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Jones Wins First Manx Masters Title – Moore Takes Fifth Successive Win
Mens Felton’s Manx Masters Winner 2022 - Peter Jones with sponsors Lynnette and Chris Perry of Felton’s. Inset - Ladies Winner Jenny Moore who picked up the title for a fifth successive year
Photos: Arnie WithersSouth 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. The green proved a challenge, with it running as well as it has all season.
Young Manx Masters
The Young Manx Masters was contested by six players – all girls. This competition was played in a round robin format with the girls in the same group 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 Grayse Blencoe and Bailey McMullan (Both Mooragh Park) who topped the group tied on 44 points. This resulted in a three end shootout with the latter winning all three ends to go one better than last year to pick up her first win in the competition.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Junior Manx Masters
The Junior Manx Masters was played as a straight knockout 21up off a handicap of +6 for the older and more experienced players with 12 players braving the early morning start. The title was won for the first time by home greener Toby Hart in his last year of being eligible to play, as he defeated the 2021 winner Madison McMullan (North Ramsey). Toby made a good start going into a 13-8 lead, which he extended further to lead 17-10. Madison pulled the score back to 14-17, however four successive singles from Toby was enough to secure the victory.
Losing out at the semi-final stage were the Colquitt brothers from Marown, with the younger brother Alex putting up a good fight against Toby Hart before losing 15-21, while Sam lost out 8-21 to Madison McMullan.
Photo: Arnie Withers
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, made all the more remarkable with having to contend with a tricky green.
The junior competitions had a new sponsor on board this year with JP Corry Isle of Man pleased to be supporting the event for the first time with the prizes presented by Steven Waters. All competitors who took part received a prize. A huge thanks must go to the coaches – Clare Cooper, Phil Kelly & Colin Kelly who helped the younger players with their games throughout the morning.
Once the Junior competitions came to a conclusion 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. In a change this year home greeners forfeited the jack on the first end to visiting bowlers.
Ladies Manx Masters
In the Ladies event losing out at the quarter final stages were Louise Tebay (Ballaugh) 14-21 to Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), Jayne Smith was well beaten 7-21 by home greener Fiona Kennish. Clare Cooper edged home 21-20 in a battle with team-mate Debbie Leece, while Paula Firth ended the challenge of Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-15.
At the semi-final stage Moore ended the run of Kennish with a 21-10 win to book her place in the final, whilst Firth managed to see off Cooper with a hard fought 21-18 victory to reach her first final in this event.
In the final Firth kept in touch with Moore trailing by just two chalks after 10 ends at 9-11. From there the latter stepped up a couple of gears to score three doubles and four singles, conceding just one more chalk to run out with a deserved 21-10 victory to win the title for a fifth successive year, with Moore reaffirming her status as the number one player in the Ladies game.
Mens Manx Masters
In the Men’s event four of the eight last 16 games were well contested with the player losing out scoring 16 or more. Losing out at the quarter final stage were home greener Bob Clark who battled well before losing out 18-21 to team-mate Glynn Hargraves, Matthew Quirk (Onchan) was beaten 15-21 by Marown captain Paul Dunn. In the bottom half of the draw Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) was well beaten 13-21 by Peter Jones (Marown) while last year’s finalist Kevin Quirk (Onchan) had his hands full with Stevie Kelly (Peel) as the Onchan man lost out 18-21.
In the semi-final Kelly was just two points behind Jones at 14-16 after 18 ends, with the latter going on to score a single and two doubles to run out with a 21-14 win. In the other semi-final it went to the wire with the game well contested throughout, with Dunn prevailing 21-20, the difference being Dunn scoring five doubles to his opponents four to book his place in the final.
In front of a healthy crowd who had stayed for the duration, the final started under the floodlights, however this did not reduce the standard of bowls from either player. It was nip and tuck in the early stages of the game with the score tied at 9-9 after 10 ends. Jones went on take control of the game with some excellent first bowls to his own jack to build up a seven-point lead at 17-10.
Dunn got in with a double just before a break in play as a minute’s silence at 8pm was impeccably observed by the players and spectators. The Marown captain went on to concede a single, then scored four successive singles to close the gap to just two chalks at 16-18 to stand a fighting chance. Jones ensured the comeback ended there as he got in with his first bowl, then scored two more singles to see the game out with a 21-16 victory to seal his first win in this competition in his first time playing in the event.
At the end of the competition the presentation was made by South Ramsey club captain Glynn Hargraves, who thanked Alan Moore for his excellent work running the sheets for all four 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 were then introduced to present the prizes from the sponsors Felton’s Ironmongers who without their support this event would not be possible. Upon accepting the trophy Jones thanked the club for hosting the event, stating he was delighted to have won the competition and was made up with how welcoming the local bowls community had been since he & his wife Cathy had moved to the Island three months ago.
Leece & Clark Win Last Mixed Doubles of 2022 Season
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2022 - Debbie Leece & Bob Clark
Photo: Glynn HargravesCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Saturday with the competition attracting 28 pairs.
The eventual winners were Debbie Leece (Marown) and Bob Clark (South Ramsey) taking a hard earned win over home greener Kim Foy and Marown man Paul Dunn.
In the early stages of the final neither pairing was able to build a lead with the score tied at 14-14 after nine ends with Foy and Dunn scoring two threes’ with Leece and Clark kept down to singles and two’s. The latter pair then scored four points over two ends with a single and a three to lead 18-14. Foy and Dunn bounced back wo win four consecutive ends to lead 20-18, however three good singles from Debbie and Bob were enough to see the game out with a 21-20 win in an entertaining final.
Losing out 11-21 at the semi-final stage were Tracy Moore (Castletown) and Nathan Hamilton (Port St Mary) to the winning pair, Margie Tasker (Port St Mary) and Derek Allen (Port Erin) were defeated 14-21 by Foy and Dunn.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Paula Firth (Onchan) and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) who lost out 10-21 to Leece and Clark. South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore and James Teare were defeated 13-21 by Moore and Hamilton. Sue Gawne (Onchan) and Andy Kennish (Onchan) were pipped at the post 19-21 by Foy and Dunn, Husband and Wife pairing Alec & Philippa Taylor (Peel/Marown) just lost out 18-21 to Tasker and Allen.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Kath Kinley who thanked everyone who had entered, along with the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day.
August CLI Players of the Month
AUGUST 2022 - CANADA LIFE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
Photos: Arnie Withers/Glynn HargravesCongratulations to August Canada Life International Award winners:-
Men’s Player of the Month: Paul Dunn – Marown
Ladies Player of the Month: Caroline Whitehead – Port Erin
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Madison McMullan – Mooragh Park
Paul was the standout player in the men’s game during August, winning both of his league games, as well as both of his games in the Club Team Championship. Dunn also managed to retain the Doubles Championship with regular playing partner Neil Withers, represented the Island playing three games, successfully qualified for the Crown Green Masters at Fleetwood, whilst also getting through the qualifying rounds to reach the finals day of the Famous Talbot trophy. Dunn also took part in the North versus South Challenge in the U.K. winning both games that he played in, with his game with Phil Lee – one of Merseyside’s top bowlers proving to be a good watch for the spectators.
Caroline was the pick from the Ladies section this month winning three league games and scoring highly in two defeats. In addition to this Caroline was delighted to win the Sowerbutts trophy in the mixed doubles to pick up her first ever open win on Port Erin on Bank Holiday Monday.
Madison was an easy choice for her achievements in August as she won the Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy, whilst maintaining a 100% record in the newly formed Junior League. For her club Madison won both league games and her game in the Club Team Championship. Whilst it had already been decided that Madison would be Under 21 player of the month, she also recently reached the final of the Junior Girls Merit at Heswell only to just lose out 12-15 to Cerys Parry from Wales. A superb month for Madison which fully deserves this award.
Glover Emulates His Father to Win First IOM Festival
IOM Mens September Festival Winner 2022 - Stephen Glover
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 one of the longest running, having first taken place in 1921.
In the Men’s event it was Stephen Glover (Liverpool CC) who picked up his first Festival win, 31 years after his father Terry won the same competition in 1991, when Stephen was just four months old, history repeated itself with Stephen recently becoming a father himself as he got his hands on the famous trophy and took home the winners cheque for £3,000. Glover more than deserved his victory as he had to overcome the challenge of another regular visitor, a two-time September winner from 2017 and 2019 John Bailey (Castlefields), whilst also beating another former winner in Graeme Wilson on finals day, Glover also got past June 2008 winner Colin Kelly (Marown) in the Last 16 to reach finals day.
The final started with Glover performing brilliantly to storm into a 14-5 lead playing his customary short length, albeit on a different mark to previous rounds, with Bailey not doing much if anything wrong. Bailey, looking to pick up his third September title and being the competitor that he is, responded well winning six of the next seven ends on a longer length to close the deficit to just three chalks at 12-15 after 13 ends, helped by Bailey playing a great last bowl when lying two down on the 12th end.
Glover got back in at just the right time with a single, thanks to a good last bowl just as Bailey was starting to find his stride. Two brilliant quick-fire doubles on the edge that Glover had enjoyed success on in previous rounds put him within touching distance of victory at 20-12. A good lead on the last end was beaten by Bailey, with Glover then beating the bowl to count one for game. Bailey played a reaching bowl, but failed to connect with anything as Glover picked up a fully deserved 21-12 victory as he expressed his joy with a gentle fist pump. Bailey took home a cheque for £1,000 as consolation for his efforts throughout the week.
Glover reached the final courtesy of a fairly comfortable 21-15 win over four-time winner Graeme Wilson (AEU), with Bailey having to battle for his 21-18 victory over Bob Clark (South Ramsey) after leading 16-8 the local man fought back well before losing out. Clark was the local player who had progressed the furthest and received the Chris Quayle Memorial trophy for the furthest Manx Man, as he reached his first finals day and will undoubtedly have gained vital experience from it.
The quarter finals were all fairly straightforward for the winners with Glover ending the hopes of Gareth Coates (Akroydon Victoria) with a 21-16 win, with the score at 16-15 in favour of Coates a four end winning streak saw Glover run out. Wilson made light work of Dan Edmonds (Levens) with a 21-10 win after the latter had disposed of the 2021 winner Callum Wraight (Castlefields) 21-8 in the Last 16.
In the other half of the draw Clark performed well to beat Nathan Brown (Lloyd Hotel) 21-15, after trailing 9-14 Clark went on to win seven of the next eight ends to progress to the semi-final. Bailey was up against a surprise package in Alex Yates (Noble’s) who took up the game just six years ago, who more than deserved his spot in the quarter finals, coming through some tricky games to make finals day. Yates had to give one chalk away on the handicap playing on his home green, managed to hang in the game really well trailing by just one chalk after 12 ends with the score at 11-12, however the experience of Bailey came through in the end, as he went on to win 21-12. Yates can consider the week a success with his good run not going unnoticed as he picked up £300 for his efforts.
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who performed well to see off his Stepdad Richie Goddard (Castlefields) to take the Tourism title with a comfortable 21-9 victory, with the result never really in doubt.
Both semi-finals were well contested with Wraight edging home 21-18 against Ben Phillips (Lloyd Hotel). Goddard booked his place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over Daniel Petcher (Littleover).
In the quarter finals Wraight progressed with a 21-11 win over Craig Richardson (Castlefields), Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) reached the semi-final with a 21-14 victory over Alan Gilpin (Netherfield), whilst Petcher ended the challenge of Ian Liley (Lune Road) 21-10. The closest game of the quarter finals was between Bob Clark (South Ramsey) and Goddard with the latter taking the win 21-19 to progress to the semi-final.
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by Neil Rigden (Bretherton) who beat Matthew Clegg (West Shore) 21-14 in the final, with Ridgen winning 21-12 against Thomas Dennison (Levens) in the semi-final, whilst Clegg won 21-13 against Martin Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood).
The Ladies consolation was won by Christine Lawton (Garswood Hall) defeating Lisa Downham (Bowling Green Lancaster) in the final. Lawton reached the final courtesy of a 21-14 win over Violet Dennison (Levens), whilst Downham won 21-17 against Eileen Pye (Canberra Club).
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Martin Gilpin (Netherfield) who had an emphatic 9-1 win over Harry Chapman (Baddesley Colliery), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Martin’s son Alan Gilpin (Netherfield) who beat Ken Wale (Whitby) 21-15 in the final.
In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was won by Callum Wraight and John Bailey (Both Castlefields) with a resounding 11-0 win over Paul Kissock (Netherfield) and Barry Simm (Lune Road). Wraight and Bailey reached the final with a 11-0 win over Amanda and Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery), whilst Kissock and Simm ended the challenge of South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore and James Teare 11-5.
The Men’s doubles were won by Marown pair Colin Kelly and Peter Jones who performed well to see off John Colebourne and Ian Johnson (Both Chesterfield Cylinders) 11-2 in the final. Kelly and Jones reached the final with a hard fought 11-9 win over Paul Kissock and Matty Stewart (Both Netherfield), while Colebourne and Johnson also won to the same score against James Higgins (Sheffield) and Ian Nicholson (Netherfield).
The Ladies doubles were won by Sue Gawne (Onchan) and Sue Emmerson (Whitby) defeating Debbie Leece (Marown) and Veronica Lyon (Unison) 11-10 in a close final. Gawne and Emmerson reached the final with an 11-6 victory over Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Janet Hargreaves (Netherfield), whilst Leece and Lyon won 11-3 against Elaine Hawkins (Port St Mary) and Diane Harrison (Lune Road).
Winning the Mixed pairs were Eileen Pye (Canberra Club) and Michael Coupe (Wirral) thanks to a 9-3 win over Catherine Wilson (AEU) and Stevie Cain (Marown) in the final. Pye and Coupe reached the final with a 9-3 win over Kath Watkinson (Mere Brew) and Andy White (Two Gates), whilst Wilson and Cain won 9-0 against Nicola Gilmore-Coupe and Matthew Gilmore (Both Wirral) to reach the final.
The Triples returned 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 Paul Bailey (Meersbrook), James Higgins (Sheffield) and Matt Whitaker (Sheffield), with the Marown trio of Colin Kelly, Neil Withers and Juan Killip winning on Noble’s 1 green, while Brian Rathbone (Fairfield), Matt Sands (Lloyd Hotel) and Nathan Brown (Lloyd Hotel) were the winners on Noble’s 2 green.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Teare’s for Rebecca With First Festival Title
IOM Ladies September Festival Winner 2022 - Rebecca Teare
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event local bowler Rebecca Teare (Marown) took on Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood) in the final. It proved to be Rebecca’s day, with the Ladies final going to the wire, with plenty of drama for the spectators throughout the game.
Teare made a strong start to the game, with Weaver lying two down on the third end a good strike killed the end, the score could have been worse than 13-7 after eight ends. With Weaver threatening a comeback at 9-13 and counting for two a great last bowl from Teare kept her opponent at arms length to put the score at 14-9 to the latter.
A huge turning point in the game arrived with the rain setting in and Weaver having the jack with the ever changing pace of the green proving crucial as Weaver took five of the next seven ends to close the deficit to just two chalks at 13-15 after 14 ends.
Another twist was to follow with Weaver sitting just one chalk behind at 15-16 and lying a good two bowls a strike was expected from Teare, however Rebecca played no more than a yard over to flick off Weaver’s bowl just over a foot away from the jack as it came to rest to the side of the jack to count for one. A good two followed on the next end for Teare to lead 19-15.
Setting a mark along the edge, perhaps a bit of nerves understandably set in with Rebecca’s first bowl going in the ditch which Weaver punished to full effect. Teare over-corrected with her second bowl taking too much out to leave Weaver an easy two.
Three successive singles followed for Weaver, with another crucial moment arriving with Teare sitting out her opponent’s second counting bowl to prevent giving away a two to her opponent. With the score now 20-19 to Weaver a two foot lead was beaten by Teare, with her opponent playing a ‘reacher’ as her bowl flicked the jack closer to the counting bowl to give Rebecca the opportunity to get another in for game. A measure to decide who was in for second bowl went in favour of Rebecca who won her first Festival title in an excellent final.
In addition to taking her first win and the winners cheque for £1,000 Rebecca received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady, while Sarah took the runners up prize for £600.
In the semi-finals Rebecca was always in control as she booked her place in the final with a comfortable 21-16 win over good friend Sharon Rigden (Penwortham), while Weaver’s result was never in doubt with a 21-13 victory over September 2018 festival winner Elaine Moore (South Ramsey).
Teare started her day in good form with a 21-15 win over Sarah Fox (Maltby BC), while Ridgen had a battle with Joanne Smith (Little Eaton) before winning 21-17. In the other half of the draw Moore progressed thanks to a 21-15 win over Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood), while Weaver had to dig deep for her 21-19 victory over Joyce Ogden (Marown) after leading 19-13 the latter fought back before losing out.
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, it was local bowler Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) who had a successful week taking a comfortable 21-11 victory over Catherine Wilson (AEU) in the final.
Moore booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 win over Jane Glaister (Windermere), whilst Wilson also had to battle for her hard earned 21-19 victory over Tracy Wraight (Castlefields).
In the quarter finals Moore progressed with a 21-14 win over fellow local bowler Joyce Ogden (Marown), Glaister had a comfortable 21-11 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park). In the other half of the draw Wilson took a hard earned 21-18 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), while Wraight made light work of Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) with a 21-9 win.
Photo: Arnie Withers
South Ramsey Trio Triumph in PSM Threesomes
Port St Mary Any Combination Threesomes Winners 2022 - Glynn Hargraves, PSM President Margaret Tasker, Jenny Moore and James Teare
Photo: Wayne RobertsPort St Mary hosted the Any Combination Threesomes at Breagle Glen on Sunday. With 75 bowlers from around the Island taking part despite the heavy rain forecast, the competition proved to be popular.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were the trio of Eddie Carlyle (South Ramsey), Les Brookes (Finch Hill) and Brian Lindsay (Peel) who battled well after leading 17-14 against the South Ramsey team of Glynn Hargraves, James Teare and Jenny Moore, the former conceded a five and a single to lose out 17-21. Also performing well were the Marown team of Lisa Oliver, James Kelly and Helen Withers who were level at 17-17 against another South Ramsey team consisting of Fiona Kennish, Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore only for the Marown trio to concede a four as they were defeated 21-17.
In the other half of the draw the youthful team of Jordan Drewett (Port St Mary), Tom Kelly (Peel) and Nathan Hamilton (Port St Mary) eased past the Onchan team of Matthew Quirk, Kevin Quirk and Steve Parker 21-12. An all Marown battle of girls versus the boys saw the girls take the bragging rights as Rebecca Teare, Clare Cooper and Debbie Leece won 21-18 against Phil Dunn, Paul Dunn and Neil Withers who could take consolation in being able to go home to get dry.
In the first semi-final an all South Ramsey battle took place with Glynn, James and Jenny keeping Fiona, Kim and Elaine to three scoring ends with the former winning 21-10 to take their place in the final. In the second semi-final the Marown girls of Rebecca, Clare and Debbie put up a good fight against Jordan, Tom and Nathan as they leapt into a 16-6 lead, only to then fall behind 16-20. The girls then scored a single followed by a three to level the game at 20-20. On the deciding end the boys got the one point they needed to reach the final as they won 21-20.
After heavy rain throughout the afternoon conditions improved slightly for the final, with the light starting to fade throughout the game the floodlights were not used. The boys started the stronger of the two teams as they went into the lead 9-7, as they carried on their rather unusual ritual of drawing straws each end to decide the playing order – as they had done in all their matches throughout the day. Glynn, James and Jenny struck back with a five, two singles and two three’s in between conceding a two to go within touching distance of victory to lead 20-11. Two singles for Jordan, Tom and Nathan kept them in the game, however a good bowl on the last end which was well protected ensured the South Ramsey team won 21-13.
The presentation was made by Club President Margie Tasker who thanked everyone at the club for their help throughout the day.
Leece Takes Thurlwell Title
Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2022 - Debbie Leece
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 41 taking part after a long week of Festival bowls.
The winner was Debbie Leece (Marown) who defeated club mate Matthew Keggen with a resounding 21-11 win in the final. The result was never really in doubt with Leece going into a 17-7 lead on her former home green, with Keggen picking up a couple of doubles to reach double figures, as Debbie picked up the four points needed to secure a well deserved victory.
In the semi-final Leece was always comfortable with a 21-16 win over Phil Clarke (Peel) with a good display to book her place in the final, whilst Keggen recovered from a 6-13 deficit against Paul Dunn (Marown) to run out with a 21-16 win, with the latter scoring just three more chalks.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who lost out 14-21 to Leece, Marown’s Stevie Cain lost 18-21 to Clarke. In the other half of the draw
Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) was beaten 12-21 by Dunn, whilst Keggen edged home 21-18 against home greener Alex Yates.
The presentation was made by Noble’s Chairman Phil Salmon who thanked Matthew Keggen for helping run the sheet and the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winner was awarded with £150 of IOM Steam Packet vouchers, with Juan Qualtrough presenting the prizes.
Gilmore Wins Pre-Festival Autumn Shield
Pre-Festival Autumn Shield Winner 2022 - Matt Gilmore
Photo: Arnie WithersPeel Bowling Club held the pre-festival Davisons Autumn Shield at Marown Bowling Club on Sunday, with the Peel green closed to allow work to be carried out to get the green back to its best condition ahead of next season.
A strong entry of 96 took part with many of the visiting bowlers having never played on the Marown green before, they quickly adapted to the pace of the green.
With some of the players having to win four games just to reach the quarter final stage, losing out were home greener Phil Kelly 20-21 to Matt Gilmore (Wirral), while his father Dave Gilmore (Wirral) lost 14-21 to Marown captain Paul Dunn.
In the other half of the draw, David Bradford got the better of South Ramsey teammate Bob Clark 21-18 while Neil Withers (Marown) had a comfortable 21-7 victory over Peel man Brian Lindsay.
The semi-finals were well contested, both games could have gone either way. However, Gilmore won 21-18 against Dunn, with his strikes proving the difference, while Bradford recovered from an 11-16 deficit as he went on to win 21-17 against Withers.
The final got underway with Gilmore a previous winner taking the first end with a single only for Bradford to level the score the following end. The Wirral man then went on to score five points over three ends, with Bradford hitting back with two quick-fire doubles to sit one point behind at 11-12.
An exchange of singles took place, with Gilmore then going on to win three of the next five ends as he went in to the lead 17-14. On the 15th end Bradford was counting two with his second bowl widening the target. His opponent didn’t turn down the opportunity to strike as he took the jack off the green to kill the end.
On the next end the South Ramsey man conceded the advantage of the jack as he sent it in to the ditch to allow Gilmore to set the mark along the edge of the green, with the latter taking full advantage scoring a double followed by a single on the next end to lead 20-14.
With Bradford in the last chance saloon, he picked up a double as he trailed 16-20. A poor lead was welcomed by Gilmore who seized the opportunity as he put his bowl eight inches to the side of the jack. A reaching bowl from Bradford saw him agonizingly hit the gap between the counting bowl and jack as Gilmore won 21-16 to pick up his second win in this competition.
The presentation was made by Peel competition secretary Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who thanked the sponsor Davison’s for their continued support, Marown for the use of the green and for the excellent selection of refreshments provided throughout the day, of which the money raised was donated to various charites. Club secretary Lynda Wilson was then introduced to present the prizes with over £1200 paid out with Gilmore taking home the first prize of £500.
Visiting Bowlers Win Keenan Fours
Keenan Fours Winners 2022 - Peter Harvey & Ken Wale with Sponsor John Keenan
Photo: Arnie WithersOn Saturday Ballaugh Bowling Club held the 33rd Keenan Fours which was first held in 1989. The weather forecast was horrendous with heavy showers of torrential rain. As I drove out from a wet Ramsey the sky brightened and it had almost stopped raining. For the most part the showers missed and it was mainly was light drizzle or dry for the duration of the competition.
In the first quarter Final James Teare & Steven Waters (South Ramsey) played last year’s winners Andy Kennish (Onchan) & Reg Temporaza (Onchan). Andy and Reg were always ahead winning 21-13. In the second quarter final father and son Colin & Tom Kelly (Marown/Peel) played South Ramsey’s Jordan Cain & John Kennish. The scores were equal at end five but then Colin & Tom scored two threes and a two to win 21-12. In the third quarter final James Kelly & Brian Kelly (Marown) played Phil Quayle (Ballaugh) & Paul Allison (North Ramsey). The scores were level at 11-11 and then James & Brian won the next three ends reaching 17, Phil & Paul got the jack back and scored a four, two singles & two doubles to win 21-17. In the fourth quarter final Peter Harvey and Ken Wale (Whitby Bowling Club) played Kevin Quirk & Steve Parker (Onchan). Peter & Ken were always ahead, Kevin & Steve got back to within three points of them but to no avail with Peter & Ken winning 21-16.
In the first semi-final, Colin & Tom Kelly played Andy Kennish & Reg Temporaza. Colin & Tom were well in control coming out winners 21-8. In the second semi-final, Phil Quayle & Paul Allison played Peter Harvey and Ken Wale. They were 12 across at end 9. Unfortunately Phil & Paul lost the jack and didn’t score again with the score 21-12 to Peter & Ken.
The final was between Marown’s Colin & Tom Kelly playing Whitby’s Peter Harvey & Ken Wale. At end nine they were 12 across, the next three ends went to the visiting bowlers taking them to 18-12. Colin & Tom pulled it back over the next four ends making the score 18 across. Finally Peter & Ken got a three giving them the win 21-18.
At the conclusion John Maddrell (Club Captain) introduced Sponsor and long-time member John Keenan. They thanked Pat & her helpers for running the kitchen, keeping us all fed and watered, and for Richard Faragher & Maurice O’Reilly for running the competition so efficiently. John then presented the prizes and in their speech the winners thanked everyone for a great day, and mentioned that Ballaugh Club was in a magnificent setting with good facilities and the green was the only one that they had played on lately that had grass on it.
September Festival Preview
September Festival 2021 Men’s Winner - Callum Wright
Photos: Arnie Withers and Mike AshmoleThe Isle of Man September Bowls Festival gets underway next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000. Callum Wraight is the current holder having won the event for the first time in 2021, the first festival held since the pandemic
On the first page of the draw this is fairly open with a few names standing out with Gareth Hughes (Castlefields) and Stewart Meddings (Royal Oak BC) both regular visitors who will be hoping for a good week, while locally June 2013 winner Neil Withers (Marown) has a tricky tie against the wily Mike Davies (Our Lady’s). Andy Kennish (Onchan) who has returned to form over the past few years could go far.
In the next section Danny Barwise (Birchley St Mary’s) could face Jon Palmer (Kings Heath Park) a past winner of the Autumn Waterloo or a previous festival runner up Matthew Quirk (Onchan) in the third round. The page is then littered with previous winners Ian Nicholson (Netherfield) a three time September winner, Matt Gilmore June 2003 winner (Wirral) is up against John Bailey (Castlefields) who picked up the title in September 2017 and 2019, while Gareth Lally (Crossgates) David Bradford (South Ramsey) both have their names etched on the famous trophy. Lee Johnstone (St Oswalds) completes the page as he looks to emulate his parents, who have both enjoyed considerable success on the Island.
South Ramsey’s Bob Clark will fancy his chances of navigating his way through the early rounds to make Thursday afternoon, however there are several hurdles he will need to get over to reach the Last 32. Jon Guess (Fairfield) could face September 2021 runner up Paul Bailey (Meersbrook) in the third round with the latter a previous two-time winner having won in June 2005 and September 2007. Martin Gilpin (Netherfield) is another winner of both festivals with 19 years passing between his first win in 1999 and second in 2018.
On page four there a couple of tasty first round fixtures as Richie Goddard (Castlefields) is up against Peel man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly, while Paul Kissock (Netherfield) returns to our shores as he faces Daniel Petcher (Littleover).
In the next group South Ramsey’s Peter Collister who won the June Festival and Tourism Competitions in the same week in 1983 takes on Matty Stewart (Netherfield), while local player Nigel Tebay (Ballaugh) could be in for a shock as he takes on one of the greatest players to have picked up a bowl in Graeme Wilson (AEU) who will be looking to pick up his fifth Isle of Man Festival win. Marown man Peter Jones can now be considered a local having settled well into Island life over the past few months, he will be hoping for a good week.
Page six sees the current holder of the title Callum Wraight (Castlefields) two further back on the handicap due to his previous success, there a few obstacles in his way as he looks to win back to back September Festivals. One of the obstacles in his way is Alan Gilpin (Netherfield), son of Martin who picked up his title in 2004. June 2012 winner Robby Fitzpatrick (Hoylake) just sneaks into the bottom half of the page, as he faces James Higgins (Sheffield), with the winner potentially facing Marown captain Paul Dunn in the next round.
On page seven Craig Richardson (Castlefields) needs to get through two games to make the Last 32 on Thursday afternoon which is always a highlight of the week, with the tie of the page undoubtedly being John Kennish (South Ramsey) a five-time winner who looks to be making a long awaited return as he is pitted against Chris Barton (Wirral) in what could a blockbuster of a game if both players are firing on all cylinders. In the bottom half of the page Gareth Coates (Akroydon Victoria) has to get past South Ramsey’s James Teare in his first round fixture, while regular visitor Andy Mailer (Thongsbridge) is always a tricky opponent to get past.
On the final page it is good to see Barry Booth (Netherfield) in the draw, while June 2008 winner Marown man Colin Kelly has his last chance of qualifying for the Champion of Champions competition he won in 2019 and has held since due to the competition not being played for the past two seasons. Winning the September Festival is the last opportunity to stand a chance of qualifying should he wish to defend the title, with this event on the reserve list for qualifying.
With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week, there is plenty of bowls for everyone, which includes the return of the Triples competition, it will undoubtedly make for a great week of bowls. Bring your umbrella with the weather looking to be unpredictable. That said, have a great week!