The first official men’s singles competition of the season was held on Sunday, with an entry of 37 taking part in the Ken Williamson Cup, with entries higher than when the competition is traditionally held in June after a long week of festival bowls.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were James Teare (South Ramsey) 14-21 to Tom Kelly (Marown), Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) 15-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown). Walter McCarthy just lost out 19-21 to Marown clubmate Neil Withers, whilst Castletown man Nathan Hamilton beat Nigel Tebay (Ballaugh) 21-13.

Both semi-finals were plain sailing for the winners as Colin Kelly beat his son Tom 21-11, whilst Hamilton’s hopes of a first open win were ended by Withers 12-21.

The final got underway with Kelly winning the first two ends with singles, only for Withers to score 10 chalks over the following eight ends to lead 12-6. Kelly responded with 10 chalks of his own over just ends in the corners to lead 16-12. Withers managed to close the gap to just two chalks at 15-17, however one more burst from Kelly sealed a 21-16 victory.

The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk with thanks given to Dave Tait for running the competition and to the ladies for putting on the refreshments. Ken Williamson’s relative Caroline Heathcote was then introduced to present the prizes on behalf of Ken Williamson’s family. In his speech Colin stated it was the third time he had won the trophy having won it for the first two years the competition was played in 1996 and 1997.

Early Division One league leaders Marown had a tricky looking home fixture against Onchan A on Monday evening, the Crosby men took home a 7-3 win, which could have been a 9-1 win with the visitors winning two games 21-20, as Will Penhallurick beat Marown captain Paul Dunn, whilst Kevin Quirk held off Paul Kelly to the same score. The other win for the visitors was from Matthew Quirk as he beat Tom Kelly 21-10. For the home team Neil Withers returned to winning ways with a 21-5 victory over Steve Parker, whilst Colin Kelly beat Jamie Clague 21-8. Dean Kipling came through a tough game with Peter Slinger 21-18.

Douglas A pulled off a great 2-8 win away to Breagle Glen A, with the home team disappointed to suffer a heavier defeat than the week before away to South Ramsey A (7-3). Nick Firth having stepped up to the A team performed brilliantly to beat Trevor Quayle 21-11, whilst Gordy Wynne-Smythe crept home 21-20 against David Cain. Winning for the Breagle men were Bernie Durcan 21-17 against Shaun Seal, whilst Wayne Roberts beat Andy Cannell 21-16.

Peel A played their first home fixture of the 2025 season, as they hosted South Ramsey A in the Sunset City. Things were looking rosy for the Peel men as it was 2-2 after the first half of the match, with Tommy McMeiken and Paul Quirk the two winners beating James Teare and Peter Collister respectively, whilst Bob Clark and Dido Kelly responded for South. The second half of the match resulted in four wins for the visitors with Glynn Hargraves pushed to 21-16 with Gary Smith, whilst John Kennish was the biggest winner on the night with a 21-8 win over Stevie Kelly.

South Ramsey B caused a mini upset as they beat Marown B 7-3, in a game that could just as easily been a 9-1 home win or a 5-5 draw, with 15 chalks separating the sides (163-148). For South Tony Hart and Ed Carlyle were the 21-20 winners over Matthew Keggen and Sid Bolton. For the Crosby men Karl Parker and Phil Kelly won to the same score against Ben Dugdale and Toby Hart respectively. South Ramsey B currently sit in the dizzy heights of fourth place with 11 points from their first two fixtures.

Castletown A picked up their first home win of the season with a 7-3 victory over North Ramsey A. For the home team Nathan Cooil caused a mini upset seeing off Mooragh captain Rob Monk 21-19, whilst Dean Kinley claimed a 21-4 win over Ray Beattie. Winning for the visitors were John Cannan, Allan Callow and Steve Walmsley.

In Division Two Marown C continue to set the pace following their 2-8 win at the Crofts over Castletown B, with the Town men firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, as they suffer another poor start to the season. David Quayle having dropped down form the A team won 21-8 against James Kelly, whilst John Holden beat Darren Kerruish 21-11.

Noble’s B continue their positive start following promotion from Division Three, with an 8-2 home win over Finch Hill A. Just 13 chalks separated the sides (147-134). Whilst promotion may not happen this season, after a full season of second division bowls, I would expect them to challenge for promotion to Division One next season, as they continue to improve individually and collectively.

Ballaugh A occupy third place on 14 points following the visit of Noble’s A, with the Ballaugh men winning 7-3.

Douglas B picked up their first points of the season with a 6-4 home win over Breagle Glen B, following on from their whitewash at the hands of Marown C the previous week.

Onchan B made light work of Peel B at the Park on Monday evening with a 9-1 win. The lone winner for Peel was 2024 Division Three merit winner Andrew Cover who beat Marcus Avery 21-13, whilst Colin Moore just missed out on a second win for the visitors losing out 20-21 to Derek Allen.

In Division Three Peel C are sitting pretty at the top on 18 points, following their 0-10 away win over Breagle Glen C, with four single figure wins resulting in the home team scoring just 75 chalks.

North Ramsey B came away from Noble’s C with a 4-4 draw, securing the aggregate by just three chalks (143-146) for a 4-6 win.

Marown D recorded a 7-3 home win over Ballaugh B, again just three chalks separated the sides (143-140) with two of the wins being close for the home team as Richard Bregazzi won 21-19 against Steve Bassil, whilst Ryan Holdaway beat Richard Fisher 21-18.

Rounding off Division Three in a high scoring fixture Noble’s D hosted South Ramsey C, with the visitors taking home a 4-6 win by 11 chalks (142-153). The best win on the night was from Greg Barlow who beat John Short 21-10, whilst the other seven games finished to scores of 15 or above.

Division Four saw South Ramsey D play their first match of the season having sat out the first round of fixtures, they got their season up and running in style with an 8-2 home win over Douglas C. Junior bowler Kian Bradford showed his dad David how to make a comeback having trailed 13-16, a strong finish to the game resulted in a 21-18 win over John Harrison. Single figure wins from captain Frank Feeney, Steve Kelly, and Geoff Collier helped secure the win.

North Ramsey C came away from the Villa with a solid 3-7 win over Douglas D, helped in part by the home team being a player short. Two single figure wins from Phillip Hassall and Matthew Molesworth ensured the home team secured the aggregate two points despite a 21-2 defeat for Steve Taylor at the hands of Stuart Garrett.

Finch Hill B could only draw 4-4 on games at home to Castletown C despite winning by 40 chalks for a 6-4 win (154-114) with Peter Woods, Dave Dixon and John Harris all winning to single figures.

Finch Hill welcomed 19 pairs competing for the Newsbeat mens doubles cup.

In the preliminary round defending champions Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (Marown) got off to a flying start against Chris Pedley and Andy Young (Ballaugh). Glenn Boland and Peter Jones (Marown) rushed past home greeners Brian Murphy and Pat Maher. Colin and Kevin Kelly (Marown) ended the hopes of Toby Hart and Dave McCabe (South Ramsey/Douglas). South Ramsey pair Lee Dawson and Tony Hart started well against Castletown pair Nathan Hamilton and Kieran Krypner but the latter ran out the winners. Another convincing victory was scored by Jordan Drewett and Sam Clague (Castletown/Marown) against Rich Bregazzi and Stephen Rough (Marown). Particular mention goes to juniors Arran Dunn and Kian Bradford (Marown/South Ramsey) who battled hard against Trevor Quayle and James Kelly (Breagle Glen/Marown).

At the quarter final stage. Quayle and Kelly claimed a close victory over Phil Dunn and Walter McCarthy (Marown). Villa teammates Keith Rise and Andy Cannell took an early lead against John Kennish and David Bradford but the latter proved too strong and took the game. Marown’s Glenn Boland and Peter Jones stopped the challenge of Clague and Drewett. Reigning Champions Withers and Dunn had a battle royale against team Kelly, father and son Colin and Kevin, who claimed the win.

At the semi-final stage, Kennish and Bradford, despite close early scores against Boland and Jones, the Ramsey pair won 21-11. In the second semi-final father and son Colin and Kevin Kelly, were up against James Kelly and Quayle, this was closely fought. Scoring on four consecutive ends the Kelly’s progressed into the final.

The final saw Kennish and Bradford attack the 12th end scoring three shots, team Kelly replied with a couple of single shots but another three shots won by the Ramsey men started the charge for the winning post, giving them a 21-12 victory.

Thanks to all competitors, hosts Finch Hill, the ladies for the catering, sponsors Newsbeat and Joyce Ogden for running the sheet.

Finally, welcome back Arnie Withers – carry on recovery, yessir!

Report by Joyce Ogden

The Men’s open age night League got underway last week, with much warmer and drier weather than we are accustomed to in early April. With 38 teams entered for a second successive season there are 10 teams in the top two divisions, whilst divisions three and four have nine teams.

In Division One Marown A got their league defence up and running with a good start as they won 2-8 at the Crofts as they came away relatively unscathed. Winning for the home team were Aaron Richardson who beat Neil Withers 21-18, whilst Dean Kinley won to single figures 21-8 against Dean Kipling. Three of the wins for the visitors were to single figures, with Peter Jones having to battle for his 21-18 win over Ian Watson, with Paul Kelly being pushed even closer before getting over the line 21-19.

Peel A will have been delighted with their 3-7 away win over Onchan A at the Park, as they edged the aggregate by just four chalks (133-137). David Proctor was the best winner for the Peel men as he beat Peter Slinger 21-7. Stevie Kelly had a tough game against Onchan’s star man Matthew Quirk, with the former prevailing 21-18. Rob Middleton stepped up from the B Team, battled to a 21-17 win over Mike Alexander.

Douglas A hosted newly promoted side South Ramsey B, whilst the Villa men did win 6-4 on the night the visitors will have been pleased to pick up four wins on their travels, with Ben Dugdale, Christian Caley, Eddie Carlyle, and Lee Dawson all picking up wins. For the home team Andy Cannell and Keith Rise both won 21-7 against Toby Hart and George Brew respectively.

Marown B won 6-4 at home to North Ramsey A, with Kevin Kelly winning 21-5 against Ray Beattie, whilst Peter Greenlees made his home debut with a 21-6 win over fellow left hander John Cannan. Rob Monk ensured the Mooragh men went away with four points on the night as he crept home 21-20 against Phil Kelly.

South Ramsey A hosted the newly formed Breagle Glen A, with three players featuring from the old Port Erin team and five from Port St Mary. Under the new floodlights the Breagle men gelled well, as they took three points off the home team in their 7-3 defeat. Winning for the visitors were Trevor Quayle, who beat Glynn Hargraves 21-12, Dan McCabe finished the game strongly as he held off Bob Clark 21-18, whilst Wayne Roberts pulled off a stunning 21-2 win over Dido Kelly.

In Division Two Marown C made their intentions clear for the season as they beat Douglas B 10-0, with the Villa men normally in the mix in the top half of the table. Highest scoring losers for the visitors were Geoff Mayles, who lost 17-21 to Dan Smith, whilst Willie Cowley lost out 18-21 against John Kelly.

Finch Hill A occupy second place, as they kept the visitors Castletown B to under 100 chalks following their 8-2 home win. Four of the home team won to single figures, with Pat Maher picking up the biggest win as he beat Rob Sayle 21-2. For the Town men Junior bowler Sam Quayle continues to improve as he beat Paul Dougherty 21-8, with the latter returning to Finch Hill after a season at Onchan. John Holden started the season strongly as he beat 2024 Division Two merit winner Stephen Oates 21-13.

Breagle Glen B had a tough start to their campaign at home to Ballaugh A. The visitors took home a 3-7 win, with three of their five wins to single figures. For the visitors Richard Hainge had the closest game of the night, as he managed to get over the line 21-20 against Ed Benson.

Noble’s A hosted Onchan B, it was the home team who took the spoils 7-3. Two 21-8 wins from Kevin Moore and Dave Naughton ensured the aggregate went to the home team, whilst Mike Thomas was the best winner for the Onchan men as he beat Phil Salmon 21-9.

Peel B may struggle to challenge for promotion this year with three players missing from the team that turned out for them last season, as they lost out 4-6 at home to newly promoted Noble’s B, with the ever improving team ‘fresh’ from their weekend trip which included some friendlies against U.K. clubs and a trip to Elland Road to watch Leeds United, the Noble’s men will be hoping for a similar league position to their beloved football team.

In Division Three North Ramsey B had a relatively short trip down the road as they faced Ballaugh B, in a high scoring encounter, as the Mooragh men came away with a 2-8 win on the night.

Peel C are joint top with North Ramsey following their 8-2 home win over Marown D, whilst South Ramsey C claimed a 7-3 home win over Breagle Glen C, with the visitors unable to muster up a full side on the night. Three of the home team won to single figures, with Breagle scoring just 83 chalks.

Division Four got underway with North Ramsey C coming away with a solid 2-8 away win over Noble’s E, with both teams now in their second season of league bowls. The score line was somewhat distorted as just five chalks separated the sides (137-142).

Onchan C won 8-2 at home to Peel D, with the visitors still managing to field a full team despite the movement of players to higher ranked teams over the winter.

Castletown C took a 6-4 home over Douglas D at the Crofts, with the result going in favour of the Town team with the Villa men being a player short and losing out by just seven chalks (130-123) this proved to be costly. It was great to see the Town team featuring three Junior bowls again, with Zac Bowrey the lucky recipient of a walkover, Jacob Robert lost out 7-21 to fellow Junior Robert Tomlinson, whilst Freddie Palmer fell at the final hurdle 20-21 to Les Gale.

Douglas C claimed a 6-4 win over Finch Hill B at the Villa, with 13 chalks separating the teams (148-135) the aggregate was secured with Dave Corkish winning 21-3 against Samson Smith.

The qualifying stages of the 2025 Club Team Championship took place on Sunday 30th March at four different locations, with 2024 Canada Life International League Winners Marown A playing at Windle Bowling Club in St. Helens.

With an early 9:30 start the Marown men got off to a solid start with an 18 chalk victory (156-138) over Hoghton (North Lancs & Fylde) to pick up two points, dropping just 12 chalks as they won 6-2 on individual games.

Marown’s second game was always going to be tough against King George V (Warwick & Worcester) a side littered with top players as they lost out by 38 chalks (163-125), this time losing out 2-6 on games.

Their final group game ended with a true draw as they tied on 138 chalks with Willenhall Nordley BC (Staffordshire) whilst also drawing 4-4 on games.

Winning the group with three wins and a maximum six points were King George V, who will now go onto the Finals Day on Sunday 27th April. The Marown men finished in second place in the group with three points.

2025 Season Preview

In Division One Marown A (pictured) will be the team to catch having won the league by a comfortable seven points last season. Marown haven’t won back to back league titles since 2002, when they dominated the local game, they will be looking to achieve that feat this season.

South Ramsey A have strengthened with the return of John Kennish, as they look to regain the league title, still have the core of their team from last season, whilst Stefan Kelly continues his travels, is due back a some point during the season, he may turn out for the B Team upon his return.

Castletown A have a new captain onboard with Nathan Hamilton stepping up as he looks to bring the team forward, following their Rayner Shield final defeat last year, with Dave Quayle stepping down it is understood Kieran Krypner will be plying his trade in Division One this year.

The much talked about merger of Port Erin and Port St Mary took place over the winter, with one club having a bowling green and the other club having a higher membership. Three of the Port Erin ‘old guard’ are rumoured to be in the newly formed Breagle Glen A – David Cain, Bernie Durcan and Steve Durcan.

Port St Mary’s Tom Collins has jumped ship and has settled for somewhere closer to home in the North of the Island, as he turns out for North Ramsey A this year, having lost Paul Allison and Steven Waters to golf, with Gary Merrill stepping down to the B team. Collins is a welcome addition with Joe Kneale and Ewan Christian also rumoured to be stepping up to Division One for the Mooragh Park men.

Peel man George Gadsby is A team captain once again, whilst not playing early on this season following his recent surgery he will have to pull in two players, with Peter Greenlees moving on to pastures new as he will be turning out for Marown B.

South Ramsey B are the newly promoted team to Division One, they will have it all to do to stay up, as they have become a bit of a yoyo team over the past few years.

Marown C will be plying their trade in Division Two as they look to make an immediate return to the top flight.

This Division contains no fewer three A Teams with Noble’s A, Finch Hill A, and Ballaugh A. The Finch men probably look most likely to finish highest out of these three teams.

Noble’s B are the Noble’s D team from last year who won Division Three, under the league rules the highest placed team gets rebranded as the B Team.

Peel B will be looking to return to Division One after missing out last year, however the club are understood to have lost a couple of players to other clubs over the winter, they may well struggle to make a return.

Breagle Glen B could be contenders to battle for promotion with having different players to pick from now.

In Division Three North Ramsey B will be hoping to bounce back to Division Two, however Noble’s C and Noble’s D who have new and improvers players in their ranks might have something to say about that after competing at the top end of the table last season.

More to follow…