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Marown A and Onchan A Clash at Crosby

League action in Canada Life International Division One took place on Friday evening last week with the match of the week undoubtedly at Crosby between Marown A and Onchan A with the home team edging it 6-4 and winning by just seven chalks (134-127). For the home team two 21-7 wins from captain Paul Dunn and Colin Kelly over Mike Thomas and Reginald Temporaza respectively helped their cause, whilst Paul Kelly wasn’t far behind with a 21-11 win over Will Penhallurick. Dean Kipling had to battle for his 21-18 victory over Kevin Quirk. For the visitors Peter Slinger put in another solid performance with his 21-6 victory over Sam Clague, with Phil Kerruish their next best winner 21-13 against Neil Withers, Matthew Quirk beat Harry Barton 21-15, whilst Andy Kennish won 21-16 against Phil Kelly.

Douglas A hosted Peel A at the Villa, with the match being keenly contested, the visitors won 4-6 and by nine chalks (142-151). For the Villa men Gary Conwell and Andy Cannell both dug deep to win 21-18 against George Gadsby and Tom Kelly respectively, whilst Stevie Kelly returned to the fold to win 21-7 against Shaun Seal. Dave Smith got home 21-17 against Willie Cowley, with Dean Kinley holding his nerve with a 21-20 win over Merv Sayle.

Peel B returned to their home green with the club recently playing at Noble’s for a short period, however the visitors South Ramsey A came away with a solid 2-8 victory. Winning for the home team were David Proctor who was 15-20 down to Alan Moore with the latter lying game Proctor saved game and ran out with a 21-20 win. Also winning for Peel was Philip ‘Pip’ Pemberton who held off Stefan Kelly 21-13. For the visitors Peter Collister was the best winner 21-8 against Andy Mackie, with Steven Waters, who was stepping up from the B team next best with a 21-9 win over Brian Lindsay. Bob Clark managed to get over the line 21-19 against Dougie Allan. South Ramsey have now extended their lead to five points over Marown A.

Castletown A beat Port Erin A 8-2 at home with Juan Kermode their best winner 21-7 against Peter Hulley, at the other end of the spectrum George Foy beat David Cain 21-20. For the Breagle men Derek Allen won comfortably 21-12 against Town captain Ian Watson, with Steve Durcan their other winner 21-19 against Peter Oates.

Another close contest took place at Mooragh Park between North Ramsey A and Marown B with the visitors taking the spoils 4-6 and matching their A team by taking the aggregate by seven chalks (123-130). Both teams had two single figure winners with Brian Kelly beating Paul Cannan 21-5, whilst Juan Killip beat John Corteen 21-6. For the home team Allan Callow impressed with a 21-7 win over Glenn Boland, whilst Rob Monk won 21-9 against Darren Kerruish.

Port St Mary A hosted Onchan B at Breagle Glen with the home team winning 7-3. Home captain Wayne Roberts was the best winner 21-9 against Denis Maxwell, whilst their other four wins were comfortable. For Onchan Steve Parker was their best winner as he beat Nathan Hamilton 21-8, with Mark Kelly winning 21-19 against Dan McCabe.

In Division Two pacesetters South Ramsey B had a setback at home to Marown C, with a 3-7 defeat although they still have an eight point lead. For the home team Tony Dugdale did his best to lead from the front with a 21-6 win over Conor Keenan, whilst their other two wins were not so comfortable with Bryan Corner winning 21-19 against Steven Rough, whilst captain Ben Dugdale crept home 21-20 against John Kelly. For the visitors Jamie Joughin was the best winner 21-11 against Austin Hart, with their closest wins being slightly more comfortable with Kevin Kelly beating Eddie Carlyle 21-17 and Stephen Rundle won 21-8 against James Moore. Walter McCarthy impressed with a 21-14 victory over Chas Grills.

Ballaugh A didn’t manage to fully punish the slip up from the league leaders, with a 6-4 home win over Castletown B. Richard Hainge recorded his best win to date with a 21-1 victory over Dave Hollingworth. The visitors earned two of their points thanks to hard fought 21-19 wins from John Matheson and George Peach over Gordie Moore and John Maddrell respectively.

Noble’s A had a great week thanks to their 9-1 home win over Ballaugh B as they continue to find their feet, with single figures wins from Mark Bradshaw, Dave Naughton and Michael Johnson. With one comfortable win and three further wins being a lot closer from Stephen Hampson, Jay Elliott and Martyn Hobson. Preventing a whitewash for the visitors was Mike Buckeridge with a 21-16 win over John Andrew.

Port St Mary B and Peel C played out a true draw at Breagle Glen as both teams won 4-4 and scored 135 chalks each to split the aggregate for a 5-5 match result. Only one game was kept to single figures with Tony Carroon winning 21-8 against Port’s Bernard Thackrah.

Douglas B had a short journey home taking on Onchan C at the Park, as they won 3-7 with three single figures wins from Stuart Garrett, Geoff Mayles and Bob Callow. For Onchan two 21-19 wins from Ken Clarke and Ray McMullen over Steve Cook and Keith Fearnley, backed up by Roger Payne who won 21-10 against Les Quayle helped them earn three points on the night.

Finch Hill A slumped to a 4-6 home defeat to South Ramsey C despite drawing 4-4 on games, bigger wins from the visitors saw them take the aggregate by 11 chalks (137-148). Brian Murphy was the best winner for Finch with a 21-9 win over Ian Moore, Sefton Dent won 21-17 against Tony Hart, whilst a further two 21-19 victories followed from Dave Jones and Dave McCabe. For the visitors Lee Dawson was the biggest winner on the night winning 21-8 against Tony Epifani.

In Division Three North Ramsey B continue to show no mercy as they won 9-1 at home to Castletown B with four single figures wins and a walkover keeping the visitors to just 59 chalks. The lone winner for Castletown was Thomas Keggen who beat Adam Greenwood 21-12.

Noble’s B kept in touch with their 2-8 away win over Peel D. Single figure wins came from Grahem Moore and Stephen Corkill, whilst Michael Cooper and Stan Cooper both had to work for their 21-19 wins. The two winners for Peel came from Will Mitchell who beat Junior bowler Alex Hampson 21-14, whilst Andrew Cover beat Barry Salmon 21-17.

Douglas C won 9-1 at home to Port Erin B with their cause helped courtesy of three walkovers with the visitors only able to field five players on the night. For the home team Juan Readshaw beat Christopher Dent 21-8, Nick Firth continued his good form with a 21-19 victory over Ed Benson, whilst Ben Mowle impressed with his 21-6 win over David Beynon.

Elsewhere South Ramsey D took a 6-4 home win over Douglas D, with Junior bowler Ryan Hargraves winning 21-16 against Mark Clarke, whilst Peter Kennaugh stepped in at short notice to beat James Teare 21-11. For the visitors Greg Brew won 21-10 against Billy Blair, whilst Bob Banning performed well to beat Richie Davies 21-13.

The final match of the week was between Finch Hill B and Ballaugh C with the Finch men winning 7-3. Father and son were the best winners for the home team with Kevin Stannard winning 21-7 against Jamie Hinchcliffe, whilst Sam Stannard-Duke won 21-5 against David Dobbie.

Mixed League Championship

In Championship Group A, South Ramsey A won at 8-1 at home dropping just two chalks (187-141), whilst Castletown A lost by nine chalks (146-155) in their 4-5 defeat.

In Group B Marown A also won 8-1 at home to Port Erin (187-112) to stay on course to reach the final whilst Port St Mary A slipped to defeat by just three chalks (154-157) at home to Douglas A with the visitors winning five games.

Mixed League Plate

In the Plate competition in Group A, Nobles won by 41 chalks (174-137) at home to Castletown B as they won 5-4 on games, whilst Peel won 2-7 away from home by a 48 chalk margin (123-171) against North Ramsey B.

In Group B, Ballaugh hosted South Ramsey B with the home team winning 7-2 on games and by 46 chalks (172-126) as they remained on course to progress. Douglas B won by 30 chalks (171-141) at home to Marown B as both teams once again fielded mostly new and junior bowlers.

Jenny Moore Wins Manx Championship

On Saturday afternoon, the ladies Manx Championship was held at South Ramsey Bowling Club with an entry of 18. 

Losing quarter-finalists were Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who lost 19-21 to Janet Monk (Mooragh Park), Hilary Kermode was beaten 10-21 by Tracy Moore, Hannah Drewett (Castletown) lost 5-21 to Lil Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) whilst Lil Smith (Marown) was beaten 11-21 by Margaret Tasker (Port St Mary).   

In the semi-finals although Tracy and Margaret tried their best, both Janet and Jenny were on commanding form winning their games to 21-8 and 21-5 respectively. 

In the final both ladies played exceptionally well, but despite Janet’s best effort, Jenny won 21-10. 

Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Mrs Ann Gale, sponsor of the ladies Manx championship, who congratulated Jenny on winning, all the lady bowlers for treating the spectators and supporters to some excellent bowling, to South Ramsey for the use of the green and providing the refreshments, and to Caroline Whitehead, Competition committee member for the smooth running of the competition.

Keggen & Kelly Win Tynwald Day Grimshaw Pairs

Marown hosted the ever popular Tynwald Day R & A Grimshaw Pairs Trophy on Bank Holiday Tuesday. 28 pairs took part and the competition was sponsored for the first time by Investasure Financial Services Ltd.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Alex Hampson (Noble’s) and Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey) 10-21 to Brian Kelly (Marown) and Harry Kelly (Peel), James Teare (South Ramsey) and Andy Kennish (Onchan) were beaten 9-21 by Colin Kelly (Marown) and Tom Kelly (Peel). In the other half of the draw Kevin Quirk and Steve Parker (both Onchan) edged home 21-20 against Marown pair Stephen Rundle and Walter McCarthy, whilst another Marown duo Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly beat Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) and Jamie Joughin (Marown) 21-18.

At the semi-final stage Quirk and Parker took on Keggen and Paul Kelly with the Marown pair trailing 7-12, they went ahead after scoring a two and a four to lead 13-12, then conceded a single for the game to go level. A good run did see the Crosby men go 20-13 up, despite giving three points away they got the single they needed to win 21-16 to take their place in the final.

The other semi-final featured four Kelly’s, with Brian and Harry up against father and son Colin and Tom, with the latter pair having a straightforward 21-12 win.

The final got underway with three of the finalists being home greeners, whilst Tom Kelly has played for the club previously. The game went on to have everything you could hope for with good lead bowls, strikes, dead ends and great last bowls when under pressure.

On the first end a loose end from Keggen and Kelly was fully punished with a four scored by Colin and Tom to jump into a 10-6 lead. The Marown pair responded immediately to win five of the next six ends  scoring an impressive three on the 6th end as they crept ahead 13-11, were then counting for three only for Tom to pull off another fine hit to clear the jack off the green for a dead end, with Tom’s hit rate throughout the day being outstanding. Over the next five ends the father and son pairing played extremely well to jump into a 19-14 lead and seemingly take control of the game as they picked up a single, two doubles and a three.

Keggen and Kelly weren’t done there and regrouped, despite Colin being on his famous ‘cabbage patch’ the former picked up a vital three with Keggen grabbing the jack to count for two and Kelly then put in another bowl himself, which they followed up on the next end with a single after counting for four and game only for Tom to save three. With the score now 18-19 to the Marown pair, two good bowls from Colin, with the second widening the target meant they were lying game themselves, with Paul having no hesitation in taking his turn to save the game by taking the jack off the green to kill the end. 

A single followed on the next end after once again Keggen and Kelly were counting three for game only for Tom to play a great pressure bowl to stand on the brink at 20-18. On the next end Keggen and Kelly had a free shot to make three for game but the last bowl agonisingly pulled up short with an opportunity missed.

With the score 20-20 a good lead bowl from Keggen, soon became about protecting what they had, with a back bowl in place Paul attempted to put blockers in the way. Unfortunately for Colin and Tom they were unable to find a way through, which secured the title for Keggen and Kelly for the first time after having lost in this final on more than one occasion, it was truly entertaining to watch.

At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by competition secretary Philip Kelly, who thanked the sponsors for their support, everyone who had helped with the running of the competition and the Marown Ladies for the refreshments provided. Martin Corkish from Investasure Financial Services Ltd was then introduced to present the prizes.

Bradford is ‘Two’ Good in Manx Championship

The final stages of the Canada Life International Manx Championship was played at Ballaugh Bowling Club on Sunday afternoon, with the qualifying rounds having taken place the previous weekend in very wet conditions, which improved as the day went on. Better weather was experienced this week for an afternoon of bowls in front of a good crowd.

Juan Killip 1221Glynn Hargraves
Paul Dunn1221Stevie Kelly
Colin Kelly219Jay Elliott
Reg Temporaza1221David Bradford
Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly2114Peter Collister
Matthew Keggen 2110Derek Allen
Tom Kelly1821Neil Withers
Jordan Cain21w/oDave ‘Dido’ Kelly
Last 16 Results

At the quarter final stage Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) back to back winner in 2012 and 2013 was ruthlessly disposed of by Peel man Stevie Kelly who performed brilliantly to win 21-6, whilst current holder and seven time champion Colin Kelly (Marown) lost out to 2015 winner David Bradford (South Ramsey) 17-21. Peel veteran Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly ended the challenge of Matthew Keggen (Marown) with the scores tied at 10-10 Kelly went on to win 21-13, whilst Jordan Cain managed to see off 2009 Champion Neil Withers (Marown) 21-16 despite going on the green cold.

At the semi-final stage the matches were expected to be well contested, however it was quite the opposite as Stevie Kelly had his hopes of etching his name on the trophy for the first time extinguished by Bradford, with the latter winning 21-10 to end any hopes of a first father and son Manx Championship final. In the other semi-final Barney Kelly made light work of Cain as he progressed to the final thanks to a 21-6 victory.

The final started with Kelly winning the toss of the coin and with it the opportunity to head for a corner, however he pushed the jack too far, with the jack just trickling off the green. Bradford headed for a mark over the middle of the green and won the first end to punish the mistake of sending the jack off. From there he settled into the game swiftly to storm into a 8-0 lead, before Kelly got in after a loose end from Bradford, who got back in immediately beating a good lead bowl to regain his eight chalk lead at 9-1. Another poor end from Bradford to his own jack gifted Kelly an easy two, who then proceeded to get into the corners to score a further three doubles on the bounce.

With the match now level at 9-9 it was game well and truly on. On the next end Kelly pushed his jack right up to the edge and was counting for two, with Bradford playing a good second bowl which just stayed on the green to count. Kelly hit back to take the next three ends with singles to lead for the first time in the game by two chalks at 12-10. Kelly was back in the corners, however a good first bowl earnt Bradford a point to get back in.

A single followed on the next end to level things up at 12-12. Kelly edged ahead once again to lead 13-12, from there Bradford found a new determination as he shifted up a few gears on a mark over the middle of the green, but in a different direction to which he had started the game on as he won six consecutive ends with three singles and three doubles to run out with a deserved 21-13 victory to seal his second Manx Championship, with his delight clear to see to those spectating, with the victory made even more special with the win arriving on the green that he learnt his trade at as a youngster.

The presentation was made by competition committee officer Steve Moore who thanked Ballaugh Bowling Club for preparing the green, providing the refreshments and measurers. In his speech Bradford thanked the green keeper for preparing an excellent surface, everyone who had helped run the competition and said he was chuffed to win the Championship on the green that he started at over 30 years ago. To make the win even more special his Dad was watching on, along with many of the bowlers who still play at the club to this day who were clearly delighted for him. Both Bradford and Kelly now go onto to represent the Isle of Man on Saturday 30th July at Hawcoat Park BC in Cumbria.

Bradford during the early stages of the day
Photo: Gary Weightman

Junior Bowlers Impress

Two Isle of Man Junior Teams took part in the Ladies British Crown Green Bowling Association six-a-side Championship at Heaton Park in Manchester last weekend, with the rules dictating that a minimum of two female bowlers be fielded in a team, this was never going to be a problem for the Isle of Man, who are well blessed in this area. Both teams were due to play four games, however due to other counties pulling out at late notice the competition had to be restructured.

Isle of Man ‘A’ were in Group 1, a four team group with Warwick & Worcestershire B, Yorkshire and Cheshire. In Group 2 Isle of Man ‘B’ were in a three team group with North Lancs & Fylde and Warwick & Worcestershire A.

In the first game the A against Warwick & Worcestershire B, Lacey McMullan was one of many making her debut for the Island, performing well as she went to win 15-12, whilst Alex Hampson romped home 15-0, with Castletown’s Dylan Marsh not far behind as he won 15-3. Dylan’s club mate Sam Quayle also scored well as he lost out 12-15. From the chalks secured across the six games played the A won 64-60 to make an impressive start.

In the second round of fixtures, it was a lot tougher against a strong Yorkshire side, with Noble’s Alex Hampson the lone winner as he won 15-10, whilst Castletown pair Aalish Moore and Dylan Marsh scored nine and eight chalks respectively. Overall the team were defeated 43-85.

In their final game they were up against Cheshire, once it again Alex Hampson who stood out as he racked up a third win of the day this time holding his nerve to win 15-14. Sam Quayle will have been delighted to pick up his first win representing the Island Team as he won 15-9. In this game the team lost 48-83.

In Group 2, Isle of Man B were up against North Lancs & Fylde in their first match, with Junior Merit runner up Grace Gawne storming home 15-2, whilst Katie Jacobs, also had a comfortable 15-6 victory. Grace’s twin sister Lily Gawne scored a good nine chalks. Overall the team lost out 47-68 in this game.

In the second round of games the B were up against Warwick & Worcestershire A, they performed extremely well losing out by just 16 chalks 55-71. Marown player Alex Colquitt had a brilliant 15-7 win, Lily Gawne picked up her first win for the Island with a solid 15-8 victory, whilst Douglas junior Katie Jacobs scored a respectable eight chalks.

The winner from each group went on to face each other with Yorkshire taking on Warwick & Worcestershire A in the final it was the latter who took the bragging rights as they won 63-89, dropping just one chalk.

Thank you to the coaches Tracy Moore and Merv Sayle, along with the parents who accompanied the children. Once again the Island Team received nothing but praise from other county team representatives, not just for the way they performed, but for the way they behaved on and on off the green, they were a credit to their parents, clubs and the Island. Despite tasting a few heavy defeats the scores did not reflect the performance, with most of our Juniors who were playing for the first time at this level facing more experienced bowlers.

For me personally, with a number of the more experienced Junior bowlers no longer being eligible to compete at this level next year, this was a good opportunity to give our younger Junior bowlers something to aspire to, with vital experience obtained and exposure to what it is like to represent the island at this level. Once again it was a great weekend for our Juniors.

Family Fortunes for Moore and Kennish

South Ramsey Bowling Club hosted the Over 60’s any combination doubles competition sponsored by Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors with a healthy entry of 24 pairs taking part on a superb surface on a glorious day. The competition was being played for the second time in its current format and was previously known as the Pro Tours Gold Cup.

At the quarter final stage Marown duo Lynda Cadamy and Joyce Ogden inflicted a heavy 21-6 defeat on home greeners Anthony Kelly and Richie Davies, while Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Les Brookes (Finch Hill) also won comfortably 21-10 against Ballaugh pair Pat Mason and Fred Waggett. In the other half of the draw Janet Monk and Steve Parker didn’t have far to travel from Mooragh Park as they overcame Paula Firth (Onchan) and Kevin Firth (Douglas) 21-17, whilst siblings Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) and Andy Kennish (Peel) seen off Derek Allen (Onchan) and Bernard Thackrah (Port St Mary) with a 21-13 win.

In the first semi-final Cadamy and Ogden got the better of Price and Brookes with a hard fought 21-18 win, while Moore and Kennish claimed their place in the final with a 21-14 victory over Monk and Parker.

The final was extremely well contested with Moore and Kennish being kept to singles early on, with Cadamy and Ogden scoring three doubles they built up a four-point lead at 14-10. The fightback from Elaine and Andy got underway when they levelled matters up at 15-15 with 17 ends played, having still not scored more than a single throughout the game. End 18 in the match was a key point in the match as they scored a three to lead 18-15 and then exchanged singles with their opponents over the next four ends to lead 20-17. Cadamy and Ogden weren’t done there as they capitalised on a poor end to score three to level things up at 20-20. With the mark being set along the edge of the green Kennish played a good second bowl which was good enough to secure a 21-20 win.

At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by South Ramsey Committee Member Geoff Collier, who thanked Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors for once again sponsoring the competition, the club members who helped with the running of the competition and the Ladies for the refreshments provided throughout the day. Tim Pressley from Corkhill and Callow was then introduced to present the prizes.

Second Half of Season Underway – South Ramsey A Edge Ahead

With T.T. fortnight and the Isle of Man Bowls Festival only two league games took place in the month of June in Canada Life International Division One with the most recent round of matches being played this week as we head into the second half of the season.

South Ramsey A won 10-0 at home to Douglas A, with Peter Collister being pushed all the way before getting over the line 21-19 against Andy Cannell. Whilst the result was a whitewash it seems a strange thing to say that the home team struggled on the night, with the visitors next highest scores being to 12 with Steve Cook, Gary Conwell and Willie Cowley losing out to Jordan Cain, Bob Clark and Glynn Hargraves respectively, with David Bradford winning 21-10 against Merv Sayle. The rest of the wins were straightforward with single figure wins from Stefan Kelly, James Teare and Dido Kelly.

Marown A came away from Breagle Glen with a solid 2-8 victory over Port St Mary A, with three single figure wins from Peter Jones, Dean Kipling and Colin Kelly, whilst Neil Withers had to battle for his 21-17 win over Wayne Roberts, as did Sam Clague who beat Jordan Drewett 21-20. For the home team Nathan Hamilton had a fairly comfortable 21-14 win over Harry Barton, while Trevor Quayle managed to see off Paul Kelly 21-17.

Onchan A kept in touch as they won 9-1 at home to Port Erin A with four single figure victories, followed up by two 21-17 wins with Phil Kerruish beating David Cain and Steve Parker seeing off Peter Addison. The lone winner for Port Erin was Seamus Whelan who beat Onchan captain Peter Slinger 21-18.

Peel A were in better spirits at their temporary home as they beat Castletown A 7-3 at Noble’s 2 green. Winning for the visitors were Ian Watson who beat Dean Kinley 21-17, Mark Moorley took out George Gadsby 21-7, while Chris Lever left Gary Smith punch drunk with his 21-14 win over the Peel captain. For Peel Tom Kelly and Tommy McMeiken both won to single figures, with their other three wins being comfortable.

Marown B returned to full strength for the first time in what seems an eternity as they brushed aside Onchan B 9-1 at Crosby. Brian ‘Boothy’ Kelly was the best winner as he won 21-3 against Paul Clinton, whilst John Gelling beat Mike Kelly 21-9. Three of the home team wins were close with Darren Kerruish, Karl Parker and Juan Killip all being pushed close before getting over the line 21-18. Mark Kelly prevented the whitewash with his 21-19 win over Jerome Surridge.

North Ramsey A came away from their home fixture with an 8-2 win over Peel B, with Paul Allison just edging over the line 21-20 against Brian Lindsay to maintain his fine win percentage this season, whilst their five other winners were all comfortable. For the visitors Michael Kavanagh won well 21-13 against Paul Cannan, while Andy Mackie continues to impress as he held off the challenge of Adrian Skinner to win 21-19.

In Division Two South Ramsey B managed to extend their lead at the top with their 4-6 away win over Douglas B. The home team will have been delighted to get three winners home in close games as Geoff Mayles beat Tony Dugdale 21-19, Kevin Firth beat Steven Waters 21-20 as did Andy Foster with his win over Ben Dugdale. For the visitors Alan Moore, Chas Grills, Sid Bolton and Austin Hart all won.

The following evening after a day of heavy rain South Ramsey C did their B Team a huge favour as they defeated Ballaugh A 7-3 at home with four of their wins being close. David Corkill and Lee Dawson both won 21-17 against Tony Quine and John Keenan respectively, Anthony Kelly won 21-19 against Richard Hainge, whilst Tony Hart crept home 21-20 against Patrick Grant. For the visitors Phil Quayle was their best winner with a 21-9 win over Peter Kennaugh, with John Maddrell winning 21-19 against Ian Moore.

Marown C closed the gap on the teams above them as they beat Port St Mary B 8-2, as the Crosby men were were restored to a full strength team, they just missed out on a maximum by just six chalks with both games lost being 18-21 in the visitors’ favour.

Also matching the Marown result to stay in touch were Castletown B, who themselves dropped just eight chalks in their home 8-2 win over Onchan C.

Noble’s A had a good week in their bid to stay in Division Two as they had an outstanding 3-7 away win over Peel C, who were playing on the bottom green at Noble’s. For Noble’s Jay Elliott carried on his weekend form as he beat Harry Kelly 21-12, while for Peel Jimmy Corlett and Phil Clarke both won 21-8.

Finch Hill A came away from their visit North with a 2-8 win as they took on Ballaugh B. Dave McCabe was the best winner for Finch with a 21-7 win over Fred Waggett, whilst John Looney won 21-13 over Dave Jones for the home team.

In Division Three League Leaders North Ramsey B were one of three teams to max out 10-0 on Tuesday evening, maybe in part due to the conditions with all greens being heavy as they beat South Ramsey D at Mooragh Park with the visitors scoring just 71 chalks.

Noble’s B also won 10-0 in their home fixture with Douglas C, with Juan Readshaw and John Ferguson the Villa men who came closest to picking up a win.

Rounding off the 10-0 ‘wins’ were Marown D who ensured no ground was lost on League Leaders North Ramsey B, as Port Erin B had to forfeit the game due to being unable to field a team.

The most impressive result of the week was not Castletown’s 7-3 home win over Ballaugh C, but the performance of their Junior bowlers. Dylan Marsh and Freddie Palmer both scored well as they lost out 13-21 to their opponents, whilst Junior Keggen picked up his second ever win as he beat Jamie Hinchcliffe 21-19, whilst Rhys Moore won his first ever game with a superb 21-9 win over Michael Ellis.

Peel D came away from Breagle Glen with a 3-7 victory despite being a player short they edged the chalks (123-127).

Mixed League Competitions

The half way point was also reached in the Mixed league this week. In Group A in the Championship South Ramsey A show no signs of letter up with their 3-6 away win over Onchan A winning by 35 chalks (131-166), whilst Castletown A won 7-2 at home to North Ramsey A as they won by 21 chalks (159-138).

In Group B Marown A show no signs of taking their foot off the gas, with this 8-1 home win over Douglas A, with Andy Cannell the lone winner with a good 21-15 win over Neil Withers. In the other fixture in the group Port Erin A played host to Port St Mary A, despite the home team winning 5-4 on games it was the visitors who took the spoils by 20 chalks (142-162)

In the Plate competition in Group A Noble’s good form continued as they won by 27 chalks (170-143) at home to Peel. Castletown B performed well against North Ramsey B with five individual wins, they lost out by 35 chalks (150-115) at Mooragh Park with the visitors cause not helped by being a player short on the night.

In Group B South Ramsey B will have been buoyed by their 7-2 home win over Douglas B, winning by a 37 chalk margin (182-145) with Junior bowler Graiagh Smith getting on the right side of 21-20 against Billy Blair. Marown B once again fielded a team of Junior and new bowlers in their fixture with Ballaugh, with Sam Colquitt being the standout performer on the night as he won 21-4 against Ali Millard to help his team hit the 100 point mark as they performed well despite losing 1-8 and by 72 chalks overall, the experience gained from playing these games should not be underestimated.

‘Yorkshire Is Best’ in IOM June Festival

The top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with James Wilcox (Crossgates BC) winning the men’s event, whilst Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) won the ladies event.

James Wilcox picked up his second June Festival win, having previously won the title in 2017 and the winners cheque for £3,000 after overcoming the challenge of Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) who was the current holder with the event last being played in June 2019. With Dyson winning the toss of the coin, he put up a good lead only to knock the jack to Wilcox to lose the first end. An early exchange of ends saw Dyson go on to take the lead 9-8 with a great reaching bowl played to perfection to count for two with his opponent lying two himself. Wilcox did not let his focus drop as shortly after the setback as he went on a six end winning streak with five singles and a double on a longer length to gain control of the game with a 15-9 lead.

As the rain threatened to take hold in the second half of the game Dyson responded with three singles over the next five ends, however Wilcox scored two excellent doubles to pile the pressure on as he extended his lead to 19-12. Another mini fightback from Dyson looked to be on the cards as he scored a double followed by a single to reduce the deficit to four chalks at 15-19. On the 21st end Dyson left his bowl two foot short on a longer length, with Wilcox punishing the lead to count for one and within touching distance of the title. A good lead from Wilcox was beaten brilliantly by Dyson, only for Wilcox to play a few yards over to come in-off his own bowl to count game, with Dyson failing to disturb the end a 21-15 win was sealed with a triumphant fist in the air and a throw of his cloth. Whilst Dyson couldn’t retain his title the blow was somewhat softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.

Wilcox reached the final courtesy of a hard fought 21-19 win in a good quality game over another Thongsbridge player Chris Kelly, with the latter having led 19-17 Wilcox ran out to book his place in the final. Dyson took his spot in the final with a comfortable 21-11 victory over Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central).

In the quarter finals Wilcox ruthlessly ended the challenge of former winner David Jackson (Knutsford) with a 21-8 win, whilst Kelly was able to see off current September holder Callum Wraight (Llanrst) as he won 21-17. Dyson had the closest match of the round as he recovered from a 7-14 deficit to James Hynes (Springbank) to win 21-18, whilst Roberts put paid to the hopes of Dave McDermott (Birchleigh St Marys) with a 21-16 win.

Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Paul Dunn (Marown).

Photo: Arnie Withers

In the Ladies main competition Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) won her third June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved win over Sally King (Wrockwardine Wood). King received £600 as runner up. King made the better start to take an early 9-7 lead, with Lunn-Gadd responding with a run of six consecutive ends to lead 15-9. King got back in with a single and was counting for two only for a strike from her opponent which got the perfect connection and outcome to ensure she stayed firmly in control to lead 17-10. A single on the next end pushed Lunn-Gadd ever closer at 18-10, only for King to respond with a double and two singles to sit four points behind at 14-18. Three singles from Lunn-Gadd were enough to see the game out and secure the title with a 21-14 win.

In the semi-finals Lunn-Gadd had to battle hard to get over the line against one of the top bowlers in the game who was visiting for the first time as she ended the challenge of Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) with a 21-18 victory, whilst King had to dig deeper still to make the final as she got over the line 21-20 against Caroline Bushell (Co-op).

Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was Marown’s Philippa Taylor who received the Visit IOM.com trophy. Taylor’s challenge was ended by Bushell, whilst King put paid to the hopes of Kaye Coulthard (Cradley) with a 21-16 win. Lunn-Gadd won fairly comfortably 21-15 against Jane Glaister (Windermere), while Boulton reached the semi-final courtesy of a single figure win (21-9) against Vicky Mosley (Wirral).

Photo: Arnie Withers

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Owen Jackson (Parkfield) taking the Tourism title defeating Graeme I. Wilson (AEU) with a 21-17 victory in an entertaining game for the spectators.

Losing semi-finalists were Gareth Hughes 13-21 (Llanrwst) to Wilson, whilst Marown man Colin Kelly just lost out 18-21 to Jackson.

Falling at the quarter final stage were Ben Gloag (Grapes Hotel), Robby Fitzpatrick (Hoylake Central), Richard Goddard (Llanrwst) and Kevin Quirk (Onchan).

The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) getting the better of Sarah Fox (Maltby BC) with a 21-14 victory.

Boulton earned her place in the final following a comfortable 21-12 semi-final win over Sharon Rigden (Penwortham Sports). In the other semi-final Fox had to work for her 21-17 win over Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) to book her place in the final.

Falling at the quarter final stage were Paula Garrett (Douglas), Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood), Natalie Hughes (Crossgates BC) and Elise Hormbrey (Wirral).

The Men’s consolation was won by James Higgins (Meersbrook) who beat Paul Bradley (Fairfield) 21-20. The Ladies consolation also went to the wire with Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) beating Sian Skelton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-20.

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Callum Wraight (Llanrwst) who edged the final with a 9-8 win over John Gatley (Woolston), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Josh Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) who beat Gerald Merry (Delamere) 21-13.

The Open doubles was won by Billy Speed and Richard Goddard (both Llanrwst) who beat Sian Skelton (Wrockwardine Wood) and Chris Worthington (Stretton Anglesey) with a convincing 11-4 victory in an entertaining final.

The men’s pairs title went to Graeme I. Wilson (AEU) and Graham Hickey who saw off the strong challenge of Ian Johnson and Ross Meese (both Eastwood Park) 11-10 in a close final with a great last bowl from Wilson to claim the game.

The ladies pairs final did result in some local success with Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore (both South Ramsey) making no mistake with their 11-5 win over Kathryn Gee and Veronica Lyon (both Unison).

Photo: Arnie Withers

The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) and Ken Lethbridge (Victoria Park) losing out 4-9 to Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Mel Hobson (Meersbrook) in the final.

Jamie is King Of The Town In Ballacashtal Cup

The ever-popular Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday attracting an entry of 69, made up of local and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in excellent condition, with the green running as well as it has done for a long time, with the blustery conditions making for a tricky green.

At the quarter final stages six of the eight players were visitors, with some excellent bowling and the green still running well as the shade started to fall on the green. Losing out were Marown’s Neil Withers who was heavily defeated 9-21 by former Ballacashtal Cup winner Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central), with Brian Thompson (Crescent) also losing to the same score to Steven Barber (Chapel Park). Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) the self-styled ‘Beast’ led 16-8 against James Higgins (Meersbrook) with the latter going on to score 13 chalks over the last 11 ends to win 21-19, while Jamie King (Wrockwardine Wood) knocked out the last standing home greener Nathan Cooil with a convincing 21-12 win to progress to the next round.

The standard in the semi-finals shifted up another gear, with doubles partners Roberts and Barber facing off, with the latter getting the better of his opponent on this occasion as he booked his spot in the final with a 21-18 win, while Higgins and King were nip and tuck throughout the game with Higgins leading 20-17, he couldn’t get the one he needed with his opponent scoring two quick-fire doubles to sneak home 21-20. King’s four doubles to Higgin’s two doubles ultimately made the difference in the game.

Both players were making their first appearance in the final of this competition, the final got underway with King making the stronger start taking an early 12-7 lead, only for Barber to punish a poor second bowl from his opponent as he played out the counting bowl to score two to bring the score back to 12-9. King went on to score seven singles to lead 19-14, with Barber clawing his way back in to the game winning four consecutive ends with three singles and a double to level the game at 19-19. A good lead from Barber putting him in the driving seat, with his second bowl not counting, King had the option to strike at the counting bowl, however he opted to play in with a perfect bowl to lead 20-19. A good second bowl on the last end which wasn’t beaten secured a 21-19 victory to win the famous trophy as he made a fantastic start to his week with his family arriving in time to see him claim the win.

The presentation was made by competition secretary Kath Kinley, who thanked the sponsors ABS Solutions for their continued support of the competition. Upon accepting the trophy and £300 first prize Jamie thanked everyone who had helped on the day, stating he was delighted to win the trophy on his first visit to the green.

Dido Kelly Claims Home Win in Jim Kernan Cup

South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a fair entry of 46, on a superb playing surface and ideal conditions to play bowls.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), who just lost out 19-21 to Neil Withers (Marown), home greener Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly beat visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook) comfortably 21-13, with another home greener Peter Collister just losing out 20-21 to team mate James Teare. Peel man Tom Kelly had his run ended with a 16-21 defeat to Steve Barber (Chapel Park).

In the semi-finals Withers was quickest out of the traps against Kelly taking an early lead 10-7, with the latter responding to win nine of the next 10 ends scoring 14 points to run out with a 21-11 win to book his place in the final, while Teare was always in control against Barber with his 21-13 win taking him through to his first singles final.

The final started between the South Ramsey team mates with Teare winning the toss of the coin and heading for the mark that he had been playing throughout the day, however Kelly got in immediately and took a single on the following end. Over the next seven ends the player who won the end scored a double, with five of them being scored by Kelly he leapt into a commanding 16-8 lead playing his customary short length. Teare hit back with three singles, only to concede another two doubles to be staring down the barrel at 11-20. On the next end Kelly was lying game, with Teare taking the jack off the green to kill the end to hang in the game, he then picked up a single in the middle of the green, with no choice but to head into the corner, Kelly jumped in at the opportunity to win the game and secure the title with a 21-12 victory.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore who thanked George Brew for once again sponsoring the competition, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day. During his speech Kelly said he was delighted to pick up the trophy, with not entering many competitions over the past few years.