Author Archives: Pat Lenton

Juniors Shine whilst Roberts & Quayle Win Lilian Slinger Memorial Trophy

Lilian Slinger Memorial Trophy Winners 2021 - Wayne Roberts & Trevor Quayle. Also pictured winner of Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy 2021 - Grace Gawne

Photos: Arnie Withers and Sue Gawne

It was a busy day for North Ramsey bowling club on Saturday when two events were held in the beautiful Mooragh Park. 

In the morning the inaugural Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy was held for with 23 juniors taking part. The under 11’s bowlers played a round robin format in two groups. The winners of each group were Katie Roberts and Bailey McMullan. They then played a final match with home greenerBailey coming out on top and Katie a very worthy runner-up. 

The over 11’s group had some great games with the semi-finals between Toby Hart (South Ramsey) losing out 15-21 to Luke Kenna (North Ramsey), whilst Alex Hampson (Noble’s) was defeated 20-21 by Grace Gawne (Onchan) with both being very exciting games. 

In the final Luke and Grace played some great bowls but Grace Gawne was the winner. 

Rheuben Thomas was a very popular member of North Ramsey and when he sadly died earlier this year his family wanted him to be remembered by promoting junior bowls. Prizes were awarded by his wife Heidi and daughter Millie.

The afternoon competition was the Lilian Slinger any combination doubles event. 36 pairs took to the green in the opening rounds. 

From the start the standard of bowling was superb with competition strong across the age groups and clubs. After many close games the semi-finals were played. Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) were up against Jenny Moore and James Teare (South Ramsey). Jenny and James were quickly 11-5 up but Wayne and Trevor gained control and after six ends were 17-11 up eventually winning 21-15. The other semi-final was between Lil Smith and Rosie Winkle (Marown) against Paul Dunn and Arnie Withers (Marown) with the girls on the back foot after five ends down 5-14 but 11 ends later they won 21-14.

After a long day the final was game set and match to the boys Roberts & Quayle, who were dominant from the start, but Lil and Rosie had some great bowls and thoroughly deserved their place in the final.

The prizes were awarded by Lilian’s great granddaughter Eva and thanks were given by North Ramsey to the family for their sponsorship and trophies. Thanks were also given by the winners to North Ramsey for organising and running such a successful event.

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Elaine Moore Wins George Hawkins Memorial Trophy

George Hawkins Memorial Trophy Winner 2021 - Elaine Moore pictured with George’s daughters Rachel & Lynnette

Photo: Pat Lenton

North Ramsey hosted the inaugural George Hawkins Trophy in beautiful sunshine and perfect conditions all day on Wednesday 12th May at Mooragh Park.

George was a member of North Ramsey for a long number of years and many of the competitors that took part remembered him with great fondness. North Ramsey Bowling Club are very proud to add this over 60’s competition to their programme at the request and sponsorship of George’s family who were present around the green, offering support for most of the day.

A large entry of 56 bowlers came from all over the Island and after some very close matches the final eight took to the green in the quarter finals. George Foy (Castletown) had a great game against Dougie Allan (Peel) alongside South Ramsey’s Lee Dawson and Bryan Corner with both games ending 21-14. Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) played well against Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) in a close match losing 17-21 and Craig Sims (North Ramsey) lost out to Andy Kennish (Peel) 8-21.

In the semi-finals Elaine Moore had a comfortable win against club mate Lee Dawson 21-8 alongside Andy Kennish who won against George Foy 21-10.

The final between brother and sister was predicted to be a good game and it didn’t disappoint. Elaine got off to a flying start playing some tremendous bowls, but Andy is a master at the game and was not going to give in without a fight and he quickly pulled back the score to leave them neck and neck going into the final few ends of the game. When they reached 19 across it was impossible to predict who would win but Elaine just managed to claim the last 2 points to be the first ever winner of the George Hawkins Memorial Trophy.

The prizes were presented by George’s family who thanked North Ramsey for organising such a great competition and everyone for taking part.

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Victory for Marown

JMS Shield Winners 2020 - Marown

The last remaining ladies over 60s bowls match was played on Thursday at Port St Mary in sunny but blustery conditions. For the past few weeks teams from across the Island have been competing for a place in the final of the JMS Veterans Shield and the successful teams were Marown and Finch Hill.

Both teams have players who are extremely talented and experienced so it was predicted to be a very close match. In the first half Margaret Scarffe for Marown played Moire Turner for Finch Hill with Moire taking an early lead in the first 4 ends but Margaret fighting back to take the jack scoring valuable points for Marown until Moire reclaimed the jack to pull ahead and at one point was 5-14 up. Margaret responded with true grit and determination to reduce the lead but the game ended with a win for Finch Hill 13-21.

Alongside them another game was in progress with Elaine Dewhurst for Marown up against Iris Kermode for Finch Hill. Elaine got off to a slow start but then dominated the game with some great shots scoring 2 points on several ends. Iris, trying her hardest, just couldn’t catch up once Elaine pulled ahead and the game finished 21-7. Also on the green were Shirley Whelan for Marown and Elaine Vincent for Finch Hill. Both players had a good game with each of them scoring maximum points on several ends but it was Shirley who pulled ahead after 10 ends having consistently won back the jack to maintain her lead and preventing Elaine from catching up. The game ended 21-12 and another win for Marown. At the halfway stage Marown led by 2-1 but its points that win prizes and Finch Hill were ahead by 5. (75-80).

The second half was crucial for Marown. Philippa Taylor and Rosemary Winkle knew they had to win to single figures and they didn’t disappoint any of their supporters. Both opposition players had some great shots and really played well to try to gain points but the experience of Philippa and Rosemary proved too much and both games gave Marown the single figure wins they needed.

The final game was between the team captains Celia Joughin and Jan Osborne and with the excitement mounting from supporters lining the green the players went end to end in a very close game that could have gone either way. Finch Hill had provided strong opposition for Marown from the start and this game was no exception. Each of the captains were a credit to their team and fully deserved the “all but across” cry from the markers. Final score 21-20.

The match ended with Marown the winners 138-130 and this years JMS Veterans Shield champions.
Presentations were made by Janet Latham who explained that the origins of the JMS are from her family initials and the trophy will be continue through her grandson who bears the same initials. Thanks were given to Port St Mary bowling club for hosting the match and all of the many supporters who came to watch.

This report concludes the summer fixtures for 2020 but bowls continues to be played throughout the winter in the Outdoor League which starts with a Round Robin on Saturday 3rd October.

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Payback Time in The Semis

With the play offs for the ladies JMS Veterans Shield completed and all the mini league matches played, their only remains one match to complete this year’s fixture list.

The quarter finals for the JMS saw Ballaugh, Peel Sunset, Port Erin A and Mooragh Park all beaten in matches that witnessed some tremendous bowls take place.

The semi-finals were played on Thursday 10th September.

Castletown A travelled to Marown who were determined for some pay back following their 5-point defeat against Castletown A in the mini league championship final played recently. However, Marown were on their own green, which for every club is preferable. Shirley Whelan, Rosemary Winkle and Philippa Taylor all scored maximum points and kept their opponents to scores in the low teens while Elaine Dewhurst had a very close game against Ann Hollingworth and just piped her to the post 21-20 these good scores tipped the scales to give Marown a clear win and a place in the final. 106-97 (4-2) both teams off scratch.

In the other semi-final Onchan were at home to Finch Hill but had a mountain to climb, even on their own green, to beat their visitors who started the match with a 60 point advantage. Onchan played really well and won 5 games but were up against experienced players especially Lil Smith, who won her game alongside Jan Osborn and Sue Caley who scored into the high teens. These high scores combined with 60 points took Finch Hill to the final in a match that ended 116-154 (5-1).

At the time of writing this report the venue for the JMS Veterans Shield final is still undecided but wherever it is, one thing is certain, it’s going to be a great match between Marown and Finch Hill on Thursday 17th September.

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Castletown A Crowned Ladies Over 60s Champions

Over 60s Ladies Championship Winners 2020 - Castletown

Conditions could not have been better for both Over 60s ladies teams when they took to the green, at Nobles, for the champions place in the Mini league on Tuesday 1st September.

Castletown club had already won the Jean Kelly Cup last week and have been showing excellent form in their group matches and semi-final match.

Marown fielded a strong team of first-class players and the match was always going to be close.

In the first half Castletown won all 3 games. Hilary Kermode, for Castletown played Shirley Whelan Marown. This was a close game from the start but Shirley managed to get ahead and it looked as if Hillary would be beaten but she kept her cool and came back to pip Shirley at the post 21-20. Sue Peach played Elaine Dewhurst. Elaine preferred to play long at first and Sue struggled to reach but once Sue got the Jack she controlled the game coming back from 7-14 down to win the game 21-14. Ann Hollingworth played Margaret Scarffe. Ann had problems at first getting used to the green but she quickly adapted to the conditions. Both players showed their considerable skill and experience and the game was a pleasure to watch. The game ended 21-12 in favour of Ann.

At the halfway point Castletown were ahead by 17 points 63-46.

Next to the Jack were Joy Stephens and Celia Joughin. Marown player Celia got off to a flying start but after 6 ends Joy started the fight back. Both players won some great ends but knowing that every point would count increased the pressure on both players, however Joy stayed focused on the prize and won the game 21-15. Barbara Young was next up, against Philippa Taylor. The Marown player has had a good season and is always difficult to beat. Her recent form came to the fore and she dominated the first few ends. Barbara played very well even when Philippa played difficult long shots over the crown but in the end Marown won convincingly 8-21. Last to go was Anne Oates, captain of Castletown against Rosemary Winkle and this was another close game with both players taking some great ends. Rosemary preferring to play into the corners on long shots but Anne responded well with great skill and determination. Following the previous games Marown were closing the points deficit and Anne knew she had to hang on which she did to end her game 16-21.

And so the match ended Castletown A 108 Marown 103 (4-2).

President of the Ladies Association, Sue Gawne, made the presentations, first to runners up Marown and then to the Champions Castletown A. She thanked Nobles club for hosting the competition and sponsors Manx Paving and Slate for their continuing support saying also that the standard of bowling had been excellent on both teams. Both captains thanked the Association and everyone who had helped and contributed to a great morning of bowls.

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Rain delays play in semi-finals.


Storm Frances proved too much for bowling greens on Tuesday and the decision was made to delay the semi-finals by 24 hours. So, in much improved conditions players from South and Middle came together in two very close semi-finals on Wednesday.

Port St Mary A and Marown played their match at Port Erin’s Breagle Glen and it was a fantastic match with winners and losers on both teams resulting in a tie. In these circumstances the winner is decided on whichever team has the best individual winner and in this case it was Marown by just one point, in the Shirley Whelan game where she won 21-3. The final match score was 95-95 (3-3).

The other semi-final was played at Peel. Castletown A against Port Erin A and again it was a very close match with 3 wins for each team but Castletown just managed to keep the average score of the non-winners higher than that of Port Erin’s and now face Marown in the final next Tuesday. Final score 109-104 (3-3).

By Thursday storm Frances had moved on but more rain was forecast, however Ramsey remained dry which facilitated both Ramsey clubs to play their matches in the Prelim JMS Veterans Shield. Mooragh Park were at home to visitors Douglas and the North Ramsey team knew that they had a hill to climb playing off scratch against a +15 advantage for Douglas but their recent form and home green knowledge gave them a convincing win. Douglas were on the back foot from the start with a player short but their remaining team played well. Final score 108-80 (4-2).

The other local club, South Ramsey, have already experienced disappointment as a result of this year’s handicap system. In the ladies night league they played Castletown B, won all 9 games but lost the match on points and unfortunately it was a similar story for them in their match against Finch Hill. The visitors started the match with 60 points which gave the home team a near impossible task. However, they played brilliantly and the final score was 121-145 (5-1) taking Finch Hill to the quarter finals.

Because of the weather Onchan vis Port St Mary B decided to delay their match until Tuesday 01 September but the match between Marown and Port St Mary A did go ahead.

Both teams must have been very tired after their match just 24 hours earlier in the Team Championship semi-finals but Marown at home and with a 45-point start proved too much of a challenge for the reigning champions who were knocked out in a very close game that Marown would have won without the points advantage. Final score 146-94 (3-3).

Next week the Team Championship Final is at Nobles on Tuesday 1st with the quarter finals of the JMS Veterans Shield being played on Thursday.

Pat Lenton.

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Disappointment for Finch Hill

The final matches before the semi-finals took place on Tuesday 18th August. The winners from each of the four groups will play on Tuesday 25th August with the final taking place on Tuesday 1st September.

In GROUP D Finch Hill knew that every point would count but just couldn’t get the full house that they needed against Castletown B who went home with 2 wins 120-80 (4-2). This left Finch Hill very disappointed and just 3 points behind Marown who now qualify for the semi-finals.

In GROUP C Port Erin A made certain of their place in the semis with a convincing win away to Peel Sunset. Port Erin only managed to win 2 of their games but these were to single figures which made all the difference to the final score with both teams playing brilliantly all morning. Final score 88-100 (4-2).

GROUP A leaders are Port St Mary A who finish 121 points clear at the top of their group and face Marown in the semis. They played at home this week against South Ramsey who managed just one win from Elaine Moore who had a close game against Chris Price who proved a very worthy opponent scoring into the mid-teens 15-21. The rest of the match was dominated by the Port St Mary team who are always at their best when playing at home. Final score 120-64 (5-1). Also in group A are Port Erin B who this week played against Onchan. The match was at Port Erin with Kay Primrose-Smith playing for the home team and gaining a good win against Marilyn Ellison. However, Onchan are a very good team and won the match. Final score 88-117 (1-5).

GROUP B qualifiers are Castletown A who are 111 points clear of the next team in their group. This week they played at home against Ballaugh. The visitors played well with 4 of their players reaching double figures but it wasn’t enough to make any difference to the final result and it was a full house for Castletown A 126-69 (6-0). Castletown A now face Port Erin A in the semi-finals. Also in group B and at the other end of the Island Mooragh Park were in top form on their own green and won their first match this season against the visitors Port St Mary B. Wins from Pat Lenton ,Maureen Hamilton, Peggy Freeman and Chris Sims gave the home team a comfortable win and a final score of 116-92 (4-2).

Lots to look forward to next week with the semi-finals on Tuesday and the first round of the JMS Trophy on Thursday.

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Sue Gawne wins Ladies Ramsey Town Cup

It was in glorious sunshine and a beautiful setting that Sue Gawne, who is President of the ladies section Isle of Man crown green bowling association, played her way through to the final and won the Ladies Ramsey Town Cup on Saturday.

The event was staged by North Ramsey bowling club at Mooragh Park with the cups presented by Laurie Hooper MHK.

There was a good entry of experienced and up and coming young bowlers which produced some good games.

Losing out in the quarter finals were Margaret Tasker against an on-form Jenny Moore 8-21 and Maureen Lacey whose challenge was ended by Sue Gawne 10-21. Kim Hargreaves had a very close game against Shannon McMullan and was unlucky to be knocked out 20-21 and Fiona Kennish had a great game against Lyn Bolton and just missed out 18-21.

The semi-finals proved to be very close games. Jenny Moore against Lyn Bolton, both from South Ramsey, had a fantastic game with some great shots. In the end someone has to win and it was Lyn who got to the finish line first. 20-21. The other semi was between Shannon and Sue. Even though Shannon played a brilliant game she just couldn’t hold off Sue in the final ends 16-21.

In the final Sue dominated the game having played well all day but Lyn had also played some amazing games against talented players but she just couldn’t catch Sue and the game ended 21-9.

The presentation was made by Mike Skelly and the prizes awarded by Laurie Hooper MHK.

Thanks were given to everyone who entered and all the helpers on the day.

Post published by Pat Lenton

Reigning champions beaten at Onchan

With just one match to go before the semi-finals on Tuesday 25th August Port St Mary A in GROUP A are still in pole position despite their defeat this week at Onchan.

The match was played in near perfect conditions and both teams claimed 3 games but Onchan just had the edge on points in what must have been one of the closest matches so far this season. Final score 97-94 (3-3). Also in Group A are South Ramsey who played host to Port Erin B. Unfortunately the home side were a player short but of the remaining 5 players four won their games and Moira Anderson was just piped at the post by Joyce Henry. Final score 104-92 (4-2).

In GROUP B Castletown A are out in front and set to secure their place in the semi-finals. Currently they have a 54-point lead but still have Ballaugh to play. This week they played away at Port St Mary against their impressive B team and were held to a 3-3 result but a comfortable win on points. Final score 92-110 (3-3). At the other end of the Island Ballaugh were at home to Mooragh Park. In very hot conditions the visitors kept there cool and won 3 games but the home side were the final winners 115-95 (3-3).

In GROUP C Douglas were at home against the visitors from Peel. Unfortunately the home side were a player short and the visitors romped home winning all 6 games, however, Kay Mckiernan and Pat Kelly both played exceptionally well and made sure that the visitors didn’t have it all their own way. Douglas have now played all their matches in this mini league and next week’s match between Peel Sunset and Port Erin A will be a nail-biting match for both teams with only 4 points separating them at the top of Group C.

In GROUP D Marown have now played all of their matches and will be on pins next Tuesday as the results come in. Their match this week was at Castletown against their newly formed B team and the final score of 41-105 (1-5) might not be enough to decide the winner of this group. Finch Hill have still got Castletown B to play, at home, and are, at the moment trailing Marown by just 123 points so it really couldn’t be any closer.

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Wind and Rain cause delays


Some clubs had the difficult decision “Do we play or don’t we” on Tuesday August 4th .

Strong winds and the threat of heavy rain delayed some of the matches but most took a chance and carried on. One of those was the match between Port St Mary A and Port Erin B. The reigning champions have been in top form since the start of this mini league but dropped some points this week. Gwen Tuck proved a tough opponent for Trisha Bull and won her game 21-10. Final score Port St Mary A 115 Port Erin B 60 (5-1).

Also, in Group A are Onchan and South Ramsey. They decided to reschedule their match and played it in much improved conditions on Thursday which produced some great bowls. The home side played very well against the Ramsey team. Final score 104-90 (4-2).

In Group B Castletown A were nearly blown away when they played at Mooragh Park but thankfully the rain stayed away and the morning produced some good games. The Ramsey team tried hard against a strong Castletown team and managed to win one game thanks to Peggy Freeman. Final score 85-125 (1-5).

The other match in group B was between Ballaugh, at home to, Port St Mary B. Both teams needed maximum points to try to close the gap on Castletown and now with just 2 matches left every point will count in this group. The home side fielded a strong team and gained 3 wins from Peggy Griffin, Julie Reilly and Barbara Graham but the visitors also played very well with three wins . Final score 97-72 (3-3).

In Group C Douglas made the trip south to Port Erin to play the A team but were unfortunately a player short, this gave Port Erin a comfortable win and puts them in a strong position to challenge Peel Sunset to top this group. There match on Tuesday 18th August will undoubtedly be close and also the decider for this group. Final score at Port Erin was 126-63 (6-0).

In Group D the match between Marown and Finch Hill was crucial in deciding who would top their group and go through to the play offs. Both teams have just one more match to play and both against Castletown B.

In this week’s match Marown were at home and came out on top with a final score 122-102 (5-1) this leaves them just 20 points in the lead which might not be enough to prevent Finch Hill from pulling ahead.

Post published by Pat Lenton