Onchan Bowling Club hosted the Commissioners Cup for the second any combination doubles of the weekend with the green running well and 33 pairs taking part.

Taking his second win of the weekend and third win in this competition in four years South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves paired up with teammate Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly taking on fellow teammates Alan Moore and Stefan Kelly in an entertaining final with the latter pair just losing out 18-21. Dido Kelly & Moore both played some superb bowls throughout a well contested final.

Both semi-finals were well contested with the home pairing of Maureen Payne and Mike Thomas losing out to the winning pair 17-21, whilst the other semi-final was even closer with another South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore and James Teare reaching the latter stages before losing out 19-21 to the runners up.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were the home pairing of Kelvin McNicholl and Allan Kennaugh, the South Ramsey pairing of Elaine Moore & Steven Waters, Sue Gawne (Onchan) & Brian Kelly (Marown) along with the Marown pair Walter McCarthy & Colin Kelly.

The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk who thanked everyone that had entered, the club members for their help with the running of the competition and the ladies for the superb refreshments. The prizes were then presented by competition secretary Mike Thomas. In his speech Glynn Hargraves commented on the good condition of the green, which had suited them throughout the day.

North Ramsey hosted the Ken Parker Trophy any combination doubles on Saturday with the green holding up well despite the wet weather throughout the day 28 teams took part.

The eventual winners were the South Ramsey partnership of David Bradford and Glynn Hargraves who favoured playing the corners all day, seeing off the North Ramsey/Ballaugh pairing of Allan Callow and Fred Waggett with a 21-10 victory.

Losing out at the semi-final stage were the home pairing of Shannon McMullan and Alex Yates who lost 13-21 despite scoring a four on the first end, they reached the highest score of anyone against the eventual winners.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were the home pairing of Katie Johnson and Vicky Lloyd-West, the South Ramsey pairings of Anthony Kelly & Dave Corkill, Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly & Steven Waters along with mother and son Janet & Rob Monk (Mooragh Park/Onchan).

At the conclusion of play North Ramsey Competition secretary Gary Lenton thanked everyone who had took part, the club members for their help with the running of the competition and the ladies for the refreshments. The prizes were presented by Ken Parker’s son Steve who sponsors the competition. In his speech David Bradford spoke well of Steve’s father Ken who was a well liked member of the bowling community for many years. Bradford managed to retain the trophy having won it with John Kennish last year.

Saturday 3^rd August saw the Phil Johnson Memorial trophy return in a revamped format. The IOMCCGBA would like to thank Canada Life International for supporting the association for helping get this event up and running.

Phil worked at Canada Life International before he suddenly passed away in 2011 with an undiagnosed heart condition, thought to have been Long QT Syndrome. His family came up with the idea of remembering Phil by presenting this trophy after speaking with Mark Kneen who at the time was the IOM Bowls Development Officer and worked at Canada Life with Phil and Mike Johnson (Phil’s father).

The IOMCCGBA have been working on the development of a junior league with great strides being made in 2019. The focus on the monthly events being held are effectively follow on events from the Manx Youth Games to ensure opportunities are given to all the young bowlers to continue their bowls in a fun yet competitive environment.

The format of the events is that the regional teams (North/South/East/West) all compete against each other in doubles games with some fun events added in along the way.

Over 20 juniors took part in the most recent event held at Marown Bowling Club, with the East team being crowned as the Phil Johnson Memorial Trophy winners for 2019 just pipping the other teams in a very tight contest.

Results (Points Per Game Average)

East – 3.8
West – 3.5
North – 3.4
South – 3.5

Thanks must also go out to all the coaches who volunteer their time every week to run the junior clubs around the Island as well as Phil Kelly as head coach on the Island and Sonya Mercer as MYG Coordinator.

South Ramsey hosted the Kennish Cup with 72 taking part. The green has improved immensely since the start of the season, however the weather player its part throughout the day with gusts of wind and then heavy rainfall in the latter stages of the competition.

At the end of the competition it was the home green partnership of Jenny Moore and James Teare who ruthlessly nilled their opponents Sue Gawne (Onchan) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) in the final under “cobbing” conditions due to the formation of pools of water with the rain becoming heavier throughout the final.

Losing out to Gawne/Roberts in the first semi were Lynda & Derek Cadamy (Port Erin), who lost 15-21, with their opponents winning 12 ends to the Cadamy’s seven ends. In the other semi-final Moore/Teare booked their place in the final with a 21-16 win over Gill Dixon (Ballaugh) & Alan Moore (South Ramsey).

Losing out in the quarter finals were South Ramsey pairs Fiona Kennish & Steven Waters, Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves, Shelley Kennish (South Ramsey) & Sam Clague (Castletown) and husband and wife Alec & Philippa Taylor (Peel/Marown).

At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by competition secretary Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the Kennish/Moore family for their sponsorship, the club members who had helped with the running of the competition and the Ladies for the excellent refreshments provided. South Ramsey President Steve Moore was then introduced to present the prizes.

On Sunday Ballaugh Bowling Club hosted the Spar Mixed Pairs. There were 29 pairs entered and they enjoyed the fine weather and some good play.

Bowing out in the quarter finals were Shirley and Gordon Corrin (Peel), Chris Price (Port St Mary and Dave Kelly (South Ramsey), Derek and Lynda Cadamy (Port Erin) and Alison Keggen (Noble’s) and Paul Kelly (Marown). 

Losing semi-finalists were Kim Hargraves & Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey) and Lil Smith (Marown) & Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey), which left the final an all South Ramsey affair between Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves and Jenny Moore & James Teare. 

Jenny and James made a good start winning the first three ends. After that it was close with only the five points scored in the first three ends the difference. Jenny and James finally won 21-15. 

The presentation was made by Debbie Jones of Mannin Retail (Spar) who was introduced by Competition Secretary Richard Faragher who thanked the members for organising event with thanks given especially to the ladies in the kitchen. James Teare in his speech thanked the Spar – the Sponsors, Ballaugh members for organising the competition especially Richard Faragher for running the competition together with the measurers and markers.

Marown hosted their second open of the bank holiday weekend with 32 pairs taking part in the Heywood Gelling Trophy on Sunday on a scorcher of a day with the green quicker than it was on Friday.

At the end of the competition it was Noble’s/Port St Mary pairing of Rebecca Teare and Paul Skelly, who beat the Noble’s/South Ramsey duo of Paula Firth and Sid Bolton by the closest of margins 21-20. The final started with Firth/Bolton taking a 11-6 lead, then 14-9 and extending this further still to 19-13. At 20-16 it looked like it wasn’t going to be Teare/Skelly’s day however they fought back well from lying game down on more than occasion to take a single, a three with Teare playing a great second bowl under pressure at 20-20 to beat Firth’s bowl which Bolton was unable to beat to give the victory to Teare & Skelly. This win qualifies the winners to play in the UK later in the season.

Both semis were well contested with another Noble’s/South Ramsey pairing of Clare Cooper & Lee Dawson losing out 19-21 to Firth and Bolton, whilst in the other semi a new partnership of Pat Mason (Ballaugh) and Andy Kennish (Peel) almost made it to the final only for Skelly to play a couple of great bowls after earlier fearing for his safety from his partner Teare when lying two up for game he inadvertently flicked the jack to end up two down at a crucial point of the game. His relief was clear for all to see at the end of the game after helping secure a 21-19 win to reach the final.

Losing out in the quarter finals were South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore & James Teare, another new partnership from Onchan Caroline Corlett & Les McClellan, Joyce Ogden (Marown) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) along with Sue Gawne (Onchan) & Brian Kelly (Marown).

At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by competition secretary Philip Kelly, who thanked the club members who had helped with the running of the competition and the Marown Ladies for the refreshments provided. Marown President Lil Smith was then introduced to present the prizes.

The top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) winning the men’s event, whilst Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won the ladies event.

Popular Yorkshire man Dyson known throughout the bowling community as ‘Hoover’ – no explanation required, picked up his first June Festival win and the winners cheque for £3,000. Dyson had to overcome the challenge of Andy Spragg in a thrilling final on a tricky green. Dyson was quickest out of the blocks taking a 12-5 lead, then 14-9 and 16-11 to keep his opponent at arm’s length. Spragg responded with a double to sit just three points behind at 13-16, only for a determined Dyson to take two singles and a double to sit just one point away from glory. Spragg counted one next end and headed towards the corner, Spragg’s first bowl was about 18 inches off the jack, with Dyson putting his first bowl approximately 12 inches away to count one for game. Spragg made sure he reached with his second bowl, just tipping Dyson’s bowl, however it wasn’t enough to save game with Dyson taking a 21-14 victory. Dyson’s joy was clear for all to see with his second bowl still in his hand he threw it up in celebration. Spragg had the blow softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.

Dyson reached the final courtesy of a quick fire 21-7 win over Wayne Jevons (Wirral), whilst Spragg booked his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 victory over Andy Limbert (Brighouse).

In the quarter finals Dyson ended the challenge of Chris Bly (Hopwood) with a 21-13 win, whilst Jevons won 21-8 against David Halstead (Kirkham). The closest game of the quarter finals was between Mark Rose (Royal Oak BC) and Spragg, with Spragg having to dig deep to get over the line 21-20. Limbert ended the run of Robert Hopper (Brighouse) with a 21-16 win.

Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Stevie Kelly (Peel) who lost out agonisingly 20-21 in the last 16 to Wayne Jevons to just miss out on finals day.

In the ladies main competition Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won her first June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved 21-7 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park). Fox received £600 as runner up.

In the semi-finals Gorman ended the run of Bev Beeley (Houldsworth WMC) with a 21-13 victory, whilst Fox ended the hopes of two time June winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) with a 21-19 win in an entertaining game.

Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves who received the Visit IOM.com trophy to claim bragging rights in the Hargraves household. Hargraves would have been delighted with her weeks work and can now take confidence in her own ability going forward, however her challenge was ended by Fox who won 21-8. Lunn-Gadd ended the hopes of Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) with a hard fought 21-19 win, whilst Bev Beeley booked her place in the semi-finals with a 21-20 win over Caroline Bushell (Co-op) with Gorman taking a comfortable 21-14 win over Wendy Allen (Castle Private).

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Mark Hughes (Crossgates) taking the Tourism title defeating Chris Mordue (Pudsey) with a convincing 21-13 victory.

Losing semi-finalists were Martin Gilpin 15-21 (Kendal Vic) to Hughes, whilst Chris Ellis (Brighouse) just lost out 20-21 to Mordue.

The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with another entertaining final it was Rebecca Teare (Noble’s) who held her nerve to take a deserved 21-18 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) to pick up her first win in the Tourism event.

Teare earned her place in the final following a fairly comfortable 21-15 semi-final win over Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) with Gorman bouncing back in style the following day going on to win the main event. In the other semi-final Moore recorded a 21-16 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) to book her place in the final.

The Men’s consolation was won by Peter Jones (Wirral) who beat Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) 21-12. The Ladies consolation was won by Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) defeating Julie Green 21-13.

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry who wasted no time with his 9-0 win over Craig Ramell (Rishton), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Jack Bushell (Knutsford) who beat Katie Morgan 21-11.

The men’s Open doubles was won in style by Larry Wells (St Oswalds) & David Penketh (St Oswalds) who beat the top pairing of Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) and Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with a convincing 11-2 victory in the final.

The men’s pairs was won by Richard Hodgson (Pudsey) & Craig Shore (Burbage) beating Michael Andrews (Wirral) & Michael Upton (Myrtle Park) 11-9 in a close final.

The ladies pairs final was won 11-6 by Debi Davis (Brighouse) & Pam Nixon (Poynton Sports) who beat Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) and Eileen Pye (Acregate).

The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) & partner John Colebourne (Eastwood Park) losing out 4-9 to Eileen Pye (Acregate) and Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) in the final.

The PokerStars IOM Invitation took place on Friday evening with the event being hosted by South Ramsey Bowling Club at Noble’s Park immediately after the conclusion of the IOM bowls festival. The change in venue allowed the field to increase from last years format of 16 to go back up to 32.

It was a strong field taking part with every player in the field having played county bowls. The format was 21 up with 3 on the card.

There was plenty of local interest in the first round, however Peel favourite Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly was beaten 15-21 by Andy Sorsby (South Yorkshire), Jordan Cain (Onchan) lost 14-21 to Kev Shaw (North Lancs & Fylde), whilst Marown captain Paul Dunn lost 13-21 to Craig Gant (Yorkshire).

Faring better were South Ramsey’s David Bradford who won 21-13 against Dave Jackson (North Lancs & Fylde), Neil Withers made light work of Ian Nicholson (North Lancs & Fylde) with a 21-12 win, whilst Marown stalwart Colin Kelly seen off Richie Goddard (Shropshire) with a 21-10 win.

There were several close games in the first round with James Wilcox (Yorkshire) seeing off South Yorkshire rival Nick White 21-20, whilst another South Yorkshire man Paul Bailey got over the line 21-19 against Martin Gilpin (North Lancs & Fylde) after Gilpin recovered from a 12-19 deficit to level the game at 19-19, only for Bailey to take two singles to progress to the next round. Chris Barton (Merseyside) also lost out 19-21 to Jon Palmer (Shropshire), whilst another Merseyside man Danny Barwise lost 20-21 to 2018 British Merit Winner Chris Mordue (Yorkshire). Melvyn Byron (North Lancs & Fylde) recovered from a 14-19 deficit to win 21-20 against Nidge Hughes (Merseyside), whilst newly crowned June festival winner Jack Dyson (Yorkshire) held off Merseyside man Peter Jones 21-18.

In the second round Gareth Herbert (Warwick & Worcs) won a close game 21-18 against Sorsby to take his place in the quarter finals, whilst Bradford lost out 18-21 to Dan Jones (Wales) after recovering from a 10-16 deficit to go 18-16 ahead with eight singles before Jones got back in to finish the game. Paul Bailey came back from 11-19 to run out with a 21-19 victory over Jon Palmer. In an all Yorkshire clash Gant lost out 19-21 to Chris Mordue, whilst Byron lost 18-21 to Dyson.

At the quarter final stage it was all visiting bowlers who had progressed, in the top half of the draw Herbert lost 19-21 to Dan Jones, whilst Wilcox lost out for a second year running to Callum Wraight (Shropshire) 17-21. In the bottom half of the draw Paul Bailey ran out from 11-11 against Mordue to win 21-11 to take his place in the semi-finals, whilst Dyson won 21-13 against John Bailey (Wales).

Both semi-finals could not have been any close with Wraight taking a 11-3 lead against Jones, only for Jones to level the score at 13-13. Jones then scored better than Wraight over the next nine ends to lead 20-18, only for Wraight to hit back to see the game out 21-20 to book his place in the final. In the second semi-final Dyson took a 13-8 lead, with Paul Bailey recovering to level the score at 14-14. Dyson then went 20-15 ahead, however Bailey managed to find a bit more in the tank to run out with a 21-20 win.

In the final there was plenty of striking and dead ends with Wraight and Bailey up against each other. It was Wraight who was quickest out of the blocks taking a 13-3 lead against Bailey, then led 16-7 and 19-10 under the fading light the floodlights had to be put on. Bailey then took three singles before Wraight retained the trophy and in doing so secured the £1,000 first prize with a double to win 21-13. Bailey will no doubt have been cheered up with his cheque for £500, with the losing semi finalists each receiving £250, and the losing quarter finalists taking home £125. Those who lost out in the second round took home £75 each.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by event organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the sponsors PokerStars for their continued support, Noble’s Bowling club, the Department for Enterprise and Douglas Corporation, all the players for what made for an entertaining evening of bowls, the spectators for turning up to support along with anyone who had helped in the running of the event.