Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

South Ramsey A took on Marown A at ‘The Villa’ on Thursday evening with the Crosby men starting the match as favourites due to their five strongest men being available (as per the merit table), whilst South Ramsey used just two of their Men’s A team. Prior to the match commencing the captains carried out an inspection on the green to ensure it was fit to play with the rain that had fallen throughout the afternoon and the likelihood of further heavy rain due.

From the first five games on the green Neil Withers was first off for Marown with a good 21-14 win over Tony Dugdale, who was 2-9 and 5-13 before fighting back with singles to reach 14. Elaine Moore was next off for South Ramsey with a big 21-4 win. The next three games off all went in favour of Marown with Paul Dunn performing brilliantly to fight back from 2-12 down to win 21-14 against Gill Dixon. Credit must go to both players with tight ends being played and Dixon never far away from counting despite Dunn taking 19 of the next 21 points scored. Top Marown man Colin Kelly was next off beating 19 year old Stefan Kelly who was 3-12 behind before matching the Marown man point for point from there on, before losing out 13-21. Dean Kipling was the last player off in the first half of the match fighting back from 14-19 down to win 21-20 against James Teare. At the halfway point the match was finely balanced with Marown holding a six point lead.

During the second half of the match the rain continued to get heavier, resulting in the green getting heavier with the South Ramsey players using this to their advantage. First game off in the second half for South Ramsey was captain Glynn Hargraves who ran out on a long length to record a huge 21-2 win against Lil Smith. Lyn Bolton was next off with a 21-10 win over Shirley Whelan who did well to reach double figures after trailing 0-13. With the match now secured with South Ramsey holding a 24 point lead and both games on the green having scored enough points Ben Dugdale was next off winning 21-15 against Philippa Taylor. Jenny Moore was the last game off winning 21-16 against Paul Kelly, with Kelly fighting back from 9-20 down to reach 16. This resulted in South Ramsey winning the trophy by 35 chalks (166-131) and also recording a 5-4 win on games.

The presentation was made by Association Treasurer Phil Kelly who thanked Douglas for the use of the green, providing measurers and refreshments, along with John Gelling for stepping in to assist on the night. South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves acknowledged that the conditions had played a part in the result on the night, whilst also thanking his team and everyone who had came to support which made for a great atmosphere.