News: Announcements
Dunn Wins Maiden Association Cup Title
Association Cup Winner 2024 - Paul Dunn
Photo: Phil Kelly Inset Photo: Tash FenlonOnchan Bowling Club hosted the Association Cup on Sunday afternoon with the competition sponsored by Plumbmaster attracting 41 entries this year. The weather was glorious throughout the day.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Marown’s Matthew Keggen 17-21 to South Ramsey’s Glynn Hargraves, Colin Kelly (Marown) was comfortably beaten 12-21 by fellow left hander Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary). In the other half of the draw South Ramsey’s David Bradford won 21-8 against Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), whilst Paul Dunn beat Marown club mate Juan Killip 21-10.
The semi-finals were two very different stories with Quayle taking an early lead8-4 only for Hargraves to run out with a 21-9 win to take his place in the final. In the other semi-final Bradford and Dunn who contested last year’s final drew level five times, with Bradford making the first move to take an 18-14 lead. Dunn had to dig deep to finish strongly with two doubles and three singles in between a great bowl from Bradford to level up at 19-19 as the Marown captain edged home 21-19.
The final got underway with both players intent on picking up the title for the first time, it was Dunn who started strongly to take an early 11-6 lead. Hargraves drew back to within two chalks at 9-11, however Dunn picked up five consecutive singles to build up a 16-9 lead. Three singles over four ends from the South Ramsey man put the score at 12-17, however Dunn got back in to finish with a single, his second double of the final and a single to see out a well-deserved 21-12 victory to go one better than 2023.
The presentation was made by Competition Secretary Matthew Keggen, who thanked Plumbmaster for sponsoring the competition, Onchan Bowling Club for hosting, the club members for providing helpers and refreshments throughout the day.
Bolton & Jones Win Haldane Fisher Mixed Doubles
Haldane Fisher Mixed Doubles Winners 2024 - Lyn Bolton & Peter Jones being presented with the trophy by Andy Cannell (Centre)
Photo: Norman KneenSaturday saw the staging of the 2024 Haldane Fisher Mixed Pairs Crown Green Bowling Competition. All 25 pairs taking part were treated to a Green in superb condition with glorious weather throughout the day.
At the quarter final stage home greeners Katie Jacobs and Keith Rose lost out 12-21 to Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), with Jenny Moore and James Teare (South Ramsey) losing out to the same score to Marown’s Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones. Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Kevin Firth (Douglas) held off South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves and Alan Moore 21-19, whilst Marown’s Debbie Leece and Neil Withers eased through to the semi-finals with a 21-9 win over Villa pair Rebecca Jacobs and Bob Callow.
In the semi-finals Bolton and Jones were pulled back to 14-15 by Moore and Hargraves, with the latter pair counting for three a great last bowl from Bolton ensured they kept their opponents at arms length as the Marown pair went on to win 21-16.
The other semi-final finished to the same score, with Whitehead and Firth getting the better of Leece and Withers with both pairs winning the same number of ends the Port Erin/Douglas duo scored better on the ends they won to progress to the final.
The final got underway with Whitehead and Firth scoring a single on the first end, then Jones led well at the front in the corners ably assisted by Bolton to win seven consecutive ends, only to concede a single, then picked up two singles to see the game out with a 21-8 victory to win the title.
The prizes were presented by competition secretary Andy Cannell who thanked Haldane Fisher for sponsoring the event. Douglas Bowling Club also allowed Junior bowlers to enter for a reduced entry fee and the option was given for Junior bowlers under 16 to enter with a member of the same sex, it is hoped more clubs participate in this approach with so many mixed doubles in the calendar it gives our Junior bowlers the opportunity to play more bowls, gaining valuable experience.
South Ramsey A Progress to Next Round of Rayner Shield
South Ramsey C 2024
Photo: Arnie WithersThe second round of the Plumbmaster Rayner Shield & the first round of the Rayner Plate took place this week, with a mixed bag of weather. Monday was particularly wet with heavy rain throughout the afternoon into the evening, with home advantage lost for all teams who were drawn to play at home.
After their 6-4 away defeat to Marown A in the league last week South Ramsey A hosted the Crosby men five days later. This time out in completely different conditions, as the home team raced into a 3-1 lead at the half-way stage, with Bob Clark beating Neil Withers 21-15, Glynn Hargraves won to the same score against Colin Kelly, while David Bradford beat Tom Kelly 21-13. Hitting back for Marown Paul Dunn finished the game strongly holding off Stefan Kelly 21-19.
In the second half South Ramsey ensured their names went into the draw for the next round as James Teare beat Dean Kipling 21-15 to make the score 4-1 with a 24-chalk lead. Pulling a game back for Marown Glenn Boland overturned a 16-20 deficit against Jordan Cain to win 21-20. Dido Kelly picked up win number five for the home team as he beat Paul Kelly 21-14, then Peter Jones ensured it wasn’t a heavier defeat as he won 21-17 against Peter Collister. The match ended 5-3 to South Ramsey with 26 chalks separating the teams (161-135), with the home team dropping just seven chalks.
The closest game of the night was between Onchan C and Port Erin A at the Park, with the game ending 4-4, this was decided on chalks which went in favour of the Onchan men by four chalks (140-136).
North Ramsey A hosted Ballaugh A at Mooragh Park, with the home side seeing off their opponents 6-2, helped by three single figures wins from Paul Allison, Rob Monk, and Jimmy Moffatt. Winning for the visitors were Richard Hainge, who beat Steven Waters 21-13, whilst Mike Spooner won 21-10 against Gary Merrill.
Castletown A didn’t have it all their own way with their 5-3 victory, as they faced Division Two side Noble’s B at the Crofts. For the home team Nathan Cooil and Dean Kinley won 21-8 against Grahem Moore and Alex Hampson respectively.
Marown B played Noble’s C at Crosby, with the Division One side progressing thanks to a 6-2 win. The Noble’s men did put up a good fight, with Kevin Moore beating Matthew Keggen 21-19, Sam Colquitt beat Karl Parker 21-20. Alex Colquitt just lost out 20-21 to Harry Barton, whilst Roy Moore got to 17 against Brian Kelly.
Onchan A are now the second highest ranked team left in the competition, they took a convincing 1-7 away victory over Castletown B on a much nicer evening (Tuesday), with the home team scoring just 78 chalks as the Onchan men won five games to single figures. The lone winner for Town was Peter Oates who beat Jamie Clague 21-13.
Bottom of Division One Team – Marown C will be hoping for another good run in the Shield, they took on the team that sit top of Division Two – Peel B at Crosby, with the home team running out convincing 7-1 winners.
Peel C reached the quarter finals with a 2-6 away win over North Ramsey C.
In the Rayner Plate handicaps were awarded based on league position, along with whether teams were drawn at home or away.
South Ramsey C (+60) visited Ballaugh C (+55) with the away team coming away win a win by 14 chalks (182-196). Marown D (+70) came away from Peel D (+65) with a convincing win by 36 chalks.
Port St Mary B (+55) upset their higher ranked A Team (+15) as the match ended 4-4 on games which gave little prospect for the A Team to recover 40 chalks as they lost by 28 chalks on the night (187-159).
Onchan B (+35) overturned a 35 chalk deficit against South Ramsey D (+70) to win by 36 chalks (198-162) at the Park.
Second Division side South Ramsey B (+30) had just a 15 chalk start on Peel A (+15) to hold onto, however the men from the Sunset City managed to win by six chalks in a high scoring match (171-177).
Douglas B (+30) couldn’t use home advantage to overturn a 35 deficit on Ballaugh B (+65) as they lost by 22 chalks (168-190) despite winning 5-3 on games,
Finch Hill A (+30) comfortably turned over a 45-chalk handicap at home to Douglas C (+75) winning 8-0 on games to win by 27 chalks (198-171).
North Ramsey B (+40) hosted Noble’s A (+55) at Mooragh Park with the match finishing 4-4 on chalks, with the visitors holding on to progress, with the handicap coming into play as they won by seven chalks (174-181).
Whitehead wins George Hawkins over 60’s singles
George Hawkins Trophy
Caroline Whitehead Wins at North Ramsey Bowling Club.
The George Hawkins Memorial Trophy Over 60’s competition was played in cloudy conditions to start with but finished in beautiful warm sunshine . Entry numbers were high with 40 bowlers taking part and also a good number of supporters.
The prelims and opening rounds had some exciting games with lots of them ending 21/19 .
The quarter finals had 4 close games. Brian Lindsey beat Steve Parker 21/18.Ray Skelly beat Andy Kennish21/17. Caroline Whitehead beat Janet Monk 21/15 and Brian Colquitt beat Dave McCabe21/18.
The semi-final between Brian Lindsay and Ray Skelly saw Brian pull ahead with four 2’s on four consecutive ends but Ray fought back and only just lost out 21/18. In the other semi Caroline and Brian Colquitt were nip and tuck from the start but Caroline surged ahead ,after they were 15 across, to finish the game 21/16.
In the final Caroline controlled the game from the start leaving Brian playing catch up throughout but Brian Lindsey is not one for giving up and fought back valiantly from being 12/19 down to finish the game on 15 points giving Caroline the win.
The trophies were presented by George Hawkins daughters and thanks were given by the club to Beryl Hawkins for her sponsorship and generous prize money. Caroline Whiteheadthanked everyone involved in making the competition such a success especially North Ramsey Bowling Club and helpers.
Manx Juniors Proudly Fly The Flag
Isle of Man Junior Team 2024 who played at the Grange in Warrington
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe Isle of Man Junior Team took part in the British Crown Green Bowling Association six-a-side Championship at The Grange in Warrington Club on Sunday, on a glorious day.
With 10 Juniors selected the Isle of Man would have been in the enviable position of being able to rotate players, however with other counties short of players on the day four of the Isle of Man juniors stepped in to play for other counties to ensure the teams were full, this also had the added bonus of ensuring all 10 players played in all three games, no walkovers were awarded.
Every single one of them did themselves and the Island proud in the way that they performed and more importantly the way they behaved on and off the green, not to mention how well turned out they all were.
The team won the first game 5-1 on games against Cheshire B by a convincing 39 chalks (85-46), with four games being won to single figures.
In the second round this proved to be a considerably tougher fixture against the heavily fancied South Yorkshire A, a solid performance saw the team draw 3-3, however they lost out by just four chalks (70-74) for their opponents to get the two points.
In the final round North Lancs & Fylde were the opponents, this went in favour of the Manx Juniors 4-2 and by 26 chalks (79-53).
Bailey McMullan was the standout performer for Team Isle of Man having won all three games scoring 45 chalks, conceding just 14 chalks all day. That said a further four of the juniors won two games each, with even those suffering defeat performing well.
With 2 points for each win the team finished on 4 points to finish in second place overall in the group. The Junior team will again be away in July for the next stage of the competition.
With Erin Quayle and Katie Jacobs filling in for South Yorkshire B, both Juniors performed well with Katie’s scores not reflecting how well she played in all of her games against older and more experienced bowlers, however Katie lost out by just three chalks (12-15) in her first outing against Greater Manchester.
Erin won her first two games against Greater Manchester and Cheshire A, just lost out by two chalks (13-15) in her final game against Cumbria.
Martha Butler turned out for North Lancs & Fylde and had a sizeable lead in her second game against Cheshire B, however once her opponent got in and opted for a longer length Martha lost out by just two chalks (13-15).
Dylan Marsh turned out for Cheshire B and after a tough first game against the Isle of Man Dylan bounced back to win 15-9 against North Lancs & Fylde.
Thank you to everyone who came to support, to the coaches and everyone who helped organise the trip.
Moore & Teare Win Port Erin Cup Mixed Doubles
Port Erin Cup Winners 2024 - James Teare & Jenny Moore
Photo: Mark FinlayThe Port Erin Cup Mixed Doubles was held at Breagle Glen on Sunday afternoon.
Marown had three pairs lose out at the quarter final stage with Clare Cooper and Sid Bolton defeated 19-21 to Ballaugh pair Maria and Mark Dimsdale, Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones lost out 15-21 to Marown club mates Debbie Leece and Neil Withers. Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn just lost out 20-21 to home greener Caroline Whitehead and Kevin Firth (Douglas), whilst Shirley and Gordon Corrin (Peel) were beaten 12-21 by Jenny Moore and James Teare (South Ramsey).
The semi-finals saw the Dimsdale’s edge home 21-20 against Leece and Withers to reach their first final, whilst Moore and Teare eased through with a 21-14 win over Whitehead and Firth.
The final was all one way traffic as the more experienced pairing of Moore and Teare kept their opponents down to two scoring ends securing a 21-9 victory.
Thanks were given to the club members for their help throughout the competition and Ed Benson for preparing the green.
April CLI Players of the Month
April 2024 CLI Players of the Month
Photos: Norman Kneen, Phil Cain & Jayne SmithMen’s Player of the Month: Gordon Wynne Smythe – Douglas
Ladies Player of the Month: Nicci Cain – Port St Mary
Under 21’s Player of the Month: Katie Jacobs – Douglas
The men’s pick went to Gordy Wynne-Smythe who impressed as he went undefeated in April, winning four games comfortably for Douglas A in the league, then impressed with a superb 21-19 win over the vastly experienced John Gelling (Marown).
The Ladies award went to Nicci Cain who picked up her first singles title last month, as she held off tough competition to pick up the Ladies Non-Winners Cup, coming through a tough semi-final with Joy Stevens 21-19, then beating home greener Alison Stockham 21-14 in the final.
Katie Jacobs picked up the Junior award thanks to a solid start to the season winning her first match 21-9 at Ballaugh. Whilst her next outing was a defeat every chalk counts in the ladies league, Katie lost out by just two chalks (19-21) to one of Castletown’s top bowlers – Hannah Drewett. Katie went on to pick up a further three wins, beating Ballaugh’s Maria Dimsdale 21-16, which is her only defeat of the season to date, then went on to win 21-12 against Lisa Bradshaw and won 21-11 at Mooragh Park against Joy Morris. Well done Katie!
Marown A Defeat South Ramsey A to Extend Lead
Marown A 2024
Photo: Arnie WithersA top of the table clash took place at Crosby in Canada Life International Division One on Wednesday evening as league leaders Marown A hosted South Ramsey A on a night which had plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Marown captain Paul Dunn set down a marker for the home team as he beat John Kennish 21-14, swiftly followed by Peter Jones who defeated Glynn Hargraves 21-13. Colin Kelly recovered from a 1-9 deficit against Bob Clark to win 21-16. South Ramsey’s Peter Collister got over the line 21-19 against Neil Withers with a great last bowl, to secure a first point for the visitors as the latter failed to count two on the last end with the game finely poised at 19-20.
In the second half of the match David Bradford secured a resounding 21-9 win over Paul Kelly, as he took the only single figure win of the night. James Teare battled well to be level with Tom Kelly at 16-16, however a strong finish from Kelly ensured a fourth win for the home team. With the last two games on the green heavily in Marown’s favour as Glenn Boland led 18-13 against Dido Kelly, the latter dug deep to score four doubles over the last five ends to win 21-20. This left Dean Kipling on the green with Jordan Cain, with the Marown man leading 9-1, 14-4, and 20-15, it looked like a game that couldn’t be won by the South Ramsey man, however a huge effort saw Cain get over the line 21-20 to secure a fourth win of the night, as the home team ultimately won 6-4 and by nine chalks (152-143).
South Ramsey will have been mightily relieved to escape with this defeat, as the Crosby men could just as easily have won 9-1, which would have put them 10 points ahead, instead of the four point it now stands at.
Peel A made the most of the top two clashing as they closed the gap on the top two, as they beat North Ramsey A 9-1, as the visitors hit 100 chalks despite suffering four single figure defeats.
Onchan A sit in fourth place as they won 9-1 at home to Port St Mary A, with Paul Skelly the lone winner as he beat Jamie Clague 21-10. The visitors lost one game to 17, two games to 18, and a further game to 20, the Port men will have felt hard done by on the night.
Castletown A slipped to a heavy 2-8 home defeat against Marown B, with former home greener Sam Clague recovering from a 9-20 deficit against Andy Clark to win 21-20.
Douglas A won 8-2 at home to Marown C, with James Kelly stepping up from the D Team to beat the previously unbeaten Gordon Wynne-Smythe 21-16. Winning close games for the Villa were Jimmy Sansom, Andy Cannell, Stuart Garrett, and Dave McCabe.
In Division Two Noble’s A picked up an impressive 7-3 home win over early league leaders Douglas B, in a close match with 12 chalks separating the two teams (149-137).
South Ramsey B took full advantage of the defeat for Douglas B, hitting top spot for the first time this season, as they beat visitors Onchan B 10-0, with James Evans making his first appearance of the season for the home team, as he secured a 21-6 win over David Tait.
Peel B were once again the only away winners in Division Two as they beat Ballaugh A 4-6, helped by winning the aggregate by a solitary chalk (151-152).
North Ramsey B also won 6-4, as they beat Finch Hill A by just two chalks (140-138). Castletown B remain winless after five games, as they lost 8-2 to Port Erin A at Breagle Glen.
In Division Three Nobles D went into second place ahead of Noble’s C, as they came away from their game with South Ramsey D with a 2-8 victory.
Ballaugh B were the biggest winners on Tuesday night as they beat Castletown C 9-1 at home, whilst South Ramsey C came away from Marown D with a 3-7 victory as they sit just four points off top spot, whilst Peel C managed to see off Port St Mary B 7-3, despite Trevor Quayle turning out for the B team, as he won 21-3 against Peel captain Kevin Murray.
In Division Four Ballaugh C sit in top place by 10 points as they beat the new bowlers from Noble’s E 3-7 away from home.
Douglas C matched them Ballaugh C with their own 7-3 win at home to North Ramsey C, with 15-year-old Robert Tomlinson the last game on the green with Paul Arthur, the junior bowler held his nerve to seal a 21-17 win.
Elsewhere Finch Hill B beat Castletown C 9-1 at home, with James Drinkwater the lone winner for Town as he beat John Smith 21-1.
Tebay Wins First Singles Title
Nigel Tebay Men’s Non-Winners Cup Winner 2024
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Association Non-Winners’ Cup on Sunday afternoon with the competition open to those who had never won a Men’s singles open previously, with 40 players entering to take their chance to win their first open, a significant increase on last year’s entry of 25.
Losing quarter finalists were Steve Parker (Onchan) who lost 20-21 to clubmate Will Penhallurick. Marown man James Kelly beat North Ramsey’s Joe Kneale 21-9.
In the other half of the draw Nigel Tebay (Ballaugh) took a comfortable 21-12 win over Les Brookes (Finch Hill), whilst Dave McCabe (Douglas) lost out to 11-21 to Brian Lindsay (Peel).
In the semi-finals Penhallurick booked his place in the final with a 21-16 win over Kelly, scoring six doubles on the way, whilst Tebay got the better of Lindsay with a 21-11 win, as the latter scored in just four ends.
The final got underway with Tebay carrying on where he left off in the semi-final as he kept Penhallurick down to scoring four chalks over four ends to secure a well-deserved 21-8 win to claim his first Men’s open title.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by Association Competition Committee Officer Steve Moore who thanked Noble’s Bowling Club and its members for hosting the competition, everyone who entered, and those who came to support.
Town Whitewash Marown C
Peel C pictured prior to their match away to South Ramsey D
Photo: Glynn HargravesWeek four of league fixtures took place in Canada Life International Sponsored Division One on another blustery Monday evening.
Castletown A picked up the only whitewash this week as they beat Marown C 10-0 at the Crofts, with the Town men picking up more points in Monday’s fixture than they had previously all season, going from nine points to 19 points to help their cause, whilst leaving the Crosby men three points adrift at the bottom.
Port St Mary A came away from Crosby following their game against Marown A with an 8-2 defeat, however the result could have been worse and better for both teams with the home team winning three close games and losing out in two close games. Big wins arrived from Colin Kelly, Peter Jones, and Dean Kipling. The close games won for Marown were Glenn Boland winning 21-18 against Wayne Roberts, with the latter leading 18-13 only for Boland to run out, Paul Dunn won to the same score against Paul Skelly, whilst Tom Kelly edged home 21-20 against Robbie Cooil. Winning for the visitors were Trevor Quayle 21-20 against Paul Kelly, with the latter leading 18-13, whilst Dan McCabe inflicted a second league defeat of the season on Neil Withers 21-18.
South Ramsey A safely seen off Marown B to pick up their biggest win of the season with a 9-1 home victory. Phil Kelly spared the whitewash with a 21-13 win over Stefan Kelly.
Peel A beat Douglas A 7-3 at home, with Pip Pemberton ‘pipping’ Paddy Murphy 21-20 in the closest game of the night, with the home team winning two games to single figures.
Onchan A recorded an 8-2 home win over North Ramsey A, with the home team also winning two games to single figures. Winning for the visitors were Paul Allison 21-16 over Will Penhallurick, whilst Rob Monk beat Neil Dunwell 21-17.
In Division Two Douglas B and Finch Hill A were the odd teams out on Monday evening, with their match being the only fixture that didn’t finish 7-3, as the Villa men used home advantage to beat the Finch men 8-2.
Peel B were the only away winners in Division Two as they beat Noble’s A 3-7.
Recording home wins were North Ramsey B over Onchan B, Port Erin A won 7-3 against South Ramsey B at Breagle Glen, whilst Ballaugh A just edged the chalks (140-137) at home to Castletown B, as the Town men remain winless and firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.
In Division Three the teams who finished in the top two last season Nobles C (who were the D team) hosted Port St Mary B, with the home team missing out on a 10-0 win by 9 chalks, with defeats to 17,18, and 19 for three of their players.
Nobles B march on at the top as they beat Onchan C 3-7 away from home, with just seven chalks separating the teams (138-145).
An even closer score on chalks arrived as South Ramsey C came away from Ballaugh B with an impressive 2-8 win, as just four chalks separated the teams (157-161) in a high scoring match, with the home team dropping nine chalks as they agonisingly lost three games to 20, one game to 19 and a further two games to 18. The home teams two wins arrived from Gary Griffiths who beat Paul Routledge 21-15, whilst Richard Green got home 21-20 against James Moore. South Ramsey picked up their second away win of the season, as they still await their first win in a home fixture this season.
South Ramsey D suffered a 3-7 home defeat to Peel C (pictured), with the home team picking up their wins from Frank Feeney, Austin Hart, and Alan Moore.
Finishing off the run of away victories in Division Three were Noble’s D who came away from Crosby with a 3-7 victory over Marown D.
In Division Four Ballaugh C head the table following their 8-2 away win over near neighbours Peel D, whilst Noble’s E continue to impress as they picked up their first true win as they beat Castletown C 6-2 on games, also winning the aggregate by 47 chalks (156-109) to seal an 8-2 victory. Rounding off the league action Douglas C beat Finch Hill B 8-2 at the Villa on Tuesday evening.
Port Erin B announced that they had pulled out of the league after struggling to field a team for some time now, this has resulted in all their results being voided. This has result in two teams having a bye each week, with this in mind the competition secretary is looking at options to schedule additional matches.