Monday sees the start of the second of the Islands two annual bowls festivals and as always my mouth is metaphorically watering in anticipation of what should be a great week of bowls. Add to this the unprecedented success that the local contingent had in June and expectations are high. June winner Neil Withers (Marown), and runner up Matthew Quirk (Onchan) are back marked this time out with Neil giving the field a three point start and Matthew having to give away two, so it will be tough for them to make any real headway against most of the top names in the sport, however if they bring their A games even with this handicap who knows what they can achieve?

As always I will analyse the draw in sections to try and work out who will make it off their page and be on the green on finals day come Friday and this time out I have enlisted the help of three of the Islands top bowlers, themselves all festival winners, to help me. When I look at the draw the first 32 is littered with potential winners. Former Tourism winner Mark Hughes (Crossgates) is the first name that jumps off the page for me closely followed by the vivacious Callum Wraight (Castlefields). Despite the presence of Wraight & Hughes two former winners have grabbed the attention of our panel Wayne Ditchfield (St Bernards) and David Bradford (Onchan) are the names that have been put forward. Ditchfield is a prestigious talent and you would be a fool to back against him but Bradford is also a force to be reckoned with and I think it is his time to have another good run in the competition so, looking through my isleofman.com sponsored rose tinted glasses, I am going to tip Bradford to be the first local name through to finals day

The next section for me is a good one for locals, and I hope I haven’t just proved their kiss of death, with all of our panel going for Kevin Quirk (Onchan). Last years winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) is also on this page, although giving a 2 point start, so cannot be discounted and would face Quirk third game, if both protagonists make it that far. Andy Kennish (South Ramsey) and Stuart Garret (Douglas) are a couple of locals to watch out for as they both have the potential to raise a few eyebrows.

Colin Kelly (Marown) is the first name on the next page and is always a danger to those around him. He has won the competition and been in the final on numerous occasions and there is no reason why he couldn’t be again. He wont have it all his own way however as former winners Terry Glover (Liverpool Cricket Club) and Andy Farmer (Sheffield) are both in this section. I cant help tipping the Manx man however I think there is plenty of danger around to scupper his chances.

It seems to get harder the further I look down the draw and the number of potential winners on this page is staggering. Martin Gilpin (Kings Arms) always starts as one of the favourites to do well with the bookies as he is frighteningly consistent. There really are too many names tom mention on this page but Dave Jackson (Railway) Neil Withers (Marown) and John Kennish (South Ramsey) have all won festivals and know what it takes to do well. I think their could be some real surprises on this page with the quality of the supporting cash and I cant pick between Martin Gilpin and John Kennish to make it through so I will go as far as to say I think these two will be playing each other Thursday afternoon for a place in the final eight.

I definitely am wearing my rose tinted specs as the next section also looks good from a local point of view to me. Manx Champion Glyyn Hargraves (Onhan) leads the local charge ably supported by Trevor Qualye (Castletown) and Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Douglas). Although when I look a bit closer I see lots of Banana skins with the likes of Mick Leach (Kirkham Cons) and John Colebourne (Old Whittington) around. I think Hargraves can weave his way through the page but I don’t think it will be easy.

This is certainly not getting any easier as I look at the next page of the programme. James Wilcox (Crossgates), John Bailey (Conwy) and Ian Nichoson (Kings Arms) are all visitors who have more than enough to win the sweep. Phil Kelly (Marown) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) are the best local chances on this page. I never back against Bailey and think he will make it through although he doesn’t like starting with a handicap on the card so if his opponents can get a quick start he might have a lot of work on his hands.

With two men to progress from the final 32 in the draw it doesn’t get much easier although our tipsters have all plumped for the same two men. Rich Goddard (Castlefields) is a strong favourite to make it through his 16 although Robby Fitzpatrick (Tixall BC) will not agree and will be going all out to stop him. The standout name in the bottom 16 is Owen Jackson (St Bernards) I have not seen enough of Jackson myself to comment but the rumour mill from across the water is that he could be one of the favourites to go all the way.

Whatever happens it will be a fantastic week of bowling and as always even though I have mentioned more names than I care to remember in the write up there will be some shock inclusions on finals day, it never goes the way you expect it to but after all that’s bowls.

Predictions:-

Phil Kerruish’s tips
Wayne Ditchfield v Kevin Quirk, Terry Glover v Dave Jackson, Mike Leach v John Bailey, Rich Goddard v Owen Jackson

John Kennish’s tips
David Bradford v Kevin Quirk, Colin Kelly v Martin Gilpin, Glynn Hargraves v James Wilcox, Rich Goddard v Owen Jackson

David Bradford’s tips
Wayne Ditchfield v Kevin Quirk, Terry Glover v John Kennish, Glynn Hargraves v John Bailey, Rich Goddard v Owen Jackson

A strong field turned out to Ballaugh last Sunday to compete in one of the highlights of the mixed doubles season, the Maddrell fours and it was the ad hoc pair of Elaine Moore & Bob Clark who were the crème de la crème with a magnificent 21-15 final victory over Paula Firth & Jordan Cain. It is more usual to see Elaine partnered with Bob’s dad Andy, however the new pair settled well all day and non more son than in the final where they just had the edge.

In the semi finals Moore & Clark were also at the top of their game and they had to be to see of the battling husband and wife pairing of Joyce & Harry Kelly 21-20 in the standout game of the competition. Firth & Can progressed through their Semi with a 21-14 win over another husband and wife combination Kim & Glynn Hargraves.

Thanks must go to Ballaugh for another smoothly run competition, the Maddrell’s for their sponsorship and praise must also go to the green keepers who have been working tirelessly to improve the surface after the effects of the snow fall earlier in the season, and whilst not quite yet back to its glorious best it is evident that all of their hard work is now beginning to pay dividends.

Grandmother and Grandson, Lillian Slinger & Robert Monk, were victorious last Saturday in the Zurich International Mixed Doubles at Finch Hill Bowling club as they defeated the inform Trevor Quayle & Lyn Bolton 21-19 in a closely contested final.

As the score-line suggests it was a close encounter from the off in the final with our eventual victors just having enough to see them over the line. In the Semi-finals Slinger & Monk dispatched Philippa Fletcher & Alec Taylor 21-9 after a supreme display whilst Bolton & Quayle saw off Peter Karran & Jo Smith 21-15 at the same stage.

Fallers at the quarter final stage were Lynda & Derek Cadamy, Lynda Richman & John Matheson, Kath Kinley & Ron Williams and Paula Firth & Jordan Cain. Thanks must go to Finch Hill for a well run competition and to Zurich International for their appreciated support of the event.

Report by Mark Kneen

The Bill Oliver Junior Open was played for on Port St Mary Green on Saturday 3rd August and attracted a very good entry of 25 young bowlers.

It was a perfect day for bowling and the Green was in excellent condition. The Competition was played in a round robin format and was split into two sections, the younger juniors and the older juniors.

The winner of the younger section was Thomas Young who beat Juan Kneen in the final. The winner of the older section was won by Bobby Thorn who beat Casey Bolton in the final.

The standard of bowling throughout the afternoon was of a very high standard and bodes well for the future of Manx bowling. Bobby Thorn in particular is one to watch out for. He played excellent bowls all afternoon.

Roy Oliver, the sponsors son, was present from the start of the competition and presented the prizes at the conclusion. All of the competitors were presented with a commemorative medal.
Special thanks must go to Louis Callister and Chris Holland for running the comp. in a very professional way and to Jayne Kneen, Colin Holland and George Peach for acting as coaches to the younger section players and Sam Palmer for all his assistance during the competition.

Thomas Young

Bobby Thorne & Casey Bolton

A couple of showers didn’t spoil a great afternoon at South Ramsey on Sunday as 32 pairs competed for the Kennish Cup, on a green in superb condition.

At the end of the day the same surnames as the previous year will go on the trophy with Jenny Moore and Bob Clark following on from Elaine Moore and Andy Clark in 2012. This was in fact Jenny’s fourth time winning this event, all with different partners; Bob also having been successful in 2008.

In a final that went all the way the victors beat the pairing of Viv and Chas Grills who opened with a three on the first end; but then Moore and Clark moved into a 17-12 lead, before their opponents fought back to a deficit of just one.

A pair at the next end saw a score of 19-16; but not to be outdone the Grills moved back into the lead at 20-19; two singles decided the outcome and brought to an end a very successful afternoon.

Losing semi-finalists were Alison Keggen and Michael Collister, along with Jordan Cain and Paula Firth. Falling at the quarter-finals stage were Irene Brew and Alan Moore; Mary and John Alderson; Casey Bolton and Trevor Quayle; and Elaine Moore and James Teare.

The prizes were presented by Fiona and Shelley Kennish on behalf of the family who thanked everyone for any help and those who took part.

There was a turnout of 35 pairs for the tournament with some excellent bowling throughout the day but it was David Bradford and Nicola Kneale, playing in her very first competition, that went on to win the event with a resounding 21-11 victory over Phil Kerruish & Amanda Lawler in the final.

Losing semi finalists were Harry & Joyce Kelly along with Paul Firth & Bob Clark. Fallers at the quarter final stage were Trish Bull & Ray Watterson; Phillipa Fletcher & Alec Taylor; Zoe & Sid Bolton together with John Keenan & Diane Hartup.

At the conclusion of the event, John Keenan, Vice President of Ballaugh Bowling Club, presented the trophy and prizes after paying particular thanks to the generosity of SPAR, the sponsors for the second year.

Douglas bowling club celebrated their 125 year anniversary in fine style putting on a magnificent competition to commemorate to occasion. The partnership with Okells is a fitting one as Dr Okell was himself a founder member of the bowling club. It was a fantastic continuation of festival week with a strong entry fighting it out at the Villa Marina, straight after the main event, to earn their place in the last 32 on Saturday and a chance of the £500 first prize, the biggest prize in the local game outside of the actual festival.

Onchan player David Bradford played magnificently all day on Saturday and topped this off with a 21-15 final win over teammate Kevin Quirk on the magnificent Villa green. Bradford took control from the off and kept his nose in front to seal a memorable victory, picking up the coveted Ken Williamson trophy in the process for being furthest Manxman in the competition.

Quirk too played his part brilliantly, showing his talented children that there is still life in the old dog yet, particularly in the semi-finals where he beat Peter Collister (South Ramsey) 21-8. It is great to see Collister back in the game and playing at such a high level after a long absence from the sport and it is hard to believe that it was 30 years ago that he picked up his own June Festival win.

In the other semi-final Bradford had to battle hard to overcome Island Champion Glynn Hargraves (Onchan) 21-19. Bradford held a commanding 19-12 lead before Hargraves dug deep closing the deficit to just one point at 20-19. Bradford held his nerve superbly to finish the game of and book his final berth. Fallers at the quarter final stage were Mike Hargraves (Castletown), Janet Monk (Mooragh Park), Stuart Garrett & Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (both Douglas).

At the conclusion of the competition Douglas Bowling Club president Roy Williams, along with Judith Cussack (Okells) and Denis Williamson presented the prizes. It is fantastic to see clubs trying new things and this event was undoubtedly a success and praise must go to everyone at the club involved and the green keepers who turned out an immaculate playing surface. Thanks must also go to main sponsor Okells Brewery along with Denis Williamson, D L Gellings & Visit IOM who all put up prizes for the event.

The continuation of the glorious TT weather drew 32 pairs to a superbly prepared Castletown green on Sunday for the Tony Brown Mixed Pairs competition with the winners being Andy Clark and Elaine Moore who triumphed 21-9 in the final over Phil Kerruish and Amanda Lawler.

The husband and wife pairing of Ray and Ann Maddrell fell in the semis to the eventual winners while Neil Withers and Hannah Kermode were the other last-four players. Losers in the quarters were George and Sue Peach, Ron Williams with Kath Kinley, Rob and Janet Monk and also Juan Kermode with Doreen Ashworth.

As always the main purpose of this event is to raise money for local charities and this year the sponsor, Tony Brown, chose ‘Manx Miracles’ which is a parent led concern for families and children that have additional needs. Thanks to the generosity of all players and the sponsor, as well as several of the prize winners who returned their prizes, an excellent sum of £238.00 was raised.

Report by Mark Kneen

Douglas Bowling Club played host to the Haldane Fisher Mixed Doubles competition on Mad Sunday and a good line up of 19 pairs made it onto the grid despite the rearranges TT races. Matthew Keggen & Rachel Quirk notched up their second title of the season with a 21-14 final victory over Jordan Cain & Paula Firth.

Our winners were in control of the final throughout and found themselves in a 20-9 lead before the runners up staged a bit of a fight back. Both pairs played exceptionally well over the whole day however Keggen & Quirk were more consistent on the extremely tricky green, not necessarily playing many more good woods than their opponents, but certainly less wayward ones.

In the semi-finals our eventual victors but in a brilliant performance to see off Robert & Janet Monk 21-11 whilst Cain & Firth survived an epic tussle with Stuart & Paula Garret to emerge 21-20 winners and book their final birth. Fallers at the quarter finals stage were Glynn & Kim Hargraves, John & Fiona Kennish and Tim & Katy Williams.

At the conclusion of the competition Douglas Bowling Club President Roy Williams presented the prizes thanking everyone for their support of the competition and paid particular thanks to the sponsor Haldane Fisher.

Report by Mark Kneen

Port St Mary’s Sam Palmer played exceptionally well to pick up the Island Junior title at Marown Bowling Club on Saturday beating defending champion Casey Bolton 21-4 in the final.

Palmer was simply imperious in the final and left Casey no place to hide as his bowls shadowed the jack throughout. Casey should be commended for reaching the final for a second occasion and it was a great attempted defence of her title. Both finalists have qualified to travel away to represent the Island in the British Junior Merit finals in August and I wish them both every success.

Tie of the competition came in the semi-finals with Palmer just seeing off hotly tipped home greener Luke Hyland in an epic encounter 21-20. Hyland should not be discouraged as he really did nothing wrong and played his part magnificently in making this a tremendous match. In the other semi Casey put out Manx Youth Games participant Edward Walker 21-5, Walker is younger than a lot of the field and a real talent and I am sure this is not the last we will see of him. The remaining quarter finalists were Jake Cade, Bobby Thorn, Thomas Curphy and Sam Stannard-Duke.

The future of our game looks in great hands and I hope to see the numbers growing in years to come but things are certainly moving in the right direction. The day though belongs to Sam, himself a Manx Youth Games Coach, and it is great to see him emulating the form of his head coach Glynn Hargraves who picked up the senior title just a few weeks ago. Actually we better watch out for these coaches from South and with George Peach set to take part in the over 60’s championships what are the odds on them doing a clean sweep?