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Tebay Delight for Saskia and Louise, McMullan Wins First Junior Title and Bradford Lifts Trophy for 4th Time
Felton’s Manx Masters Winners 2024 - Louise Tebay & David Bradford with Lynnette & Chris Perry of Felton’s
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey hosted the Manx Masters on Sunday, one of the highlights of the Manx bowls calendar with four separate competitions taking place throughout the day. Rain featured in the morning for the Juniors, with glorious conditions in the afternoon for the Senior competitions.
JP Corry Young Manx Masters
The Young Manx Masters was contested by four players – three girls and one boy. This competition was played in a round robin format playing eight ends with the last end played as a ‘power’ end with points scored counting double.
After a good morning of bowls, it was Ballaugh’s Saskia Tebay who was the winner with 25 points, to win the Young Manx Masters title for the first time. The runner up Lara Johnson (Noble’s) who also finished on 25 points, however Lara lost 7-3 to Saskia in their individual game.
Photo: Glynn Hargraves
JP Corry Junior Manx Masters
The Junior Manx Masters was played as a straight knockout 21up off a handicap of +10 for the older and more experienced players with a healthy entry of 18 players braving the early morning start.
The title was won for the first time by Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park) to cap off a fine season as Alex Hampson (Noble’s) lost in the final for the second successive year losing 16-21, having lost 18-21 last year to Noble’s teammate Sam Colquitt.
Losing out at the semi-final stage was the current holder Sam Colquitt (Noble’s) 13-21 to McMullan. In the other semi-final Hampson got over the line 21-19 against Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) as the former led 20-15, before eventually getting over the line.
At the quarter final stage McMullan edged home 21-19 against Grace Gawne (Noble’s), whilst Colquitt beat Katie Jacobs (Douglas) 21-17. In the other half of the draw Bailey McMullan beat Kian Bradford 21-14, whilst Hampson beat Bobby Kerruish (Marown) 21-13.
The standard of play in both events was excellent and some of the bowls played would not have been out of place in the senior events taking place in the afternoon. JP Corry Isle of Man supported the event once again, all competitors who took part received a prize.
Thanks were given to everyone who had helped throughout the morning, including those who had helped with the preparation in the lead up the event.
Once the Junior competitions concluded the Felton’s sponsored Men’s and Ladies events got underway with the Ladies event being an invitation of 16 players, whilst the Men’s event had 32 invited to play.
Felton’s Ladies Manx Masters
In the Ladies event losing out at the quarter final stages were home greener Gill Dixon 17-21 to Louise Tebay (Ballaugh), current holder Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) beat Stella Watterson (Castletown) 21-9. In the other half of the draw Lyn Bolton (Marown) beat home greener Judy Kelly 21-13, whilst Clare Cooper beat Marown teammate Debbie Leece 21-16.
At the semi-final stage Tebay ensured it wasn’t going to be seven Manx Masters wins in a row for Moore, putting in a strong performance with a 21-15 win. In the other semi-final it was another all Marown clash as Cooper took on Bolton, with the pair tied at 14-14, a strong finish from Cooper secured a 21-16 victory to take her place in the final.
Cooper having appeared in several Manx Masters finals, only to come up against the unstoppable force that is Jenny Moore on more than one occasion would have fancied her chances against Tebay who is only in her fourth season of bowls, whilst Cooper has over 30 years of experience. One thing for certain at the start of the final is that a new name would be on the trophy.
Tebay had other ideas, storming into the lead 13-5. Cooper got in and headed for the corners, managing to close the deficit to five chalks at 8-13. Tebay stopped the comeback in its tracks to score six chalks over four ends playing the corners that Cooper had taken her in. With the score 19-8 to Tebay, Cooper managed to pick up two singles to reach doubles, however Tebay ensured it was her day scoring singles with two good bowls over the last two ends to secure a well-deserved 21-10 victory, to secure her first Manx Masters title, undoubtedly her biggest win since taking up the game in 2021.
It proved to be a great day for the Tebay family, with Mum Louise’s win having been followed up with daughter Saskia having won the JP Corry Young Manx Masters earlier in the day, with Saskia only last year having won a special prize for having the biggest smile all day when playing her games.
Felton’s Men’s Manx Masters
In the Men’s event seven of the first and second round matches were well contested with the player losing out scoring 17 or more. Losing out at the quarter final stage were Tom Kelly, who lost 20-21 to Marown teammate Paul Dunn, whilst Onchan’s Kevin Quirk was beaten comfortably 12-21 by Stevie Kelly (Peel).
In the other half of the draw, it was a blockbuster game between two South Ramsey men John Kennish and David Bradford, with the former taking the lead 15-11. Five doubles were scored over five ends with Bradford scoring four of them to lead 19-17. Kennish fought back once more to level the game at 20-20, led a good bowl on the deciding end, albeit to the side of the jack. Bradford snapped up the opportunity to reach up with his first bowl connecting perfectly to seal the game 21-20. The final game of the quarter finals was won by Marown man Colin Kelly 21-12, as he beat North Ramsey’s Paul Allison.
Convincing wins followed at the semi-final stage as both winners kept their opponent to single figures, with Dunn the first man to reach the final with a 21-7 win over Stevie Kelly. Bradford also performed brilliantly beating 2023 Manx Masters winner Colin Kelly 21-8 to take his place in the final.
The final was tough to call, with Dunn in good form, also having previously defeated Bradford on South Ramsey, so it proved with a final that was an entertaining watch for the spectators. Bradford won the first end, only to then concede the next three ends to trail 4-7. Bradford got in, went on to win five consecutive ends playing the edge by the long hut to lead 11-7.
Dunn responded with a two, then moved around the green playing his renowned sweeping round pegs, with some great lead bowls, being careful not to play back onto the edge that Bradford had success on earlier in the game, winning seven ends on the trot to take a healthy five chalk lead at 16-11.
Bradford got back in thanks to a loose end from Dunn, then followed up with a single with the Marown man going into the back of his bowl. Dunn got back in with a good last bowl, scoring two singles to edge 18-14 ahead.
A pivotal moment of the game took place on the next end, with Bradford lying two down, he changed his peg using home green knowledge to grab hold of the jack to score one, which was swiftly followed by a single and a double to level the match at 18-18.
Bradford played two great bowls going into the clubhouse corner, there looked to be no route in for Dunn, however his bowl pegged with pace to spring the South Ramsey’s man nearest bowl onto the jack which moved the jack to his back bowl, to count for one, which was a great result, very nearly scoring two from the end.
With the score now 19-18 to Dunn, Bradford scored two to lead 20-19, then took his time before setting the mark. A different mark was set to what Bradford had played throughout the game, with a two-foot lead, a very similar second bowl leaving Dunn with a tough route into the jack. Dunn halved Bradford’s second bowl, however lost out on the measure as Bradford won his fourth Manx Masters title.
The presentation was made by competition organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked everyone who had accepted the invitation to play, everyone who had helped with the running of the competitions. The Ladies who once again outdone themselves with the catering and the club members who assisted throughout the day. Long term supporters of the event Chris & Lynnette Perry of Felton’s Ironmongers were then introduced to present the prizes who without their support this event would not be possible. Upon accepting the trophy Bradford stated he was delighted to have won the trophy, having beaten who he believes to be two of the best Manx bowlers ever John Kennish and Colin Kelly, also the man in form in the final Paul Dunn.
Photo: Glynn Hargraves
McCarthy, Boland & Teare Win Threesomes Cup
Threesomes Cup Winners 2024 - Walter McCarthy, Glenn Boland & Rebecca Teare
Photo: Wayne Roberts22 teams took part in the Port St Mary any combination threesomes ‘open’ competition on a blustery afternoon at Breagle Glen.
The fallers at the quarter final stage were the Port Erin trio of Derek Allen, Steve Durcan and Bernie Durcan 15-21 to Marown’s Glenn Boland, Walter McCarthy and Rebecca Teare. Pauline Cowley, Alison Stockham, and Andy Cannell (Ballaugh/Port Erin/Douglas) lost 18-21 to home greeners (Nicci Cain, Robbie Cooil, and Derek Cain. The Marown trio of Jayne Smith, Lyn Bolton and Sid Bolton lost 14-21 to Jenny Moore, James Teare, and Wayne Roberts (South Ramsey/Port St Mary) whilst the current holders Margaret Tasker, Trish Bull, and Mavis Franks beat the Castletown team of Joy Stevens, Marie Ashurst, and Linda Dawson 21-16.
In the semi-finals Boland, McCarthy, and Teare ended the good run of Cain, Cooil, and Cain with a 21-16 victory after the Port trio had led 16-11 only for the Marown team to score 10 chalks over four ends.
The other semi-final was a low scoring affair as Moore, Teare, and Roberts lost out 13-21 to Tasker, Bull, and Franks.
In the final the Marown trio started strongly storming into a 15-6 lead against the home greeners, with a three, a five and a single. A comeback looked to be on the cards as the deficit was reduced to just three chalks at 13-16, however Boland, McCarthy, and Teare extinguished any hopes of their opponents retaining the trophy with a four, followed by a single to secure a 21-13 victory.
Port St Mary President Wayne Roberts presented the prizes, thanked all those that took part in the competition, Chris Holland for running the sheet, and everyone that helped through the day.
South Ramsey B Edge Closer to Division Two Title
Division Four Side Castletown C featuring three Junior Bowlers
Photo: George PeachThe penultimate round of fixtures took place in Canada Life International League Division One this week as Marown A gained another point over second placed South Ramsey A as the Crosby men took on their B Team on Monday night. The A Team took home a 9-1 win over their B Team, as Brian Kelly was the only winner for the B with a 21-14 victory over Dean Kipling.
Douglas A slipped to a 3-7 home defeat to Onchan A, however Villa captain Mervin Sayle was one of the home team winners as he beat Matthew Quirk 21-15.
Peel A beat Castletown A 8-2 in the Sunset City, with Town man Dean Kinley returning to his former stomping ground as he beat Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly 21-19. Winning to the same score for the home team Gary Smith held off Nathan Hamilton.
On Tuesday evening South Ramsey A took on bottom side Marown C at Crosby, with the visitors claiming a 2-8 win. Winning for the home team were Sid Bolton, who beat Stefan Kelly 21-9 after trailing 1-7, whilst Marown captain Stevie Rundle beat Peter Collister 21-15. The visitors kept Marown under 100 chalks with four single figure victories.
Port St Mary A hosted North Ramsey A at Breagle Glen as the home team won 5-3, however the final result was 6-4 as the teams tied on chalks to share the aggregate. Winning for the visitors were Steve Walmsley who beat Tom Collins 21-15, Rob Monk won 21-12 against Paul Skelly, whilst Steven Waters beat Robbie Cooil 21-6.
In Division Two league leaders South Ramsey B were the biggest winners of the week as the teams below them slipped to defeat, as they did themselves a massive favour seeing off Ballaugh A 8-2 at home, however things could have been worse for the visitors as Patrick Grant held off Tony Hart 21-17, whilst John Keenan beat Alan Moore 21-19.
Peel B would have fancied coming away from the Crofts with a win against low lying Castletown B, however the Town men had other ideas as they picked up their fifth league win of the season to damage the Peel men’s hopes of winning Division Two with a 7-3 victory.
Onchan B won 6-4 at home to Douglas B in a keenly contested match as 13 chalks separated the teams (152-139). Three games won by the visitors were close to 17, 18, and 20 as David Pease, Steve Gregg, and Paul Cowley beat Neil Richmond, Mike Alexander, and Mike Kelly respectively.
Port Erin A hosted North Ramsey B with the Breagle men winning 8-2, with 14 chalks separating the teams (151-137).
Finch Hill A won 6-4 at home to Noble’s A. The Finch men won comfortably on chalks (152-126) thanks to all four wins being to 13 or less.
In Division Three two Noble’s teams look nailed on to finish in the top two, as Noble’s C won 2-8 away to South Ramsey D. Noble’s D are hot on their heels, just one point behind as they won 8-2 against South Ramsey C to end any hopes of promotion for the Ramsey men. Both Noble’s teams have tricky fixtures this week as the C team take on third placed Ballaugh B at home, whilst Noble’s D face their B team, who occupy fourth place. The matches take place on separate evenings, so the C team will know what result they will need to finish in top spot.
Noble’s B slipped to a 4-6 home defeat to Ballaugh B as just four chalks separated the teams (122-126).
Peel C recorded the biggest win across all four divisions this week as they won 10-0 at home to Marown D, with the visitors scoring 100 chalks, whilst Port St Mary B lost 3-7 at home to Onchan C.
In Division Four Castletown C (pictured) look to the future with a team featuring three juniors as they won 5-3 on games at home to Peel D, however they lost out on the aggregate by just three chalks (134-137) as the Peel men secured a 5-5 draw.
Another close encounter took place at the Villa as Douglas C beat Noble’s E 6-4, with seven chalks the difference between the teams (142-135).
North Ramsey C won 1-9 away to Douglas D, as the home team were only able to field four players, as the Villa men could only muster 50 chalks from the four games played.
Cadamy and Boland Win Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2024 - Lynda Cadamy and Glenn Boland
Photo: Arnie WithersCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 27 pairs with the competition sponsored by the Sidings Pub.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Pauline and Willie Cowley (Ballaugh/Douglas) 14-21 to Douglas pair Emma and Mervin Sayle, whilst Kay McKiernan and Shaun Seal (Douglas) lost to Lynda Cadamy and Glenn Boland (Marown). In the other half of the draw Kim and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) lost 17-21 to home greeners Hannah Drewett and Dean Kinley. Another Douglas pair Rebecca and Daniel Jacobs lost out to Castletown pair Alison Kearsley and Nathan Cooil.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were the Villa daughter/father pairing of Emma and Merv Sayle 18-21 to Cadamy and Boland in a keenly fought game, whilst Kearsley and Cooil got the better of Drewett and Kinley 21-16 in the other semi-final.
In the early stages of the final the Marown pair made the better start to lead 12-6, with the Town duo fighting back to close the deficit to within one chalk at 11-12 by winning five consecutive ends, scoring five singles. This proved to be their last point as Cadamy and Boland also won five ends, scoring nine points in the process to seal a deserved 21-11 victory.
The presentation was made by Castletown Bowling Club competition secretary Kath Kinley who thanked the sponsors for their support, everyone who had entered, along with the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day.
Dunn Claims Thurlwell Bowl Title
Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2024 - Paul Dunn
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 44 taking part after a great week of Festival bowls.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Richard Hainge (Ballaugh) 6-21 to Peter Jones (Marown), Phil Clarke (Peel) 17-21 to Rob Monk (North Ramsey). In the other half of the draw Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) got the better of Walter McCarthy (Marown) 21-17, whilst Paul Dunn (Marown) saw off Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-15.
At the semi-final stage Jones took a 16-9 lead against Monk, only for the latter to score four consecutive singles to close the deficit to three chalks at 13-16. Jones responded to finish the game strongly to runout with a 21-14 win to book his place in the final. In the other semi-final Dunn started strongly against Hargraves to lead 15-6, with the South Ramsey player closing the deficit to just two chalks at 15-17. Four singles scored over the last five ends was enough to secure a 21-16 win for the Marown man.
The final got underway with Dunn taking a 14-11 lead, scoring his only double of the game on the second end. Jones closed the deficit to just two chalks at 14-16, with the Marown captain rallying to secure the victory as he scored five singles over six ends to secure a 21-15 victory over teammate Jones to pick up the trophy for a second time following his previous win in 2020.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Tina Hampson who thanked the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winners were awarded with IOM Steam Packet vouchers, with Juan Qualtrough presenting the prizes.
Lally Secures 2nd Festival Title
Men’s IOM September Festival Winner 2024 - Gareth Lally (Crossgates)
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man September Bowls Festival took place last week, with the competition played out in mixed weather conditions, with the sun shining on Finals Day in glorious weather to end the week on a high.
In the Men’s event it was Gareth Lally (Crossgates) who secured his second September Festival title, following his first success in 2015 when he beat Martin Gilpin 21-17. This final was never in any doubt as the Crossgates man won 21-6 against 83-year-old John Colebourne (Chesterfield) who came the closest he ever has to winning the festival having been a regular visitor to the Isle of Man for several decades. Reaching the final was a huge success for the Chesterfield man, as he proved age is just a number in bowls. Lally won the final in just 10 ends, scoring seven doubles and two singles, conceding just one chalk on his way to victory. Lally took home the winners’ cheque for £3,200, whilst Colebourne could console himself with a cheque for £1,250 for his week’s work.
At the semi-final stage on paper the tie that the crowd were expected to have their eyes on was the clash between Lally and Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), with the game keenly contested up to the 16th end with Gilmore one point ahead at 16-15, however a strong finish from Lally saw him book his place in the final with a 21-16 win. The other semi-final proved to be the one to watch for a different reason as the crowd sensed a huge upset was on the cards, no doubt with some bets being placed for the underdog on the heat, as Colebourne performed brilliantly to beat June 2012 Festival winner Robbie Fitzpatrick (Castlefields) 21-11 to progress to the final.
The quarter finals were all keenly contested, with Lally starting his day with a 21-18 win over Ian Nicholson (Netherfield), whilst Gilmore seen off Conor Chamberlain (Stretton Anglesey) with a 21-17 victory, with Gilmore’s cause helped by four consecutive doubles halfway through the game. In the other half of the draw Colebourne beat Mark Booth (Thongsbridge) 21-17, whilst Fitzpatrick battled to a 21-19 win over Peter Jones (Castlefields).
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Zach Walker (King Alfred) who managed to see off three previous Festival winners on his way to picking up the title and the winners’ cheque which was over £1,000.
Walker had it all to do against John Bailey (Castlefields) who is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man, is a two-time winner of the main event. Walker found himself one ahead after 12 ends as he led 13-12, however Bailey being the top player that he is found an extra gear to take the lead 18-13. Walker cheered on by his club mates, playing with his distinctive white bowls, dug deep to fightback and secure a stunning 21-19 victory with a measure on the final end.
Walker beat James Wilcox (Crossgates) with a nail biting 21-20 win, having trailed 17-20, with a single, a double followed by another single to secure his spot in the final. Bailey progressed thanks to a hard fought 21-17 win over James Teare (South Ramsey), with the latter having fought back from a 10-17 deficit before losing to the Castlefields man.
The quarter finals were well contested with Walker taking the biggest win over David Jackson (Knutsford) with a 21-14 victory, whilst Wilcox held off James Fitzpatrick (Wirral) 21-19. In the other half of the draw Bailey won 21-17 against Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), whilst Teare impressed with a 21-17 win over a previous winner of the BCGBA Champion of Champions Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge).
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by Terry Brook (Meersbrook BC) who beat Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 21-16 in the final. Brook won 21-19 against Tony Whitehouse (King Alfred) in the semi-final, whilst Johnson beat Liam Howard (King Alfred) 21-12.
The Ladies consolation was won by Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) emphatically defeating Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) 21-6 in the final. Rigden reached the final with a 21-13 win over Kathryn Gee (Unison), whilst Whitehead beat Debbie Barnes (Hesketh Arms BC) 21-10.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry (Delamere) who had a good 9-8 win over Callum Wraight (Castlefields), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Tommy Richardson (King Alfred) who beat Tom Lowndes (Gresford Colliery) 21-15 in the final.
In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was retained by Marown’s Neil Withers and Paul Dunn with an 11-9 victory over Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria). Withers and Dunn reached the final with an 11-2 win over Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bhetherton), whilst Gilmore and Coates also won comfortably 11-2 against Crossgates pair Mark Hughes and Gareth Lally.
The Men’s doubles were won by Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria) as they beat Ryan Clark (Meersbrook BC) and Graeme Wilson (AEU) 11-5 in the final. Gilmore and Coates whitewashed Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicolson (both Netherfield) 11-0 in the semi-final, whilst Clark and Wilson also beat Marown pair Paul Dunn and Neil Withers 11-5 to reach the final.
The Ladies doubles were won by Joan Jolly and Eileen Pye (both Canberra) as they beat local bowlers Rebecca Teare (Marown) and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) 11-7. Jolly and Pye won 11-2 against South Ramsey pair Kim Hargraves and Fiona Kennish in the semi-final, whilst Teare and Moore beat Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) 11-9 to book their place in the final.
Winning the Mixed pairs were Kathryn Gee (Unison) and Roger Morgan (Knutsford) with a convincing 9-2 win over Lisa Bolton (Freckleton) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield). Gee and Morgan reached the final with a 9-6 win over Kath Watkinson (Mere Brow) and Andy Mailer (Woodlands Park), whilst Bolton and Colebourne beat Lynne Rimmer (Royton Cricket Club) and Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 9-8.
The Triples was played once again this year with the competition played on three greens over six ends on Wednesday morning down to the winner from each green. Winners at the Villa were Colin Kelly, Neil Withers, and Juan Killip (all Marown). Winning on Noble 1 green were Joe Cranston, Josh Mordue, and Ryan Clark (all Meersbrook), whilst Callum Briddon, Stuart Sutton, and Matt Bradwell (all Fairfield) were the winners on Noble’s 2 green.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Boulton Wins September Festival
Ladies IOM September Festival Winner 2024 - Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion)
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event visiting bowler Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) added the Isle of Man September Festival to her list of top titles won in the game, with a resounding 21-8 victory over Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) to pick up the winners’ cheque for £1,250, while Pickthall took home £625. The final started with Boulton, one of the top players in the ladies’ game the clear favourite, she didn’t disappoint as she stormed into a 16-5 lead. Pickthall got in to score a two, then a single on the following end. Boulton then put a stop to any hopes of a comeback as she won the next four ends to see the game out.
Boulton booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over regular visitor Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst Pickthall recorded an emphatic 21-9 victory over current holder and three-time Festival winner Jenny Moore (South Ramsey). Jenny received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.
Boulton started her day with a 21-9 win over Paula Garrett (Douglas), whilst Weaver beat Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-8. In the other half of the draw Pickthall recorded the biggest win with a 21-7 victory over Sue Tuft (Aston Bowling), whilst Jenny Moore, who was heavily handicapped (+1) due to her previous successes won 21-15 against Olwen Edwards (Llanfairpwll).
Boulton had already secured her place in the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) Event at Owley Wood on Sunday 29th September.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, it was two locals who competed for the title, with Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) taking on Jayne Smith (Marown). Moore went into an early 12-5 lead, only for Smith to pull the score back to 11-12, however Moore responded to lead 18-11. Smith took the following two ends, however Moore wrapped up the title with a double and a single to secure a 21-14 victory, with it the South Ramsey bowler qualified for the BCGBA Champion of Champions event at Owley Wood at the end of the month.
Moore booked her place in the final with a comfortable 21-11 win over Joan Jolly (Canberra), whilst Smith won to single figures 21-8 against Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood).
In the quarter finals Moore progressed with a 21-12 win over Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion), whilst Jolly beat Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15. In the other half of the draw Smith beat Diane Harrison (Lune Road) 21-14, whilst Weaver battled to a 21-18 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park).
Photo: Arnie Withers
Grimston Wins Pre-Festival Autumn Shield
Autumn Shield Winner 2024 - James Grimston
Photo: Arnie WithersPeel Bowling Club held the pre-festival Autumn Shield on Sunday, with an entry of 80 taking part on a fine day with the competition running like clockwork throughout the day with the competition starting at 10:00 in the morning.
With some players having to win four games just to reach the quarter final stage, David Bradford (South Ramsey) lost 17-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown), whilst James Grimston (Kirkham) beat Peter Grimston (Kirkham) 21-15. The last home greener Tommy McMeiken lost out 13-21 to Neil Withers (Marown), whilst Kevin Kelly (Marown) recovered from a 9-18 deficit to Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) to lead 20-18 only for the latter to runout 21-20.
At the semi-final stage Grimston went into a 13-6 lead against Kelly, with the Marown man hitting back scoring four consecutive doubles to lead 14-13. Kelly went on to lead 18-16, then 20-18, however a single and a double was enough for the Kirkham man to claim a 21-20 win to progress to the final. The other semi-final saw Hargraves take the lead 14-8, with Withers responding with six chalks to level the game at 14-14. Hargraves rallied to lead 18-15, with the Marown man levelling the match up once more at 18-18. Hargraves then secured a single and a double to win 21-18.
Grimston made the better start in the final as he went into an early 14-8 lead, which quickly became 17-12 playing a short round peg. Grimston was counting for one, when a huge slice of luck for Hargraves saw him flick off his opponents short bowl, connect with the jack and score a very fortuitous two, which led to Hargraves going on to close the deficit to one chalk at 16-17. The following end saw Hargraves counting for two as he looked to go into the lead for the first time in the game, however Grimston had other ideas as he struck, moving all the bowls in the end and counted one to lead 18-16.
Three successive singles from the South Ramsey man put him in the lead at 19-18, counting one of the following end, only for Grimston to bowl in to level the score at 19-19. Another good lead from the visitor over the next two ends was enough to count for game, however on the last end Grimston’s lead bowl was a ‘sitting duck’ to the side of the jack. Hargraves nearly got another massive slick of luck flicking off a short bowl connecting with the jack, however couldn’t save game as Grimston secured a fully deserved 21-19 win and the £350 first prize, with Hargraves taking home £180.
The presentation was made by Peel competition secretary Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who thanked the sponsor David Lancaster Limited and Central Bar & Bistro for their continued support. Club President Lynda Wilson was then introduced to present the prizes with over £900 paid out down to the quarterfinals.
Bolton Wins Posh Paws Open
Posh Paws Winner 2024 - Lyn Bolton
Photo: Lynda WilsonReport on Posh Paws of Peel Ladies Singles Open Competition held at Peel Sunset BC on Saturday 31stAugust 2024.
There were 21 entrants. There was glorious wall to wall sunshine and deep blue skies and a lovely atmosphere around the green. Joyce Kelly was running the sheet and called 5 prelims to the jacks. Last year’s winner, Gill Dixon, and Louise Tebay were first off leaving Gill going forwards, Lynda Wilson and Pauline Cowley battled it out with a final score of 21-19 to Pauline. Helen Cowley and Margie Tasker score 21-14 to Margie. Lynda Cadamy and Caroline Whitehead with a final score of 21-20 to Caroline. The final pre-lim Gill Clarke and Elaine Hawkins final score 21-19 with Gill making it to the next round. Some really tough games on a green that was running superbly.
The third round did not disappoint, Dixon v Cowley 21-18, Whitehead v Tasker 21-13, Clarke v Joyce Kelly 20-21. Jo Corkill v Diane Fleming 17-21, Tricia Bull v Nicola Gilmore 21-16. Our only junior competitor, Martha Butler v Karen Young 21-18. Zoe Bolton v Kay McKiernan 21-17 and Lyn Bolton v Sherry Pedley 21-16
At the quarter final stage Dixon’s quest to retain the trophy stopped when Whitehead pipped her at the post 20-21 Kelly v Fleming 21-10. Bull finished off Butler with a creditable score of 21-16 and keep it in the family, Zoe Bolton v Lyn Bolton with Lyn storming through to the final. Kelly was on fine form and Whitehead was defeated with a score of 21-16.
The final was a fine display of precise bowling, Lyn found her favourite part of the green and whilst home greener, Joyce was on the defence for most of the game with most ends being remarkably close finally Lyn became the outright winner. The President of Peel Sunset BC, Lynda Wilson presented the prizes and thanked Posh Paws of Peel for their continued support over the last five years.
Withers and Dunn Retain Keenan Fours
Keenan Fours Winners 2024 - Neil Withers & Paul Dunn
Photo: Arnie WithersThe Keenan Fours was held on Saturday saw 21 pairs travel to sunny Ballaugh on a much improved playing surface, with a handicap system introduced by the club this year.
At the quarter final stage current holders Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (SCR) beat Marown clubmates Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly (SCR) 21-15, whilst Kian and David Bradford (+3) held off home greeners Bobby Clayton and Paul Cubbon (+3). In the other half of the draw Keith Turton and James Teare (SCR)(Armthorpe/South Ramsey) lost out 14-21 to South Ramsey’s Alan Moore and Toby Hart (+3), whilst Marown’s Tom Kelly and Colin Kelly (SCR) beat Bob Clark and Paul Kissock (South Ramsey/Netherfield) (SCR) 21-20.
The semi-finals saw a comfortable win for Dunn and Withers over the Bradford’s 21-12, whilst the Kelly’s beat Moore and Hart to single figures 21-8 to take their place in the final.
The final got underway with the sun still shining, there was nothing to choose between the two pairs after the first nine ends with the score tied at 5-5, just one double scored. The game kicked into life from there with the Kelly’s scoring a three, two and one in between conceding nine chalks as Withers and Dunn took a 16-11 lead. Two successive singles from the father and son pairing saw the deficit close to one chalk at 15-16, however Withers and Dunn stopped the comeback there as they closed the game out with a double , a single and another double to win 21-15 to retain the trophy.
The presentation was made by Maurice O’Reilly who thanked the club members, everyone for entering, the catering team, and those who had stayed to watch the final. John Keenan the sponsor of the competition, presented the trophy.