Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

There were 47 entries for the Ramsey Town Cup held at Mooragh Park hosted by North Ramsey Bowling Club on Saturday. The club have recently received a grant for a new verticutter, which they hope will carry on the good work undertaken by the club since they took over the maintenance of the green in 2020.

In the quarter finals South Ramsey’s David Bradford ended the challenge of home greener Brian Colquitt with a 21-16 win, whilst Marown man Colin Kelly beat Eddie Carlyle (South Ramsey) 21-12. Another Marown player Tom Kelly came through a tough match with Paul Allison (North Ramsey) as he won 21-18, whilst Rob Monk (North Ramsey) beat Paul Quirk (Peel) 21-14.

In the first semi-final between David Bradford and Colin Kelly, with the latter being the current holder it was the end of the road for Kelly as Bradford eased into the final with a 21-11 win. The second semi-final saw Tom Kelly also cruise into the final as he ended the hopes of a home win for Monk with a 21-12 victory.

In the final Kelly with both players starting off six, it was Bradford who took firm control playing a long length to take a 15-6 lead after seven ends, with Kelly in danger of not scoring, however a double on the next end kicked off a remarkable comeback.

Kelly went on to play from corner to crown and back, with Bradford struggling to get back in, even when he did get back in Kelly would immediate recover the jack the following end.

Over the following 15 ends Kelly scored 14 points to Bradford’s four points, which put Kelly in the lead at 20-19 . On the 23rd end Kelly played up to the middle of the green, only for Bradford to capitalise on a loose lead from his opponent, with Kelly leaving his second bowl short Bradford changed his peg to ensure he stayed clear of the short bowl to make two for game and claim a 21-20 win in an entertaining final, which both players performed well in. This was Bradford’s fifth singles win of the season.

The presentation was made by Mike Skelly who thanked the competition sponsors Corkhill & Callow Ltd for supporting the competition. Tim Pressley was then introduced to present the prizes.