Marown A were on fine form in the ladies open age league last Friday night away to Castletown B, although the match finished six games to three for Marown they dropped only nine points. Closest game saw Linda Dawson for Castletown just crossing the line 21-20 against Philippa Taylor. Two other winners for Castletown were Charlotte Peach and Barbara Young. Onchan also had a good six games to three win at Ballaugh with Onchan’s Libbi Andrade, Sue Gawne, Marilyn Ellison and Jo Smith all winning to single figures. South Ramsey played host to Port Erin winning seven games to two with three of South’s games being won to single figures. Two winners for Port were Rita Callister and Jean Thackrah. Port St Mary had a tough game at home to Peel winning six three and by 18 points. Val Allwood nearly made it another win for Peel losing to 20 against Dot Mylchreest. Matches between Mooragh Park and Douglas, and Marown B against Castletown A were postponed due to junior bowlers representing the IOM in England.

Ladies Over 60’s

On Tuesday morning, only five of the six matches were played due to the deteriorating weather conditions. Of the remaining five matches two maximums were scored by Port St Mary A who were away to Castletown B and Onchan A home to Port Erin B. Mavis Franks for PSM A won her game to single figures with the closest game being between Wendy Kennaugh (PSM) and Elaine McElroy with Wendy crossing the line 21-18. Four of Onchan’s ladies won their games to single figures with Sue Wilshaw for Port Erin B getting to 13 against Lynda Clarke. Castletown A had a good 4-2 win away at Ballaugh with all games bar one going into double figures. Two winners for Ballaugh were Barbara Graham and Julie Reilly who both won 21-11. Finch Hill travelled to Mooragh Park A coming away with a 4-2 win and by 21 points with Janet Monk (Mooragh) and Brenda Williams (Finch) winning their games to single figures. Port Erin A played host to Onchan B with the home side winning 5-1. Lone winner for Onchan B was Libbi Andrade who won her game 21-13. Postponed match between Marown and South Ramsey to be rearranged.

On Sunday, the Ladies Association held the Dorothy Piearce Ladies Doubles BCGBA qualifier at Finch Hill with the winners representing the IOM on Saturday 13th August at Fox Lane Sports and Social Club, Leyland, Preston. The competition attracted an entry of seven pairs. At the semi-final stage, sisters Rebecca Teare and Debbie Leece (Marown) beat Fiona Kennish and Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-13 with Elaine Moore and Gill Morgan (South Ramsey) winning 21-9 against Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden (Marown). In the final, although Gill and Elaine tried hard, Rebecca and Debbie were in devasting form playing some excellent bowls for a well deserved 21-10 win. Gill Morgan, Ladies Association Competition Secretary, thanked those who took part, Finch Hill for the use of their green and providing refreshments and wish Rebecca and Debbie all the best for when they play across in August.

Many congratulations to Philippa Taylor (Marown) for being the furthest manx lady in last week’s Bowling Festival reaching the last 8. Also to Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Paula Firth (Onchan) for reaching the last 16.

In the Over 60’s ladies league last Thursday morning, Castletown A and Finch Hill both scored maximums against Port St Mary B and Castletown B. Highest losers for Port St Mary B and Castletown B were Pauline Worrall scoring 11 against Hilary Kermode and Linda Dobinson who lost to 19 to Brenda Williams. Onchan A had a good five games to one away win at Mooragh Park B dropping only six points. Lone winner for Mooragh B was Peggy Freeman. Marown ladies were away to Peel coming away with a four games to two win, but this could have been five-one as Rosemary Winckle just lost out to 20 against Mary Moffatt. South Ramsey played host to Port Erin A winning the match four-two with Dawn Finlay making her first debut appearance for Port. Mooragh Park A visited Onchan B. Match finished three all, but Mooragh won overall by 13 points helped by Janet Monk winning her game to single figures. Following morning Port St Mary A took on Ballaugh at home winning five games to one with the lone winner for Ballaugh being Barbara Graham.

In the Open Age League, all matches were won by the home sides with all bar one match being won five games to four. Spoiling the pattern was Castletown A who had an impressive eight games to one win at home against South Ramsey although it could have been six-three as Gill Morgan and Elaine Moore both lost to 20 against sisters Tracy Moore and Amanda Lawler. Lone winner for South was Fiona Kennish who won to single figures. Closest of the remaining matches saw Marown A winning at home by five points against Onchan. Two highest scoring games saw Lynda Cadamy for Marown winning to 14, as did Grace Gawne for Onchan. Although Ballaugh won five games to four at home against Marown they won by 45 points. Closest games saw Helen Withers and Deborah Leece (Marown) both winning to 20 against Elaine Fenton and Cath Harvey. Mooragh Park won their game at home against Port St Mary by 13 points Madison McMullan (Mooragh) just pipping Kellie Maddrell to 20. Port Erin won by 31 points against Douglas with Caroline Whitehead, Voirrey Curphey and Pauline Worrall for Port all winning to single figures as did Sue McCourt for Douglas. Peel took on Castletown B at home winning by 20 points with Charlotte Clarke (Peel) and Aalish Moore (Castletown) being the highest winners for their teams.

On Sunday the Ladies Association Pre Festival competition was held at South Ramsey Bowling Club. The competition attracted a small entry of 26 ladies, including visiting bowlers and was sponsored by Andy and Gill Morgan.

Getting through to the final was Jenny Moore from South Ramsey, who beat Sally King from Wrockwadine Wood 21-18, and Lorraine Hirst from New Mill Bowling Club who beat Rita Manning from Browmoor Park 21-20.

The final was extremely well contested with both ladies playing exceptional lead bowls. With a little flourish at the end, Jenny ran out to win 21-16. The presentation of the trophy and prizes was made by Gill Morgan, sponsor and Ladies Association Competition Secretary, who thanked those for taking part, South ladies for providing excellent refreshments throughout the day, but most of all to everyone for a great afternoon of bowling and camaraderie.

In the ladies open age crown green bowling last Friday night, three of the six fixtures were won 7-2 on games; these being Castletown A and Ballaugh at home to Port St Mary and Douglas, plus Marown A away to Mooragh Park. Marown had five ladies winning to single figures, Castletown had four and Ballaugh three. The closest games saw Kim Foy (Castletown) and Pat Mason (Ballaugh) winning to 20, with Janet Monk (Mooragh) winning to 19. Elsewhere Onchan had a good 6-3 away win at Peel with Caroline Corlett (Onchan) just pipping Cath Parker 21-20. South Ramsey visited Marown B coming away with a hard earned five games to four win and by 15 points with Kim Hargraves (South) having a nip and tuck battle with Lisa Oliver eventually winning to 15. Port Erin hosted Castletown B with Ann Hollingworth and Joy Stephens (Castletown B) winning to 18 and 17 against Jean Thackrah and Alison Stockham respectively.

In the ladies Over 60’s league last Tuesday morning, home derby between the Mooragh Park ladies resulted in a five games to one win for the A team with the lone winner for the B team being Peggy Freeman who won to 18 against Margaret Oxley. Castletown A were away to Port Erin A coming away with a five one win and dropping only one point. Stopping a full house was Jacqui Elliot who won to 20 against Joy Stephens. Two more matches that saw a five games to one win were South Ramsey and Port Erin B both away to Onchan B and Castletown B respectively with the lone winners being Libbi Andrade for Onchan and Linda Dobinson for Castletown. Marown hosted Ballaugh winning four games to two with three of the Crosby ladies winning to single figures. Peel visited Finch Hill and although the match finished three all, Peel won by four points with all games bar one going into double figures. The following morning Port St Mary A entertained Onchan A at home. The match finished three all with Onchan winning by 14 points. Onchan’s win was helped by Wendy McDowell and Paula Firth winning to single figures. Last Thursday morning’s fixtures saw two maximums; these being Port Erin A away to Mooragh Park B and Peel at home to Castletown B with four ladies from Port Erin A and three from Peel winning to single figures. Closest games saw Joyce Henry (PE A) winning to 15 against Irene Goodall and Val Allwood for Peel winning to 13 against Susan Kerruish. Marown ladies were on fine form away at Castletown A winning four games to two and by 22 points with all games bar one going into double figures. Mooragh Park A visited Port Erin B coming away with a four games to two win with the two winners for Port Erin B being Rita Callister and Alison Stockham. South Ramsey hosted Finch Hill and although the match finished three all, South won by 20 points. The next day, Onchan A travelled to Port St Mary B coming away with another full house due to PSM B only able to field three players. Of the three games that took place the closest saw Caroline Corlett (Onchan) winning to 18 against Dot Mylchreest.

Jean Kelly Plate knockout competition Results: Port Erin (+59) 208, Ballaugh (+50) 211; Castletown B (+47) 175, Port St Mary (+39) 201; Onchan (+33) 213, Peel (+59) 185; Marown B (+47) 207, Douglas (+60) 202.  Draw for semi-final awaited.

In the ladies crown green open age league last Friday night, junior lady bowlers proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Four of Mooragh Park’s junior lady bowlers won their games helping their team to a 7-2 win at home against Onchan with two of the juniors winning to single figures. Closest games of the match saw Janet Monk and Caroline Parker for Mooragh both winning to 16.  Marown B played host to Onchan with two of their junior ladies, Emily Cooper and Rebekah Kelly, winning to 17 and 13 against Chris Holland and Kellie Maddrell. Ballaugh had a good home win dropping only six points against Castletown B with Sonja Mercer stopping Ballaugh getting a full house when she won to 15 against Lola Tebay. Peel ladies travelled to Port Erin coming away with a five games to four win, but just losing out on points. Best game of the match was between Caroline Whitehead (Port) and Mary Moffatt with the former winning to 19. Unfortunately at time of report no result received for the match between Castletown A and Marown A, with the match between South Ramsey and Douglas being postponed to a later date.

In the Over 60’s league, South Ramsey scored a maximum at home against Mooragh Park B with Castletown A dropping just one point away to Onchan B. Onchan A had a good away win at Mooragh Park A  with Paula Firth (Onchan) winning her game to single figures. Port St Mary B won 4-2 away to Castletown B with Lesley Coker (PSM B) just crossing the line 21-20 against Susan Kerruish. Peel hosted Port Erin B winning four of the six games with the closest game being Kay Primrose-Smith winning to 20 against Joyce Kelly. Finch Hill also had a good five games to one win at home to Ballaugh with Wendy Cowin and Brenda Williams (Finch) both winning to single figures. On Wednesday morning, Port St Mary A played Marown A at home. Marown won by five points in a three all match, with three of the games being won to single figures. Last Thursday morning, Onchan A recorded their fifth maximum of the season at home against Port Erin A with Sylvia Kennaugh and Caroline Corlett winning to single figures.  Castletown A and Ballaugh both won 5-1 at home to Finch Hill and Castletown B respectively with all games, bar one, in both matches going into double figures. Peel hosted Port St Mary A in a closely fought three all match. Game of the match saw Shirley Corrin (Peel) just edging it 21-20 against Mavis Franks. Onchan B travelled to Mooragh Park B coming away winning four games to win and by seven points with Jane Robinson (Onchan) winning to 19 against Irene Goodall. Port Erin B were at home to South Ramsey and although being two players short, Rita Calllister and Wyn Collister (PE B) won two of the remaining four games to 17 and 12 respectively. The following morning Port St Mary B hosted Mooragh Park A. Mooragh won five games to one with Edwina Reid being the lone winner for PSM B.

Last Saturday, Elaine Moore from South Ramsey, represented the Isle of Man in the British Crown Green Ladies 2022 County Average Winners Classic held at Poynton Sports Club, Stockport. Elaine won her first game against Sylvia Bradbury from Cheshire 21-8, but unfortunately lost her second to Sharon Masters from North Midlands 21-17. Overall winner, who shone throughout the day playing exceptionally well, was Louise Ollerton from Greater Manchester.

Castletown A were in good form away to Peel in the Ladies Open Age league last Friday night winning seven of the nine games and by 41 points. All games went into double figures with Kim Foy for Castletown and Louise Horsfall for Peel both winning to 17. South Ramsey also had a good away win at Port St Mary with Trish Bull for PSM just pipping Lauren Groen 21-20. Onchan played host to Douglas winning seven games and by 64 points. Again all games bar one went into double figures with Graiagh Smith for Douglas crossing the line 21-17 against Grace Gawne. Mooragh Park were home to Port Erin winning the match by 74 points with four home-greeners winning to single figures. Marown A took on Ballaugh at home. Closest games of the match saw Shirley Whelan and Lil Smith (Marown) both winning 21-20 against Elaine Fenton and Cath Harvey. Marown B travelled to Castletown B with Marown’s junior lady bowler, Grace  Cooper, just losing to 20 against Pat Rigby.  

In the Over 60’s league last Tuesday morning there was a real tussle between Onchan B and Port St Mary B. The match finished three all on games with Onchan winning by four points. Onchan A and Castletown A both won away to Finch Hill and Peel respectively with Lynda Clarke (Onchan) and Joy Stephens (Castletown) winning their games to single figures. Marown ladies travelled to Mooragh Park A coming away with a three all match, but losing by seven points. South Ramsey were at home to Ballaugh. South lost four games to two but won the match by 14 points. Mooragh Park B travelled to Port Erin B, the match finished five games to one for PE with Ann Kean being the lone winner for the northerners. The following morning Port St Mary A played host to Port Erin A. This was a tough battle with PSM A winning the match by one point. Game of the match was between Wendy Kennaugh (PSM) and Voirrey Curphey with Voirrey getting the point needed to win 21-20.   

Last Thursday morning’s matches saw Peel and Onchan A getting full houses at home against Mooragh Park B and Castletown B with four of the six games in both matches being won to single figures. Ballaugh had a good home win against Onchan B winning five games to one with Libbi Andrade being the lone winner for Onchan. Port Erin B played host to Port St Mary A. Unfortunately PE could only field three players which resulted in a five games to one win for PSM. South Ramsey travelled to Castletown for their match against the ‘A’ team. This was a close match with Castletown winning four games to two and by five points. On Friday morning, Port St Mary B played host to Finch Hill. Despite Finch only having four players, match finished three all on games with PSM B winning by 16 points.

Quarter finals of the Jean Kelly knockout competition was played last Thursday.  Results: Castletown A (+24) 207, Onchan (+43) 164; Marown B (+62) 160, South Ramsey (+39) 207; Mooragh Park (+46) 220, Castletown B (+55) 203; Port St Mary (+30) 150, Marown A (+42) 202.  Draw for semi-final on Thursday 30^th June: South Ramsey versus Mooragh Park; Castletown A versus Marown A.

Ladies Association Doubles competition was held at Mooragh Park on Sunday attracting an entry of 14 pairs.  Getting through to the final were Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish against Helen Withers and Lyn Bolton. Jenny and Fiona had the stronger start leading 16-8 on 8^th end which proved too much of a lead for Helen and Lyn to come back from with Jenny and Fiona running out 21-10. All four ladies played exceptionally well throughout the competition with the final result not reflecting the quality of play.  Presentation was made by Gill Morgan, Competition Secretary, who thanked Mooragh Park for the use of their green, their ladies for providing the refreshments and to all who had entered.

The ladies crown green bowling got underway last week. The major change this season being the Port st Mary ladies moving en bloc to neighbouring Port Erin due to unfortunately not having a home green of their own this year. Given this, Castletown A must start as favourites to retain their titles in both the Open Age and Over 60s leagues, but as we all know anything can happen along the way.

In the Over 60’s last Thursday morning, Finch Hill A and Onchan A both recorded maximums against Castletown B and Mooragh Park B respectively. Port st Mary A travelled to Ballaugh coming away with a three all result and winning by 17 points.   Mooragh Park A took on Onchan B at home winning five games to one; lone winner for Onchan was Libbi Andrade. Closest matches of the morning were between Port Erin A home to South Ramsey, and Marown home to Peel.  Both matches finished three all in games with Port winning by 3 points and Marown by twelve. As there are now four Over 60’s teams playing at Port Erin, Port St Mary B hosted Castletown A on Friday morning. Castletown had a good 5-1 win with Hilary Kermode and Joy Stephens winning to single figures, as did Lesley Coker for PSM.  

In the Open Age League last Friday, closest match of the night saw Castletown A winning six games to three and by 15 points at home to Onchan with Kim Foy and Tracy Moore (Castletown) winning to single figures as did Sylvia Kennaugh for Onchan. Port St Mary took on Castletown B winning five games to four with Mavis Franks (PSM) edging it 21-20 against Debra Cooper. Mooragh Park travelled to Crosby coming away with a 5-4 win against Marown B with Janet Monk, and sisters Lacey and Madison McMullan (Mooragh) winning to single figures as did  Clare Cooper for Marown.  Marown A won five games to four away to Douglas. Closest game saw Lynda Cadamy (Marown) just crossing the line 21-19 against Emma Sayle. South Ramey had a good 7-2 home win against Peel with four of the nine games being won to single figures.  

British Merit Qualfier: The qualifier to play in the British Merit Championship at Brighouse Sports Club, Yorkshire on Sunday 9 July, took place at Finch Hill last Sunday attracting an entry of 12 ladies. The final saw Jenny Moore from South Ramsey, who is currently the UK holder of this title, playing Sue Gawne from Onchan. With both ladies playing exceptionally well, spectators anticipated a good final and they were not disappointed. Game was nip and tuck throughout with Jenny eventually winning 21-17.  Thanks go to Finch Hill for the use of their green and their ladies for providing refreshments during the afternoon, and to Caroline Whitehead for running the qualifier.