One of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man September Bowls Festival took place last week, with the competition played out in mixed weather conditions, with the sun shining on Finals Day in glorious weather to end the week on a high.

In the Men’s event it was Gareth Lally (Crossgates) who secured his second September Festival title, following his first success in 2015 when he beat Martin Gilpin 21-17. This final was never in any doubt as the Crossgates man won 21-6 against 83-year-old John Colebourne (Chesterfield) who came the closest he ever has to winning the festival having been a regular visitor to the Isle of Man for several decades. Reaching the final was a huge success for the Chesterfield man, as he proved age is just a number in bowls. Lally won the final in just 10 ends, scoring seven doubles and two singles, conceding just one chalk on his way to victory. Lally took home the winners’ cheque for £3,200, whilst Colebourne could console himself with a cheque for £1,250 for his week’s work.

At the semi-final stage on paper the tie that the crowd were expected to have their eyes on was the clash between Lally and Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), with the game keenly contested up to the 16^th end with Gilmore one point ahead at 16-15, however a strong finish from Lally saw him book his place in the final with a 21-16 win. The other semi-final proved to be the one to watch for a different reason as the crowd sensed a huge upset was on the cards, no doubt with some bets being placed for the underdog on the heat, as Colebourne performed brilliantly to beat June 2012 Festival winner Robbie Fitzpatrick (Castlefields) 21-11 to progress to the final.

The quarter finals were all keenly contested, with Lally starting his day with a 21-18 win over Ian Nicholson (Netherfield), whilst Gilmore seen off Conor Chamberlain (Stretton Anglesey) with a 21-17 victory, with Gilmore’s cause helped by four consecutive doubles halfway through the game. In the other half of the draw Colebourne beat Mark Booth (Thongsbridge) 21-17, whilst Fitzpatrick battled to a 21-19 win over Peter Jones (Castlefields).

Men’s Tourism

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Zach Walker (King Alfred) who managed to see off three previous Festival winners on his way to picking up the title and the winners’ cheque which was over £1,000.

Walker had it all to do against John Bailey (Castlefields) who is a regular visitor to the Isle of Man, is a two-time winner of the main event. Walker found himself one ahead after 12 ends as he led 13-12, however Bailey being the top player that he is found an extra gear to take the lead 18-13. Walker cheered on by his club mates, playing with his distinctive white bowls, dug deep to fightback and secure a stunning 21-19 victory with a measure on the final end.

Walker beat James Wilcox (Crossgates) with a nail biting 21-20 win, having trailed 17-20, with a single, a double followed by another single to secure his spot in the final. Bailey progressed thanks to a hard fought 21-17 win over James Teare (South Ramsey), with the latter having fought back from a 10-17 deficit before losing to the Castlefields man.

The quarter finals were well contested with Walker taking the biggest win over David Jackson (Knutsford) with a 21-14 victory, whilst Wilcox held off James Fitzpatrick (Wirral) 21-19. In the other half of the draw Bailey won 21-17 against Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings), whilst Teare impressed with a 21-17 win over a previous winner of the BCGBA Champion of Champions Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge).

Other Events

The Men’s consolation was won by Terry Brook (Meersbrook BC) who beat Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 21-16 in the final. Brook won 21-19 against Tony Whitehouse (King Alfred) in the semi-final, whilst Johnson beat Liam Howard (King Alfred) 21-12.

The Ladies consolation was won by Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) emphatically defeating Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) 21-6 in the final. Rigden reached the final with a 21-13 win over Kathryn Gee (Unison), whilst Whitehead beat Debbie Barnes (Hesketh Arms BC) 21-10.

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry (Delamere) who had a good 9-8 win over Callum Wraight (Castlefields), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Tommy Richardson (King Alfred) who beat Tom Lowndes (Gresford Colliery) 21-15 in the final.

In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was retained by Marown’s Neil Withers and Paul Dunn with an 11-9 victory over Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria). Withers and Dunn reached the final with an 11-2 win over Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bhetherton), whilst Gilmore and Coates also won comfortably 11-2 against Crossgates pair Mark Hughes and Gareth Lally.

The Men’s doubles were won by Matt Gilmore (Quarry Vikings) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria) as they beat Ryan Clark (Meersbrook BC) and Graeme Wilson (AEU) 11-5 in the final. Gilmore and Coates whitewashed Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicolson (both Netherfield) 11-0 in the semi-final, whilst Clark and Wilson also beat Marown pair Paul Dunn and Neil Withers 11-5 to reach the final.

The Ladies doubles were won by Joan Jolly and Eileen Pye (both Canberra) as they beat local bowlers Rebecca Teare (Marown) and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) 11-7. Jolly and Pye won 11-2 against South Ramsey pair Kim Hargraves and Fiona Kennish in the semi-final, whilst Teare and Moore beat Debbie Leece (Marown) and Sharon Rigden (Bretherton) 11-9 to book their place in the final.

Winning the Mixed pairs were Kathryn Gee (Unison) and Roger Morgan (Knutsford) with a convincing 9-2 win over Lisa Bolton (Freckleton) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield). Gee and Morgan reached the final with a 9-6 win over Kath Watkinson (Mere Brow) and Andy Mailer (Woodlands Park), whilst Bolton and Colebourne beat Lynne Rimmer (Royton Cricket Club) and Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 9-8.

The Triples was played once again this year with the competition played on three greens over six ends on Wednesday morning down to the winner from each green. Winners at the Villa were Colin Kelly, Neil Withers, and Juan Killip (all Marown). Winning on Noble 1 green were Joe Cranston, Josh Mordue, and Ryan Clark (all Meersbrook), whilst Callum Briddon, Stuart Sutton, and Matt Bradwell (all Fairfield) were the winners on Noble’s 2 green.

In the Ladies main event visiting bowler Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) added the Isle of Man September Festival to her list of top titles won in the game, with a resounding 21-8 victory over Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) to pick up the winners’ cheque for £1,250, while Pickthall took home £625. The final started with Boulton, one of the top players in the ladies’ game the clear favourite, she didn’t disappoint as she stormed into a 16-5 lead. Pickthall got in to score a two, then a single on the following end. Boulton then put a stop to any hopes of a comeback as she won the next four ends to see the game out.

Boulton booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over regular visitor Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst Pickthall recorded an emphatic 21-9 victory over current holder and three-time Festival winner Jenny Moore (South Ramsey). Jenny received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.

Boulton started her day with a 21-9 win over Paula Garrett (Douglas), whilst Weaver beat Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-8. In the other half of the draw Pickthall recorded the biggest win with a 21-7 victory over Sue Tuft (Aston Bowling), whilst Jenny Moore, who was heavily handicapped (+1) due to her previous successes won 21-15 against Olwen Edwards (Llanfairpwll).

Boulton had already secured her place in the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) Event at Owley Wood on Sunday 29^th September.

Ladies Tourism

The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, it was two locals who competed for the title, with Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) taking on Jayne Smith (Marown). Moore went into an early 12-5 lead, only for Smith to pull the score back to 11-12, however Moore responded to lead 18-11. Smith took the following two ends, however Moore wrapped up the title with a double and a single to secure a 21-14 victory, with it the South Ramsey bowler qualified for the BCGBA Champion of Champions event at Owley Wood at the end of the month.

Moore booked her place in the final with a comfortable 21-11 win over Joan Jolly (Canberra), whilst Smith won to single figures 21-8 against Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood).

In the quarter finals Moore progressed with a 21-12 win over Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion), whilst Jolly beat Helen Clee (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15. In the other half of the draw Smith beat Diane Harrison (Lune Road) 21-14, whilst Weaver battled to a 21-18 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park).

One of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place this week, with the event attracting well over 500 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve, with the weather from Monday to Thursday favourable. Friday saw some welcome cloud cover, this did not deter the spectators, who were treated to an entertaining finals day to cap off a superb week. With the competition supported by the Department of Economic Development Finals Day included a special visit from the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, who was introduced to the Festival Organiser Steve Moore and BCGBA CEO Paul Ashmore, with the Governor introduced to the popular Isle of Man Bowls Festival.

In the Men’s event it was Jon Palmer (Castlefields) who picked up his first Isle of Man Festival win, to add to his Autumn Waterloo Title, with both titles being coveted by the top bowlers in the game.

Palmer took home the winners’ cheque for £3,200 and lifted the famous trophy as he beat fellow Castlefields man and good friend Carl Fielding – a previous June Festival winner in 2014, 21-11 in a game spectators expected to be close. Palmer picked up two singles over the first two ends, only to concede two doubles to trail 7-9. In response Palmer went on to win seven consecutive ends, with the jack proving crucial, scoring nine points to lead 16-9. Fielding threatened a comeback as he won the next two ends to trail 11-16, however Palmer ensured this was the end of the road, winning the next four ends scoring five points on a short mark over the crown to finally get his hands on the trophy.

Palmer or ‘JP’ as he is known across the bowling community reached the final with a comfortable 21-10 win over Joseph Cranston (Crossgates), whilst Fielding beat Josh Mordue (Crossgates) 21-14 to take his place in the final.

The quarter finals featured two local bowlers with South Ramsey’s Glynn Hargraves losing out 14-21 to Mordue, whilst Marown man Colin Kelly picked up the George Craine Trophy as the best local as he was defeated 17-21 by Fielding. Palmer ensured safe passage to the semi-finals with a 21-16 win over Gareth Coates (Akroyden Victoria), whilst Cranston had a tussle with Lee Johnstone (St Oswalds) with the former prevailing 21-18.

Men’s Tourism 

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who retained the Tourism title to see off James Wilcox (Crossgates) 21-18 in a thrilling final, as Wraight won the June title for a fifth time and sixth in total with his one September win under his belt.

The final was close throughout with neither player able to get a run of ends throughout the game, only for Wraight to get over the line with the scores tied at 18-18, picking up a double and a single to claim the victory.

In the semi-finals Wraight’s had it all to do as he took on Dan Petcher (Littleover), with the latter just losing out 17-21, whilst Wilcox had a much more comfortable win, seeing off clubmate Mark Hughes 21-12.

In the quarter finals Wraight progressed with a 21-13 win over the last local left, Neil Withers (Marown), with Petcher seeing off Dave McDermott (Merseyside) 21-12. In the other half of the draw Wilcox beat first time visitor Kevin Siddle (Pudsey Littlemoor) 21-12, with Hughes facing off against teammate Kez Smith, with the former prevailing 21-11.

Other Events 

The Men’s consolation was won by Jamie King (Wrockwardine Wood) who beat Martin Keatley (Mossley Hill AC) 21-20 in the final, with King beating Ross Hatzer (Bar Lane) 21-18 in the semi-final, whilst Keatley had a comfortable 21-10 win over Gareth Jones (Dalton CC).

The Ladies consolation also went to the wire in the final as local Sue Gawne (Noble’s) beat Chrissy McManus (Our Lady’s) 21-20. Gawne reached the final courtesy of a 21-13 win over Sharon Gadd (Cononley), whilst McManus took her place in the final with a 21-18 win over Karen Hill (New Mill).

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Elliott Laboure (Littleover) who ensured Gerald Merry wasn’t able to retain the title he picked up last year with a 9-6 victory, whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Andrew Gregory (Comberbach BC) who beat Maurice Edmonds (Walney Park) 21-11 in the final. 

In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was won by Matt Gilmore and Chris Barton (both Wirral) with a resounding 11-2 win over Liam Griffin (Crossgates) and Gareth Coates (Akroyden Victoria). Gilmore and Barton reached the final with an 11-3 win over Adam Wildsmith and Matthew Kelly-Walley (both Stretton Anglesey), whilst Griffin and Coates beat the last locals left in the competition Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (Marown) 11-4.

The Men’s doubles was an emphatic 11-0 win for Ian Hazlehurst (Merseyside) and Phil Lee (Quarry) over Steve McManus (Our Lady’s) and Darren Edgerley (Hesketh Arms), with the winners also beating their opponents Carl Gregson and Liam Gregson (both Skelmersdale Park) 11-0 in the semi-final, whilst McManus and Edgerley reached the final with a 11-8 win over Neil Wright and Mark Bramall (both Kirkham).

The Ladies doubles featured all four Wrockwardine Wood players as Sally King and Natalia Moseley beat club mates Sarah Weaver and Louise Cotton in a thrilling final with the former pair winning 11-9. King and Moseley reached the final with an 11-0 win over Lune Road pair Gill Simm and Diane Harrison, whilst Weaver and Cotton beat Crossgates Rachel Wilcox and Lynn Wilcox 11-9 to reach the final.

Winning the Mixed pairs were Wendy Allen (Castle Sports & SC) and Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) with a 9-0 win over Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) and Gavin Ratcliffe (Meersbrook). Allen and Johnson progressed to the final with a 9-3 win over Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield), whilst a 9-0 win for Hirst and Ratcliffe ensured they went through against Jo Smith (Noble’s) and Byrom Oates (Two Gates BC).

In the Ladies main event it was two year’s of success for Wrockwardine Wood as Natalia Moseley took on local favourite Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), who has three festival titles to her name, with these picked up in June 2016, September 2021 & 2023.

Moore would undoubtedly have been the bookies favourite to take the title, despite giving her opponents a three start in her games due to her previous success, however Moseley had already got her week off to a good start beating her clubmate and good friend Sally King in the final of the pre-festival competition at Port Erin on Sunday.

Moore made a good start to the final scoring three points over the first two ends to clawback the handicap to level up at 5-5. Moseley then settled into the game, picking up a double, then four singles playing a mark over the middle green to lead 11-7, with Jenny playing a great bowl to score a double in the middle of the run.

Moore managed to take the lead for the first time in the game at 13-12, then edged further ahead at 15-13, then led 16-14. Moseley went on to score four consecutive singles to take the lead 18-16, only to concede a double to leave the game finely poised at 18-18. Moseley was first to put herself within touching distance of glory as a two put the score at 20-18, however two loose bowls on the penultimate end gave Jenny the opportunity to score two to level the game at 20-20.

Jenny played a sweeping round peg mark, led with a great bowl just a foot away from the jack. Moseley was under pressure on the last end, brushed off any hint of this to play the bowl of her life leaving it just six inches away from the block, which Jenny failed to beat to give Moseley her maiden festival title 21-20 and the £1,250 first prize, whilst Moore could console herself with the runners up prize of £625, also receiving the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady.

In the semi-finals Moseley looked to be in control of the game as she built up an 18-10 lead, then got within touching distance of the final to lead 20-14 against Caroline Bushell (Lindal BC). Bushell dug deep and did all she could levelling the game up 20-20 after scoring four singles and a double, only for Moseley to finally get over the line 21-20. In the other semi-final Moore looked to be in trouble, as she trailed 10-17 to Lorraine Hirst (New Mill), however like all great players do Moore found another gear to runout with a 21-17 victory.

Moseley started her day with a hard-fought victory over Janet Phillips (Fairfield), whilst Bushell took a comfortable 21-13 win over South Ramsey’s Elaine Moore. In the other half of the draw Jenny cruised through 21-12 against another local Janet Monk (Mooragh Park), whilst Hirst had to dig deep to see off Catherine Wilson (AEU) 21-19.

Ladies Tourism

The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, with Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) taking the spoils as she won the Tourism with a hard-fought 21-19 win over Sally King (Wrockwardine Wood), scoring three consecutive singles after trailing 18-19 to see the game out in a tense finish to the final.

Boulton reached the final with a 21-15 victory over Elaine Moore (South Ramsey), with the former having led 20-9, a spirited fightback from Elaine proved too little too late, whilst King took a comfortable 21-10 win over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) to book her place in the final.

In the quarter finals Boulton took a hard earned 21-19 victory over Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates), whilst Elaine Moore finished strongly to beat Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) 21-15, having trailed 12-14.

In the other half of the draw King progressed to the next round with a 21-11 win over Natalie Sanderson 21-11, with Jenny Moore beating Amanda Nicholas 21-18 (Gresford Colliery).

The Isle of Man September Bowls Festival gets underway next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,200. Stephen Glover is the current holder having won the event for the first time in 2022. The weather looks promising for the week.

On the first page of the draw 2012 winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) takes on Peel man Dean Kinley in his first-round game with the winner facing a tough second round game against Ryan Clark (Meersbrook BC) or Roger Morgan (Knutsford). South Ramsey’s Bob Clark will be hoping to make his first final after losing out at the semi-final stage last September, however he may have to face five-time winner John Bailey (Castlefields) should both players navigate their way through the early rounds.

In the next section Peter Jones (Marown) is now well settled into Island life, he could face Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge), with the latter having not travelled over in June he will looking to get his name etched on the famous trophy for the first time. Castlefields Callum Wraight plays his first festival in quite some time without having to give his opponents a start on the handicap, he could play a fellow previous winner Graeme Wilson (AUE) in what would be the blockbuster game of the week on Thursday afternoon, however Wilson may have to get past Ian Nicholson (Netherfield) who is something of a September specialist.

On the third page the top half of the page is fairly open for anyone who may be in good form, with Peel man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly and Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) the locals most likely to progress. Crossgates man Mark Hughes could reach the latter stages, however the bottom half of the page does include 1997 winner Geoff Telford (Knutsford). Dan Petcher (Littleover) could have a game on his hands with David Halstead (Parkfield).

The next page see Gwerydd Buckland (Bangor) make a return to the Island having missed out for several years. Mike Heap (Garswood) could face June 2008 winner Colin Kelly (Marown) in the second round. The bottom half of the page could see some tasty ties with Gareth Hughes (Castlefields), Paul Bailey (Meersbrook BC), Gareth Coates (Ackroyd Victoria), and Andy Spragg (Chesterfield) all featuring.

Page five sees Barry Booth (Netherfield) another regular visitor back on the Isle of Man. James Wilcox (Crossgates) has two June titles to his name, he will be hoping for his first September title, however the top half of the page includes two previous winners in Robby Fitzpatrick (Wirral), and Carl Fielding (Castlefields). A few of the names in the bottom half of the page will fancy their chances of getting through with Danny Barwise (Birchleigh St Marys) the standout name.

On the following page in the top half of the draw 1998 winner David Jackson (Knutsford) is the only previous winner, whilst in the bottom half of the page Richard Goddard (Castlefields) will fancy his chances of making the quarter finals.

Page seven has three previous winners with current Manx Champion Neil Withers (Marown), Martin Gilpin (Netherfield), and Gareth Lally (Crossgates), whilst also including Andrew Sorsby (Thongsbridge), Dennis Herbert (Castlefields), and Kevin Quirk (Onchan). Another man making a return to our shores is Colin Scorah (Rothwell) famous for his multi-coloured bowls and his catchphrase ‘C’mon baby’ when coaxing his bowl to the jack!

The final page is littered with previous winners including David Bradford (South Ramsey), Kevan Shaw (Flixton Cricket), and Paul Morgan (Whitby BC) who won the September Festival in 1998 with a 21-17 win in the final over Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey). Also included on the page, are several bowlers who will fancy their chances with Paul Dunn (Marown), Jon Palmer (Castlefields), Matthew Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey), Paul Kissock (Netherfield), and James Higgins (Sheffield) all featuring.

With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week, there is plenty of bowls for everyone, including the popular triples it will undoubtedly make for a great week of bowls. Have a great week!

One of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place this week, with the event attracting over 500 entries, as entries continue to improve. The weather from Monday to Thursday was glorious, with many seeking the shade with the heat getting the better of many of the visiting bowlers. Friday saw the fine weather break with the rain arriving, this did not deter the spectators, who were treated to an entertaining day of good bowls to cap off a fine week. 

In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (Quarry) who picked up his first Isle of Man Festival win, with Lee wondering if he was ever going to get onto the Island on Monday due to travel difficulties on the day, just four days later he finally got his hands on the famous trophy and took home the winners cheque for £3,200 as he beat Thongsbridge man Paul Bailey who last won the June title in 2005 with victory over Blackpool man Tommy King. Bailey also won the September Festival in 2007.

Lee made a confident start in the final winning six of the first eight ends as he played a round peg mark off the edge of the crown to build up a 13-8 lead over Bailey, with the latter having to play several reaching bowls due to the pressure that his opponent was putting him under.

On the ninth end with Lee counting for two, a great last bowl from Bailey just tickled the jack to pick up a single. From there Bailey got a bit of momentum as he turned the match on its head winning five consecutive ends scoring three doubles as he headed for a mark that had served him well earlier in the day, with Lee struggling to get hold of the jack, Bailey took the lead 16-13.

Lee kept his composure brilliantly as he took the first opportunity granted to him by his opponent on the 14th end to pick up a two, before conceding a single on the following end, with Bailey letting him off the hook in the corner as his second bowl went too far past the jack.

Lee responded once more with a brilliant single along the edge, beating a great lead bowl from his opponent. Another two good bowls in the corners made a target which Bailey couldn’t refuse to strike at as he hit the bowls cleanly, only for one of Lee’s bowls to hit the other as it stayed in to count one to level the match up at 17-17.

Bailey then played two good bowls in the corners to re-take the lead 19-17 and with jack in hand he headed back into the corners, however the Merseyside man levelled things up once more to tie 19-19 after 19 ends.

A good lead on the following end was enough to score a single, with Bailey saving game with his second bowl. Heading from the gate to the steps to the clubhouse on a round peg Lee put his lead just under a yard away, with Bailey playing his first bowl too far through and narrow. Lee then improved on his first bowl as he promoted his own bowl to just over a foot to the side of the jack. Bailey sent his last bowl and looked to be on a good road and a decent length, only to agonisingly slide through the gap between the jack and bowl for Lee to secure a hard fought 21-19 win in an entertaining final, with Lee celebrating his first June Festival title with his arms raised towards his supporters, whilst Bailey could console himself with a cheque for £1,250 for his efforts during the week.

Lee or ‘Sooty’ as he is known across the bowls world reached the final courtesy of a determined 21-17 win over Michael Tunstall (Tixall BC), with the players sharing a warm embrace at the end of the game. Bailey also ended up with a game on his hands in the semi-final with Gareth Hughes (Castlefields) as he also won 21-17, with the latter battling back from a 10-17 deficit and 13-20 to just lose out.

The quarter finals were all fairly straightforward except for Lee’s first game of the day as he faced Josh Mordue (Pudsey), with the former having to battle for his 21-18 win. Tunstall ended the hopes of Steve McManus (Hesketh Arms) who had taken a number of scalps on his way to reaching his first Isle of Man finals day with a 21-10 win. In the other half of the draw Bailey ended the hopes of a first June Festival & Tourism double winner since South Ramsey’s Peter Collister became the only man to achieve the feat in 1983 as he disposed of Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with a comfortable 21-12 win, whilst Hughes put out another man who had performed well all week in Keith Middleton (Fairfield) who lost out 21-12.
 
Men’s Tourism 

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up another Tourism title to see off Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) to with a 21-17 win. Wraight never trailed in the game, however Cranston did level the game up at 13-13 after 13 ends, however the Shropshire man then won seven of the last 10 ends on his way to victory.

In the semi-finals Wraight’s path to the final was never in doubt as he stormed home with a 21-8 win over Chris Ellis (Spen Victoria), whilst Cranston had to dig deep for his 21-20 win over Jon Palmer (Castlefields).

In the quarter finals Wraight progressed with a 21-12 win over Dave McDermott (Tixall BC), while Ellis got the better of Michale Coupe (Castlefields). In the other half of the draw Cranston beat Paul Bailey (Thongsbridge) 21-14, whilst Palmer just got through with a 21-19 win over Daniel Jones (Castlefields) to reach the semi-final stage. 

Other Events 

The Men’s consolation was won by Daniel Barwise (Tixall BC) who beat David Jackson (Knutsford) 21-13 in the final, with Barwise winning 21-17 against Myles Summers (Clayton Victoria) in the semi-final, whilst Jackson had a comfortable 21-9 win against Tom Maryland (Thongsbridge). 

The Ladies consolation was contested between two locals with Paula Garrett (Douglas) overcoming Philippa Taylor (Marown) 21-16. Garrett reached the final courtesy of a 21-15 win over Diane Harrison (Lune Road), whilst Taylor edged through with a 21-20 win over Claire Frangleton (Burtonwood).

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry (Delamere) who had a close 9-7 win over Paul Morris (Chapel Park). whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Gareth Coates (Ackroyden Victoria) who beat Barry Simm (Lune Road) 21-15 in the final. 

In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was won by Mark Hughes and Kez Smith (Both Crossgates) with an 11-10 win over Dean Butler (Two Gates) and Michael Coupe (Castlefields), as they fought back from a 5-10 deficit to run out with the win. Hughes and Smith reached the final with a 11-8 win over Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan), whilst Butler and Coupe fought back from a 5-10 deficit against Bob Clark (South Ramsey) and Chris Bly (Hoghton) to win 11-10. 

The Men’s doubles were also well contested as Paul Roberts and James Fitzpatrick (both Wirral) performed well to see off favourites Richard Goddard and Billy Speed (both Castlefields) 11-10 in the final. Fitzpatrick and Roberts also crept into the final with a 11-10 win over Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan), whilst Goddard and Speed were too good for Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) and Graham Hickey (Lower Hopton) as they won 11-4.

The Ladies doubles were won by Lindal BC pair Caroline Bushell and Jessica Pickthall who had an emphatic 11-0 win over Wrockwardine Wood pair Sian Skelton and Holly Bishton in the final. Bushell and Pickthall reached the final with an 11-8 victory over locals Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Louise Tebay (Ballaugh), whilst Skelton and Bishton won 11-6 against Diane Harrison and Gill Simm (both Lune Road). 

Winning the Mixed pairs were Rita Manning (Brownmoor Park) and Gavin Ratcliffe (Meersbrook) thanks to a 9-6 win over Elaine Hawkins (Port St Mary) and Gareth Coates (Ackroyden Victoria) in the final. Manning and Ratcliffe reached the final with a 9-4 win over Kathryn Gee (Unison) and Michael Coupe (Castlefields), whilst Hawkins and Coates won 9-0 against Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Ken Lethbridge (Victoria Park).