Report by Mark Kneen

There was a new sponsor and a new look for the mixed doubles competition held at Douglas bowling club on Saturday 20^th April. A total of 29 pairs put their names forward for the draw of the Isle of Man Farmers competition which in a new format was redrawn each round up until the final, meaning that nobody knew who they were due to play after the first round. Programmes and spot prizes were also a new feature on the day and despite one or two small teething problems the competition ran extremely smoothly and was a huge success, as was the first proper test for the new refurbished catering facilities.

The field was a stellar cast and featured all of the main contenders you would expect to see fighting out for glory in a Mixed Doubles competition along with some new ad hoc pairings, which is always good to see. Inaugural winners Janet & Robert Monk played the tricky green exceptionally well and when ability seemed to elude other players who couldn’t get their heads around the green they managed to conquer the Villa and show mastery of their craft. They beat John Kennish & Jenny Moore 21-16 after an enthralling final.

The eventual victors had their work cut out getting to the final after a hard fought contest with Rachel Quirk & Matthew Keggen in the semis. Kennish & Moore struggled to find their best in the final but got their thanks to a strong showing which saw them eliminate home greeners Stuart & Paula Garrett 21-12 at the same stage.

Fallers at the quarter final stage were Brian & Sandy Lowe, Paula Firth & Jordan Cain, Ray & Ann Maddrell and Edward Trustham & Brenda Williams.

After a truly successful event Mike Caley of Isle of Man Farmers presented the prizes. In this day and age of falling open numbers it is great to see a club trying new things and being prepared to think outside the box and step away from the norm.

Report by Paul Bradford

As a result of the sterling efforts of greenkeepers Alan Kelly and Dave
Foulis following the devastating snowfall at the end of March, the green at
Ballaugh was opened for the first time this season, enabling the Ayre Mowers
sponsored Men’s singles competition to be played today.

The green was predictably heavy which suited John Kennish throughout the day
and into the final where he defeated his former Onchan team mate Phil
Kerruish 21-13. Losing semi finalists were Kevin Quirk of Onchan and Chas Grills
of South Ramsey.

Losing quarter finalists were Matthew Quirk, Mark Kneen, Neil Withers and Colin Kelly

Report by Sean Lilley

The C.Tarleton Hodgson sponsored Jubliee Cup attracted a very good entry of 19 teams.  The weather was dry but the cold and blustery wind made conditions tricky.  The Green was in excellent condition as usual and the standard of bowling all afternoon was of the highest standard.

The eventual winners were Kevin, Rosemary and Mathew Quirk, who beat the team of John and Fiona Kennish and Alan Moore 21-18 in a closely fought final coming back from 16-8 down.

In the semi finals the Quirk team defeated the team of Margaret Tasker, Tricia Bull and Ron Maycox by score of 21-9 and the Kennish/Kennish/Moore team beat Bob Clark, Shelley Kennish and Nathan Cooil by the score of 21-19.  Losing out in the quarter finals were Stuart and Paula Garrett and Paul Kelly,  Ken Karran, Louis and Rita Callister,  Val McFarlane and Ray and Ann Maddrell and Sam Palmer, Edwina Reid and Dorothey Mylchreest.

Thanks to Rachel Quirk for the picture.

The first mixed doubles of the season was held today at Nobles Mixed Bowling club.

Despite the cold and damp weather the competition was played in high spirits and the eventual winners were Paula & Stuart Garrett beating Rachel Quirk & Matthew Keggen 21-18 in a final that was close from start to finish.

Losing semi-finalists were the home green duo of Clare Cooper & David Thomas and Fiona & John Kennish.