the previous three years, succumbed to Paul Dunn (Marown) ending hopes of an Onchan victor. Making up the final eight were slight outsiders James Teare (South Ramsey) & Paul ‘Pooky’ Quirk (Peel).

By the time the quarter finals commenced, the sun had made an appearance providing a slightly faster green for the contestants. Dunn, Kelly & Clark brushed aside Quirk, Roberts & Teare whilst Hargraves won the battle of the South Ramsey ‘blue boys’ against Bradford taking four from the last three ends to win 21-17.

Starting together, the semi-finals were made up of Kelly versus Clark, with Hargraves up against Dunn. Each game was closely fought with only one two in the first 11 ends of each match. From 14-14 after 14 ends, Kelly began to pull ahead eventually running out 21-16 against Clark. In the other semi Hargraves was 15-17 down after 20 ends, however Hargraves dug in to overcome Dunn 21-18. The standard of bowling in each game was excellent & a joy to watch. 

The final saw Hargraves race into a 14-7 lead after seven ends before Kelly took three consecutive doubles. After 15 ends the scores were tied at 17-17. Kelly was leading 19-17 at the 17th end. A close measure gave Hargraves the jack from which he never looked back running out 21-19.

Presenting the trophy & awards was Mike Thomas, Onchan Chairman. Thanks were given to Ken Williamson’s family for continuing to generously support the competition. Also thanked were the ladies for organising the raffle & catering, the measurers, markers, stewards & anyone who had contributed to another successful day’s bowling. In his speech Hargraves thanked Onchan for organising the day’s proceedings. This was the first time he had won the competition & admitted to being old enough to remember Ken in his playing days!