News: Announcements
Port St Mary Retain Ladies League
Ladies Night League Winners 2018 : Port St Mary
Back: Elaine Hawkins, Wendy Kennuagh, Margret Tasker, Kellie Maddrell-Reeve, Katy Williams, Jayne KneenFront: Ann Maddrell, Chris Price, Val Macfarlane, Trish Bull
Port St Mary have retained the Ladies League for the fifth consecutive year, and eighth overall.
Tonight they faced Nobles, and despite losing 145-127, scored the required points to become champions once more.
Castletown finish second after a hard fought season in which they pushed Port St Mary all the way and finished only 31 chalks behind.
The battle for third continues to next week when South Ramsey will look to topple Nobles 140 chalk lead.
Chris Price has won the individual merit finishing on 503 chalks with team mates Jayne Kneen (497) and Val Macfarlane (487) currently sitting second and third respectively. Jenny Moore is the only player who can take second position depending on her final game next week.
South Ramsey Stun Marown
South Ramsey A - Mixed Team Winners 2018
Photo: Arnie WithersSouth Ramsey A took on Marown A at ‘The Villa’ on Thursday evening with the Crosby men starting the match as favourites due to their five strongest men being available (as per the merit table), whilst South Ramsey used just two of their Men’s A team. Prior to the match commencing the captains carried out an inspection on the green to ensure it was fit to play with the rain that had fallen throughout the afternoon and the likelihood of further heavy rain due.
From the first five games on the green Neil Withers was first off for Marown with a good 21-14 win over Tony Dugdale, who was 2-9 and 5-13 before fighting back with singles to reach 14. Elaine Moore was next off for South Ramsey with a big 21-4 win. The next three games off all went in favour of Marown with Paul Dunn performing brilliantly to fight back from 2-12 down to win 21-14 against Gill Dixon. Credit must go to both players with tight ends being played and Dixon never far away from counting despite Dunn taking 19 of the next 21 points scored. Top Marown man Colin Kelly was next off beating 19 year old Stefan Kelly who was 3-12 behind before matching the Marown man point for point from there on, before losing out 13-21. Dean Kipling was the last player off in the first half of the match fighting back from 14-19 down to win 21-20 against James Teare. At the halfway point the match was finely balanced with Marown holding a six point lead.
During the second half of the match the rain continued to get heavier, resulting in the green getting heavier with the South Ramsey players using this to their advantage. First game off in the second half for South Ramsey was captain Glynn Hargraves who ran out on a long length to record a huge 21-2 win against Lil Smith. Lyn Bolton was next off with a 21-10 win over Shirley Whelan who did well to reach double figures after trailing 0-13. With the match now secured with South Ramsey holding a 24 point lead and both games on the green having scored enough points Ben Dugdale was next off winning 21-15 against Philippa Taylor. Jenny Moore was the last game off winning 21-16 against Paul Kelly, with Kelly fighting back from 9-20 down to reach 16. This resulted in South Ramsey winning the trophy by 35 chalks (166-131) and also recording a 5-4 win on games.
The presentation was made by Association Treasurer Phil Kelly who thanked Douglas for the use of the green, providing measurers and refreshments, along with John Gelling for stepping in to assist on the night. South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves acknowledged that the conditions had played a part in the result on the night, whilst also thanking his team and everyone who had came to support which made for a great atmosphere.
Ladies Over 60s League Split By Chalks Against
Port St Mary A pulled off an incredible last game victory to claim the Ladies Over 60s League for a fifth consecutive season.
Trailing Peel Sunset by 120 chalks, Port St Mary won their match against Douglas 120-73 (5-1). The result brought them level on points with Peel but crucially, having conceded less chalks during the season, Port St Mary retain the league.
Janet Monk had already been confirmed merit winner with Margaret Tasker taking second position following her win today. Elaine Moore and Mary Moffatt finish third and fourth respectively.
A Great Day For Manx Bowls
Junior Manx Masters Competitors
South Ramsey held the Manx Masters on Saturday with four separate competitions taking place.
Winner of the Young Manx Masters was Sam Colquitt (Marown Juniors) defeating Emily Cooper (also Marown Juniors) in the final. This competition was played in a round robin format over seven ends with both Sam and Emily winning their respective groups to reach the final.
The Junior Manx Masters was played as a straight knockout for the older and more experienced player and the title was retained by Glenn Boland (Noble’s) who beat Austin Hart (South Ramsey) 21-18 in the final, with Boland beating 10 year old Ryan Hargraves to reach the final, whilst Hart beat his younger brother Toby Hart in a close game (21-18) to book his spot in the final.
The standard of play in both events was brilliant and it was great to have over 50 people around the green watching the future of the game with the numbers steadily increasing throughout the morning, making for a great atmosphere on and around the green.
The junior competitions were sponsored by Stonemasons IOM Limited for a second successive year with the presentation made by Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly. All those who took part received a prize, with the younger players also receiving a certificate.
Huge thanks must go to the five coaches (Sonya Mercer, Clare Cooper, Phil Kelly, Colin Kelly and Neil Withers) who helped the younger players with their games throughout the morning, with their guidance being invaluable to those taking part.
Once the Junior competitions came to a conclusion the men’s and ladies events got underway with the ladies event being an invitation of 16 players, whilst the men’s event had 32 taking part.
In the ladies losing out at the quarter final stages were Mary Moffatt (Peel), Gill Dixon (Ballaugh), Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) and Philippa Taylor (Marown).
In the semi-finals Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) was too strong for Chris Price (Port St Mary) taking a 21-14 win, whilst Clare Cooper (Noble’s) ended the challenge of home greener Lyn Bolton with a 21-16 win to book her place in the final.
In the final Moore was quickest out of the blocks under the floodlights with Cooper being kept down to winning five ends throughout the game with Moore scoring six two’s on the way to securing a well deserved 21-9 win to pick up the title.
In the men’s event 12 of the 16 first round games were well contested with the player losing out scoring 15 or more to show there were some good games taking place. This continued in the second round with five of the eight games being played going to 15 and above.
Losing out at the quarter final stage was multi time Manx Masters champion and recent festival winner John Kennish (South Ramsey), who lost out 18-21 to his nephew Alan Moore (South Ramsey). Another home greener who fell at this stage was Chas Grills losing out 15-21 to Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel). In another all home green encounter David Bradford lost out 13-21 to Glynn Hargraves, whilst Dean Kipling (Marown) ended the hopes of Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly with his own 21-13 win.
In the semi-final Alan Moore took on Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly with Moore fighting back from well behind to get back to 19-19 before Kelly picked up a two to secure a 21-19 win. In the second semi-final Glynn Hargraves took on Dean Kipling with Hargraves taking a 17-8 lead with Kipling coming back to 15-17 before Hargraves went on another run to finish the game off to win 21-15.
In the final Kelly made a strong start on the long lengths with Hargraves chipping in with the odd point to trail 7-11. Kelly then took the next four ends with two singles and two doubles to take a huge step towards winning taking a 17-7 lead. Hargraves dug in to take the next seven ends on a short round peg that he had played well in three of his previous games to take four singles and three doubles to drag himself back into the game to sit level at 17-17. Kelly picked the perfect time to stop the rot playing a good first bowl which wasn’t beaten to get back in to go 18-17 ahead. A double and a single on the next two ends was enough to secure a well deserved victory for Kelly, who had performed well all day.
At the end of the competition the prizes were presented by Cleveland Perry of behalf of the sponsors Feltons who have supported this event for the past few years.
Competition secretary John Kennish gave thanks to those who had helped prepare the green, along with those who had helped in any way towards the smooth running of the competitions throughout the whole day. A special mention to the ladies who once again put on a superb selection of pasties, sandwiches, cakes etc along with hot and cold refreshments throughout the entire day.
Also a special mention must go to John Kennish and Alan Moore who put in considerable time and effort to invite the players that took part and did brilliantly to get 21 juniors playing competitive bowls that was enjoyed by all.
South Ramsey Retain Title
League Champions 2018
South Ramsey A confirmed their dominance of the Ellan Vannin Fuels sponsored division one with their third straight league title following a 10-0 home win over Port St Mary A on a particularly wet Monday evening.
Five of the home team wins were to single figures with the most notable being David Bradford defeating Paul Skelly 21-4. Three of the visiting players made it into double figures with Wayne Roberts losing out 15-21 against Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly and Steve Franks losing 13-21 to Peter Collister. There was also a first league defeat of the season for Port St Mary captain Trevor Quayle losing out 12-21 against South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves to shake things up at the top of the individual merit.
At the start of the season I stated that Marown A were favourites for the league with the squad they had, and I am surprised that a stronger challenge did not come from the Crosby men, however I am sure that they will be back next year.
Marown A took on their B Team and without taking too much away from the B team the weather did play a part in levelling things up, with the B team securing a 7-3 win over the higher ranked team to officially secure their place in division one for next season after gaining promotion last year. The three winners for the A team were Paul Kelly who won a close game against Brian Kelly 21-19, with Colin Kelly and Neil Withers both winning to single figures. For the B Team captain Harry Barton led the way with a 21-17 win over opposition captain Paul Dunn, Steve Bridson recorded a memorable win to the same score over Dean Kipling, John Kelly beat Phil Kelly 21-19, with James Kelly beating Matthew Keggen 21-10 and Arnie Withers defeating Peter Kelly 21-9.
At the other end of the table South Ramsey B have all but secured their top flight status for another year with a 7-3 home win over near neighbours North Ramsey A. Austin Hart having waited most the season for a league win has now won three of his last four games with a 21-20 victory over Allan Callow with his confidence soaring on the back of picking up his first win. Home team captain Ben Dugdale recorded a 21-18 win over Steve Parker, with the other three wins from Steven Waters, James Teare and Sid Bolton all being fairly comfortable. For the visitors Ray Skelly and Geoff Porter defeated George Brew and Christian Caley respectively, whilst Tony Smart won to single figures.
Port Erin A made the trip to ‘The Villa’ to take on Douglas A, with the Breagle Glen men taking three games off the home team with Dave McCabe beating Mervin Sayle 21-20, Derek Cadamy won 21-18 against Shaun Seal and captain Bernie Durcan won 21-8 against Gary Conwell.
Douglas B are officially relegated, however they did pick up one of their best results of the season taking four games off Peel A away from home with Pat O’ Donohue, Andy Cannell, Andy Foster and Gordon Wynne-Smythe the winners.
In division two Noble’s A edged closer to winning the league following a 9-1 home win against Peel B. For the home team John Ruscoe and Reginald Temporaza won to single figures, whilst for the visitors Harry Kelly prevented a whitewash with a 21-11 win over David Quayle. Noble’s have two fairly straightforward fixtures left to play against their B Team and away to Finch Hill A.
Castletown B sit just four points behind Noble’s following their 8-2 away win against Port St Mary C, helped by Ross Moore and Aaron Richardson both sneaking 21-20 wins against Derek Cain and Louis Callister respectively, however they still face a tough away game against Port St Mary B, finishing up with a home game against Peel C.
In the individual merit stakes Dave Faragher (Castletown B) suffered a hammer blow to his hopes following a 4-21 defeat against Bernard Thackrah (Port St Mary C), which has allowed David Pease (Noble’s) and John Keenan (Ballaugh) to leapfrog Faragher at the top.
At the other end of the table Port Erin B have been relegated to the third division, following a 3-7 home loss to Noble’s B who themselves are all but relegated with just two games left and sit 17 points from safety.
In the third division Marown C sit on the brink of winning the title and gaining promotion to the second division following a fantastic 10-0 away win against Onchan C. Marown have done some fantastic work as five years ago their B Team pulled out of the league as they couldn’t field a team that season. Since then the club led by Neil Withers have done some fantastic work to recruit new players into the game which culminated in Marown introducing a C Team into the league in 2016 and got them to where they are now, with players who have stuck together and improved each year, with some of their players enjoying some success in open competitions with Steve Wilson winning a men’s doubles at Castletown last year and Walter McCarthy performing brilliantly to win the men’s doubles in the September festival.
Ballaugh B are by no means down and out from taking the title themselves, and sit 10 points behind the league leaders with a game in hand. Their cause wasn’t helped by dropping four games against their C Team with a 6-4 win.
Sitting just three points further back on Ballaugh B in third place are Castletown C who took their turn to sit out the fixtures last week.
South Ramsey D Team player Ian Moore looks to have secured the individual merit title following another comfortable win away from home winning 21-11 against Tommy Rougvie (Douglas C). Moore has lost just one league game all season losing 20-21 at home to Trevor Jones.
Moore & Kennish Take Top Titles
September Festival Winners 2018
The top prizes in the Isle of Man September Bowls Festival went to two local players.
In the Men’s competition it was South Ramsey’s John Kennish who picked up his fourth September Festival win and the winners cheque for £3,000. Kennish had to overcome the challenge of Onchan man Peter Slinger in a repeat of the 2017 Manx Championship on the same green, this was also the first all local final since September 2014 between John Kennish and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly.
The final started with Slinger taking a single point on the first end after trailing the jack with his last bowl. The second end proved to be crucial and was probably a first for a festival final with Slinger heading for the corner the jack went off the green, allowing Kennish the opportunity to set the mark, to which Kennish then headed for the edge also sending the jack off, allowing Slinger a second chance to set the mark again in the corner however the jack went off the green once again. Kennish didn’t waste the second opportunity of setting the mark along the edge. From there Kennish was ruthless wasting little more than 20 minutes to win the game picking up five two’s and five one’s along the way. To be fair to Slinger he was never far away with his bowls just pegging away at the end or falling just short or running out, it is more a reflection of how devastating Kennish was on the day. Slinger could take consolation in the runners up cheque for £1,000.
Kennish reached the final courtesy of a 21-13 win over David Jackson (Knutsford), whilst Slinger booked his place in the final defeating Callum Wraight (Knutsford) in a thrilling game coming back from 6-12 down, then 13-17 down before Slinger got level at 17-17. Slinger headed for the corner and played two poor bowls, which Wraight wasn’t able to punish fully taking just a point to go 18-17 up. Slinger picked up a single on the next end up to the crown to level matters again, then lay one next end with Wraight contemplating striking which was risky given how close his own bowl was to the one he was hoping to take out. Wraight struck taking out his own bowl to gift Slinger two to go 20-18 up. Slinger headed along the edge on a straight peg which is well known to be a push to reach into, he led a good bowl with Wraight pushing two yards through. Crucially Slinger made two with Wraight playing through taking out Slinger’s nearest bowl, however Slinger’s other bowl was left counting for game to win 21-18.
The quarter finals were all fairly straightforward with Kennish seeing off Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) with a 21-10 win. The closest game of the quarters was between John Bailey (Knutsford) and David Jackson, with Jackson falling 7-10 behind early on, before taking a 17-11 lead and eventually seeing the game out 21-17. Wraight ended the challenge of Danny Petcher (Netherseal) with a 21-12 win. Slinger booked his place in the semi-final courtesy of a 21-14 win over Gareth Jones (Dalton Cricket).
There is always that one game in a festival that makes or breaks you and that came for Kennish on the Thursday afternoon against another local Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) in the last 16 with Kennish edging it 21-20 with Quayle leading for the entire game and having a good opportunity on the last end to win it. Kennish has now won five Isle of Man festival titles, with one June win and four September wins it is surely only a question of when, not if he will pick up his next title. John will also be playing in the Champion of Champions at Blackpool at the end of the month, an event that he had already qualified for through winning the Manx Championship earlier in the season.
In the Ladies main competition it was another South Ramsey player Elaine Moore who won the Ladies title and the cheque for £1,000 with a hard fought 21-18 win over Gill Simm (Lune Road) with Simm being quickest out of the blocks taking a 14-8 lead with Moore working her way back into the game to go 17-16 ahead slightly varying the length being played. Simm took two singles on the next two ends to take the lead 18-17. Moore dug in to take two singles and a two on the last end playing over the crown to win her first festival and the relief and emotion was clear for everyone to see.
In the semi-finals Simm booked her place in the final with a 21-10 win over Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst Moore was pushed all the way by daughter Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) with Elaine fighting back from 12-18 down to eventually win 21-20 after lying two down at 20-20 Elaine trailed the jack with a brilliant bowl to reach the final.
Gill Simm started her day with a 21-16 win over Veronica Lyon (Unison), whilst Helen Clee ended the challenge of Alison Cotton with a hard fought 21-17 win. Jenny Moore made light work of her quarter final game with a 21-11 win over Margo Sinclare (Meersbrook BC) whilst Elaine Moore had to battle hard to see off Tracy Ryan (Meole Brace BC) with a 21-18 win having lost to Ryan in the semi-finals of the Tourism on Thursday morning.
Elaine certainly won her first festival the hard way with her games from the quarter finals onwards all being close, and having to play two of the favourites on the way against her daughter Jenny Moore and Tracy Ryan, no doubt Elaine was made all the more determined having suffered the heartache of losing out in the final of the June festival to Debbie Farmer on a particularly wet finals day several years ago. Elaine has also qualified to play in the Champion of Champions at the Waterloo Hotel in Blackpool.
Following their festival wins John Kennish received the Chris Quayle trophy for the furthest Manx Man, whilst Elaine Moore received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Colin Kelly (Marown) performing brilliantly in the corners to take the Tourism title defeating Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) 21-11.
Kelly booked his place in the final with a hard fought win over Callum Wraight (Knutsford), whilst Ditchfield defeated Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel).
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green it was Tracy Ryan (Meole Brace) who defeated Helen Martin (North Ramsey) 21-13 in the final.
Tracy Ryan booked her place in the final following a tough game with Elaine Moore (South Ramsey), whilst Helen Martin ended the run of Lynn Bennett (Orrell Rovers).
The Men’s consolation was won by Chris Talbot (Knutsford) who beat Robert Whyatt (Packhorse BC) 21-9. The Ladies consolation was won by Hazel Borrowdale (Kendal Vic) defeating Olwen Edwards (Llanfair PG) 21-20 in a close final.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Paul Beer (Meole Brace) who had a 9-6 win over Callum Wraight (Knutsford), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Neil Rigden (New Longton) who beat John Clark (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-19 in another close final.
In the doubles competitions the Open Doubles was won by Peter Yates (Kirkham) and Steve McCall (Kirkham) with a 11-5 win over Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) and Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic).
The Men’s doubles was won by Walter McCarthy (Marown) and David Jackson (Knutsford) defeating Paul Bailey (Meersbrook BC) and Frank Jolly (Canberra) 11-6 in an entertaining final.
The Ladies pairs was won convincingly 11-1 by Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) and Carleen Doody-Millington (Meole Brace) who beat Sylvia Bentham (Tarleton) and Joan Jolly (Canberra).
The Mixed pairs was won by Patricia Edwards (Winstanley) and Michael Coupe (Hoghton) defeating Sharon Ridgen (Penwortham Sports) and Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) 9-4.
September Festival Blog
Double For Price
Bowling Green Café Ladies Singles Winner 2018
Chris PriceA strong field of 45 ladies made up of local and visiting bowlers for the festival contested the Castletown pre-festival ladies singles on Sunday 2nd September.
Losers in the quarter finals were Tracy Ryan, Pat Edwards, Julie Waters and Angela Gaut.
In the first semi final Chris Price faced Sarah Weaver. Sarah had battled through a tough field of competitors in the earlier rounds beating Tracey Ryan , Lyn Bennett and local Debbie Leece. Chris got of to a flying start moving 13- 6 ahead before Sarah won the jack. A close and high quality game but Chris proved too strong and the game finished 21- 12.
The second semi final was between local Alison Keggen and Sharon Rigden. Sharon had already knocked out home greener Hannah Kermode, Fiona Kennish and Angela Gaut. Alison defeated on her run to the semi’s Sue Peach, Denise Tonks and Julie Waters. Sharon got off to the better start moving 14-7 up after 8 ends. Alison fought back into the game but Sharon showed her quality taking a 21-18 victory.
In the final it was nip-tuck with the scores being level in the early stages of the match before Chris found top gear and moved ahead on some very tricky marks to claim a 21-15 win, her second competition win of the weekend.
Linda Richman presented the prizes to the players and thanks goes to all those who helped run the competition. A big thank you must also go to Castletown Bowling Green Café for their generous sponsorship of the competition.
September Festival Preview
Mens September Festival Winner 2017
John BaileySeptember Festival Preview
The Isle of Man September Bowling Festival takes place this week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the one that gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000.
It’s seems like an awful long time since South Ramsey’s John Kennish won back to back Festivals in September 2014 and then June 2015, however it is the first festival since then that Kennish has not had to give his opponents a start due to his previous successes.
Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) makes his first visit to the Island since becoming a father, will be looking to pick up his first festival since 2010, whilst Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) could face Ditchfield in the second round, however with Gant having to give his opponents a two start this could make it more difficult to progress.
2012 winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) is another one who will be hoping to get his name on the trophy for a second time, whilst 2017 winner John Bailey (Knutsford) will be looking to retain the trophy he won for the first time last year after years of trying.
On the same page as Bailey is three time winner Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with a potential fourth round clash.
June festival winner Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) will be hoping for back to back festival wins, having last won the September title in 1999 when he beat Norman Fletcher (Blackpool) in the final.
Another regular visitor to the Island Callum Wraight (Knutsford) will be hoping to secure his first festival win having won most of the games biggest prizes, this is one he will be keen to tick off his list.
With six greens in use and nine different competitions throughout the week there is plenty of bowls for everyone and with the weather looking good it should make for a great week of bowls.
Have a great week!
Withers & Monk Are Douglas Town Cup Winners
Douglas Town Cup Winners 2018
Photo: Mike AshmoleSaturday 18th August saw the Mannin Hotel Douglas Town Cup being held by Douglas Bowling Club at the Villa.
With both Ladies and Men’s Singles being played side by side this Competition promised some good bowling and those watching were not disappointed.
We saw some great bowls straight from the start and in the first round of the Ladies Event we saw two epic battles with Lyn Bolton just edging out Paula Garrett 21-20 and Philippa Taylor losing out 21-18 to Jenny Moore despite a valiant effort to come back from trailing early in the game.
At the Quarter Final stage Janet Monk beat Jenny Moore 21-12 and Lyn Bolton went down 21-13 to Amanda Lawler. Debbie Leece beat Maureen Payne 21-8 and Margie Tasker took a victory 21-16 over Kim Hargraves.
In the Semi Finals Janet Monk who always plays the ‘Villa Green’ well beat Amanda Lawler to 13 and Debbie Leece played well to beat the experienced Margie Tasker to 12.
In the Final Debbie Leece started well and at one point had a small lead but in the end the extra experience of Janet told and she came through to win 21-15 in a game that was a credit to both of them.
The Men’s Competition was better supported and the early rounds saw some good bowling and as we got to the Quarter Finals we saw young Sam Aherne have a tough draw against Neil Withers with Neil running out with a 21-10 win whilst Rob Monk defeated Harry Barton 21-14. Glynn Hargraves beat Alec Taylor to 12 and in a tough game Alan Moore squeezed past Andy Cannell 21-19.
The Semi Finals saw Neil Withers beat Rob Monk to 14 and Glynn Hargaves beat Alan Moore to 13 to set up an epic Final.
In a great Final it was hard to predict a winner and it was a close battle all the way with great bowls from both men with Neil eventually taking a 21-18 win after an exciting game.
In his ‘Winners Speech’ Neil thanked the sponsors ‘the Mannin Hotel’ and all who had helped on the day, he also mentioned the excellent Green which although a bit heavy at the start because of the rain was running well at the end of the Competition.