Keggen is King of The Castle
Ballacashtal Cup Winner 2014
Matthew KeggenMatthew Keggen (Onchan) produced the display of his life to win the Ballacashtal Cup. Keggen overcame a stellar line up of 86 bowlers, the majority visitors to for the Isle of Man Bowls Festival, capping it off with a 21-20 final win over 8 times Manx Champion John Kennish (South Ramsey).
The final was of the highest quality and nip and tuck all the way with honours even at 12-12 after 10 ends. Kennish then found his usual mid game surge to move into what looked like a commanding 19-16 lead but Keggen had other ideas and clawed his way back to 20-18 behind.
He held his nerve brilliantly the next end and lying game down produced a wonder bowl to trail the jack for 2 and make it all but across. A brilliant lead was all he needed to seal the biggest win of his career.
Keggen booked his final berth with a brilliant 21-10 over former festival winner Robbie Fitzpatrick (Morton House) whilst Kennish fought his way past Mick Burns (Rishton) to book his place in the final.
Fallers at the quarter final stage were Nigel Hughes (Wirral), James Fitzpatrick (Morton House), Gaz Lalley (Crossgates) and Wayne Jevons (Wirral).
At the conclusion of the competition Castletown Chairman Ron Williams introduced Dave Mousley, Director of competition sponsors Veros Digital (IOM) Limited to present the prizes.