News: Ladies
Marown Dent South Ramsey Title Chase
South Ramsey suffered their first defeat of the season away at Marown in last weeks matches. Marown picked up five wins in the match including Celia Joughin 21-7 over Gil Morgan and Lil Smith winning 21-8 against Elaine Moore who was herself undefeated going into the match. The final score was a 25 point victory 169-144 (5-4).
Castletown A put in another strong home performance beating rivals Nobles 182-120 (8-1). Amanda Lawler was the top scorer for the home side winning 21-7 with Clare Cooper saving Nobles blushes with a 21-14 win over Hilary Kermode. With South Ramsey dropping points Castletown now sit top of the league.
Port St Mary following their sit out last week had an excellent away performance at Ballaugh keeping the pressure on at the top. Port St Mary won 88-185 (1-8) with Jayne Kneen, Ann Maddrell, Wendy Kennuagh, Chris Price and Margaret Tasker winning to single figures. Ballaugh avoided a whitewash with Diane White beating Elaine Hawkings 21-17.
Purt Le Morriey produced a brilliant home performance against Onchan to win 185-123 (8-1). Chris Holland, Edwina Reid and Pauline Worrall all won to single figures. Dee Lewis was Onchan’s sole winner 21-17 against Mavis Franks.
Port Erin and Douglas finished 5-4 on games but the home side managed to win two matches to single figures thanks to Jean Thackrah and Phil Dobson allowing them to win the match by 21 chalks 159-138 (5-4)
Mooragh Park slipped to a 20 point defeat at home to Peel Sunset. Mary Moffatt, Shirley Corrin, Heather Horsburgh, Cath Parker and Val Alwood were all on target for Peel with Janet Monk, Caroline Parker, Ellie Cowell and Anne Kean winning for Mooragh. The final score 134-154 (4-5)
After game round 16 Castletown sit top of the pile holding a slender four chalk lead over South Ramsey. Nobles lie in third 115 chalks from the top. Port St Mary have played a game less than the three ahead of them and as a result sit fourth. With a deficit of only 142 chalks they will look to chip into that lead and leapfrog when they catch up on games.
There is a new leader at the top of the individual merit with Castletown’s Amanda Lawler leading the way ahead of Jenny Moore and Elaine Moore (both South Ramsey).
Jean Kelly Victory For Underdogs Nobles
Jean Kelly Winners 2018
Back: Jayne Smith, Joyce Ogden, Lisa Boland, Jan West, Clare Cooper, Alison Keggen, Lin RuscoeFront: Paula Firth, Debbie Leece, Rebecca Teare, Sylvia Kennuagh
The Jean Kelly Memorial Competition Final was contested on Thursday 12th July at Onchan Bowling Club.
In a repeat of last year’s final current holders Port St Mary took on Nobles, with Nobles starting with a 10 point chalk handicap. In their only league meeting this season Port St Mary won by 85 chalks and went into the final favourites to win their fifth title.
The first game off was a win for Nobles with Debbie Leece defeating Katy Williams 21-11. Port St Mary responded quickly with Trish Bull beating Sylvia Kennuagh. Sylvia battled back from 14-6 down to 15-15 before losing 21-17. Third game off was another Nobles win with Rebecca Teare beating Ann Maddrell, their game was level 10-10 after 11 ends before Rebecca managed to pull away and won the game 21-15. Port St Mary then won the final two games of the first half. Jayne Kneen (PSM) held a 12-3 lead over Lin Ruscoe before Lin won six ends without reply to move 13-12 up. Jayne regained the block and closed out the game 21-16. Val Macfarlane (PSM) defeated Paula Firth in another game which was finely poised before a breakaway. After 19 ends Val led 13-12 before making the decisive breakaway winning six ends to lead 20-12, Paula managed to win one more end before Val closed out the game 21-13. After five games Nobles led by nine chalks.
The first game in the second half proved to be the crucial turning point in the match with Clare Cooper playing Margaret Tasker. Clare got off to a flying start moving 7-1 up after six ends before an 11 point break took her from 8-4 to 19-4. Margaret picked up a couple more points before Clare closed the game out 21-7 increasing Nobles lead to 23 points.
Next off was Jayne Smith who defeated Wendy Kennuagh from 11-14 down to run out winning 21-14, further increasing Nobles lead to 30 points.
Port St Mary claimed their fourth and final win with Chris Price defeating Alison Keggen. After early lead by Alison, Chris found her length and built a 14-7 lead after 17 ends. Alison battled hard but Chris proved too strong. The game finished 21-16.
The final game of the night was between Kellie Maddrell-Reeve (PSM) and Jan West. Kellie started off well building a 7-4 lead before Jan managed to get on a run to move 13-8 ahead. Kellie battled and moved within a point trailing 16-15 after 28 ends. Jan wrestled back control of the jack and ran out 21-15 winner.
Nobles claimed an overall 31 chalk victory 177-146 winning 5-4 on games. It is Nobles first victory in the Jean Kelly since Nobles Mixed and Nobles Park merged in 2015. Nobles Park and Mixed previously won in 2001 and 2012 respectively.
Heather Horsburgh introduced Moore Kelly who conducted the presentation on behalf of his family.
Thanks were paid to Onchan Bowling Club for hosting the final, to the commissioners for providing an excellent playing surface and to Moore Kelly and family for providing a lovely buffet and prizes for the winners and runners up.
The Jean Kelly Memorial Competition Final was contested on Thursday 12th July at Onchan Bowling Club.
In a repeat of last year’s final current holders Port St Mary took on Nobles, with Nobles starting with a 10 point chalk handicap. In their only league meeting this season Port St Mary won by 85 chalks and went into the final favourites to win their fifth title.
The first game off was a win for Nobles with Debbie Leece defeating Katy Williams 21-11. Port St Mary responded quickly with Trish Bull beating Sylvia Kennuagh. Sylvia battled back from 14-6 down to 15-15 before losing 21-17. Third game off was another Nobles win with Rebecca Teare beating Ann Maddrell, their game was level 10-10 after 11 ends before Rebecca managed to pull away and won the game 21-15. Port St Mary then won the final two games of the first half. Jayne Kneen (PSM) held a 12-3 lead over Lin Ruscoe before Lin won six ends without reply to move 13-12 up. Jayne regained the block and closed out the game 21-16. Val Macfarlane (PSM) defeated Paula Firth in another game which was finely poised before a breakaway. After 19 ends Val led 13-12 before making the decisive breakaway winning six ends to lead 20-12, Paula managed to win one more end before Val closed out the game 21-13. After five games Nobles led by nine chalks.
The first game in the second half proved to be the crucial turning point in the match with Clare Cooper playing Margaret Tasker. Clare got off to a flying start moving 7-1 up after six ends before an 11 point break took her from 8-4 to 19-4. Margaret picked up a couple more points before Clare closed the game out 21-7 increasing Nobles lead to 23 points.
Next off was Jayne Smith who defeated Wendy Kennuagh from 11-14 down to run out winning 21-14, further increasing Nobles lead to 30 points.
Port St Mary claimed their fourth and final win with Chris Price defeating Alison Keggen. After early lead by Alison, Chris found her length and built a 14-7 lead after 17 ends. Alison battled hard but Chris proved too strong. The game finished 21-16.
The final game of the night was between Kellie Maddrell-Reeve (PSM) and Jan West. Kellie started off well building a 7-4 lead before Jan managed to get on a run to move 13-8 ahead. Kellie battled and moved within a point trailing 16-15 after 28 ends. Jan wrestled back control of the jack and ran out 21-15 winner.
Nobles claimed an overall 31 chalk victory 177-146 winning 5-4 on games. It is Nobles first victory in the Jean Kelly since Nobles Mixed and Nobles Park merged in 2015. Nobles Park and Mixed previously won in 2001 and 2012 respectively.
Heather Horsburgh introduced Moore Kelly who conducted the presentation on behalf of his family.
Thanks were paid to Onchan Bowling Club for hosting the final, to the commissioners for providing an excellent playing surface and to Moore Kelly and family for providing a lovely buffet and prizes for the winners and runners up.
Runners Up
Photos courtesy of Moore Kelly
Port St Mary Ladies Lead At Halfway Stage
Port St Mary Ladies Team 2017
Back: Wendy Kennuagh, Chris Price, Kelly Maddrell-Reeve, Margret Tasker, Ann Maddrell, Trish Bull, Val MacFarlane, Win CollisterFront: Jayne Kneen, Katy Maddrell
As we reach the halfway stage in the C Tarlton Hodgson Ladies Bowling League only five points now separate the top three with Port St Mary leading the way on 2049 followed by South Ramsey 2046 and Castletown 2044. Nobles are in fourth position, and although they have drifted 89 points back from the leaders, they will still mount a challenge for the top spots.
Onto the results and we start with the most in form team at present Castletown. They were averaging just over 185 coming into the week and showed no signs of slowing down after another strong home performance where despite losing four games they still managed over 170 chalks. Two of their losses were 21-20 with Peel players Heather Horsburgh and Lynda Wilson just getting over the line. The returning Kath Kinley won 21-8 for the home side with Tracey Moore, Amanda Lawler and Heike Perry also winning to single figures. For Peel, Mary Moffatt top scored beating Sue Peach 21-9. Final match score 173-132 (5-4).
Port St Mary travelled the short distance to rivals Port Erin. Port St Mary had the better results on the night with Chris Price, Jayne Kneen, Kellie Maddrell-Reeve and Margret Tasker all winning to single figures. Port Erin did pick up three wins with Lynda Cadamy and Voirrey Curphey winning to single figures and Jenny Cain beating Katy Williams 21-19. The result finished 122-156 (3-6).
Purt Le Moirrey welcomed South Ramsey with the away side triumphing with a fine 136-173 (4-5) victory. Kim Hargraves top scored for the away side beating Chris Holland 21-4 whilst Jenny Moore also won to single figures beating Debra Cooper 21-8. Elaine Moore retained her 100% record notching up another win beating Dot Mylchreast 21-11.
Nobles bounced back from their result last week beating Onchan 171-108 (7-2). Nobles picked up some big wins as Clare Cooper won 21-1, Jayne Smith 21-4, Alison Keggen and Debbie Leece both winning 21-6. Onchan did pick up two wins from Jo Smith and Sue Gawne, with Dee Lewis unlucky to add a third losing 21-20 to Lin Ruscoe.
Douglas faced Castletown B with both teams containing players who are in their first and second year of bowling. Douglas got the upper hand in all but one game winning 180-94 (8-1). Rebekah Kelly won her first game of the season with Shantelle Thorpe also winning her second game of the season. Castletown’s Elaine McElroy prevented a whitewash winning her game 21-12.
In the final game on Friday Ballaugh were narrowly defeated at home to Marown 134-153 (4-5). Lil Smith and Elaine Dewhurst put in fine away performances to win 21-2 and 21-6 respectively with wins also for Rosie Winckle, Pat Withers and Mary Alderson. Ballaugh’s winners were Brenda Bowyer, Elaine Fenton, Gill Dixon and Pat Mason who won 21-6 in her game.
With half the season now gone the league has taken shape and the current top four will swap and change places and fight until the league concludes in September.
Individually Elaine Moore is the only player to have won all 12 games; although a mention to Top Lady winner Hannah Drewett who has only played 11 games but has a 100% record. Elaine is chased by team-mate Lyn Bolton who with Port St Mary’s Chris Price is only one chalk behind.
Looking ahead Port St Mary sit out giving the chasers free reign to pull ahead, at least temporarily. Nobles entertain Castletown B, South Ramsey go to Ballaugh and Castletown with a home tie to Douglas.
Janet Wins 7th Manx Championship
Ladies Manx Championship Winner 2018
Mooragh Park hosted the Ladies Championship on Saturday 30th June with a field of 26 ladies.
Three former champions, Jenny Moore (South Ramsey); Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) and last years winner Shelley Kennish (South Ramsey), along with Lyn Bolton (South Ramsey), Alison Keggen (Nobles), Amanda Lawler (Castletown), Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Rebecca Teare (Nobles) made up the quarter finals.
Two time champion Jenny Moore defeated fellow club mate Lyn Bolton to book her place in the semi finals and would face Rebecca Teare who booked her spot beating Caroline Whitehead.
Amanda Lawler ended Shelley Kennish title defence and six time champion Janet Monk defeated Alison Keggen.
In the first Semi Final Jenny Moore got off to a good start racing to a 13-4 lead after 11 ends. Rebecca dug in to chip away at the lead but couldn’t get a good run with the block and Jenny ran out 21-13 winner.
The second Semi Final was a repeat of the 2014 final with Janet Monk taking on Amanda Lawler. Janet started the game very well having a run with the block which saw her build up a 11-2 lead after 10 ends. Amanda closed the gap to 9-15 before a run of three 2’s saw Janet close out the game 21-9.
The final got underway with both players exchanging points in cagy a nip tuck battle which saw them level after eight ends with the score 5-5. Jenny and Janet tried to build momentum but with both bowling very well neither could make a break away. After 15 ends, with the game tight at 10-9 to Janet, the first decisive moment came. Janet reeled off a run of 6 ends to build a lead of 17-9. Jenny fought back with two quick doubles reduced the deficit to 17-13 before Janet moved within one point of victory 20-13. Jenny wasn’t done yet and came back finding a long mark which she settle on winning six ends to bring the scores level at 20-20. On the last end Jenny led a bowl which was just slightly tight and a yard through giving Janet room to leave her bowl counting for game. Jenny was unable to better her first bowl and Janet claimed her seventh Manx Championship extending her own record as the most decorated Ladies Manx Champion.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by Heather Horsburgh and President Sue Peach who thanked Mooragh Park for hosting the competition and to all those who assisted with the running of the competition.
Port St Mary Show Why They Are Champions
Following a busy week of bowls for the June Festival the night league returned. The superb weather the island has been treated to over the last couple of weeks has made most of the greens fast and very tricky.
Kicking things off is the top 3 clash of Port St Mary vs Nobles. Second place South Ramsey sat out from this round of matches but were keeping a close eye on the match to see who would be top going into the final matches of the first half of the season. The Port St Mary green was running very fast with the home ladies using their home advantage to great effect to inflict Nobles biggest defeat since 2011.
Ann Maddrell and Trish Bull got Port St Mary off to a flying start both winning 21-2. Katy Williams and Val Macfarlane followed this up winning 21-12 and 21-16 respectively. Alison Keggen got Nobles on the board with a 21-11 victory. In the second half Port St Mary dominated winning all four games with Jayne Kneen 21-4, Chris Price 21-11, Margaret Tasker 21-12 and Kellie Maddrell-Reeve 21-14. The final match score was 179-94 (8-1).
Onchan welcomed Douglas with the match decided by 7 chalks. Onchan won five of the nine available games with Marilyn Ellison top scoring for the home side 21-6. The away side dug in and despite only winning four games Muriel Cain, Wendy Cowin and Paula Garrett all won to single figures to give the away side the chalks victory 136-143 (5-4).
Marown faced Purt Le Moirrey and it was the away side who mastered the very fast green the best taking an overall win by 45 chalks. Chris Holland and Roma Ware won to single figures for the away team with wins also from Sandra Lowe, Win Collister, Brenda Hawkard and Rita Callister. For the home side Rosie Winckle, Elaine Dewhirst and Lil Smith. Final match score 128-173 (3-6).
Peel entertained Ballaugh at Sunset City with the home-side just doing enough to take the victory. The match was tight on games with Peel winning five of the nine matches including single figure wins for Lynda Wilson and Sue Jones. Peel had the edge on the chalks to take the match 168-145 (5-4).
In the final match Castletown A faced their B team for the first time this year with the league newcomers suffering a whitewash defeat 189-85 (9-0).
With one game to go before the half way point Port St Mary hold a 20 chalk advantage over South Ramsey with Castletown only three points further back following their last four games in which they have averaged over 185. Nobles slip to fourth 104 points behind the leaders with clear daylight to fifth placed Peel Sunset. The title race will continue to be lively and I expect these top four teams to shuffle a little more before the end of the season.
Leaders Extend Winning Run
The Ladies Night League returned to action following TT fortnight and league leaders Port St Mary extended their winning streak to four matches with a strong away performance against Douglas.
Port St Mary players Val Macfarlane, Wendy Kennuagh, Chris Price and Ann Maddrell all won to single figures with Trish Bull just doing enough to win her game 21-19 against Shantelle Thorpe. For the home side Joan Murphy held on to win 21-20 against Kellie Maddrell-Reeve and Paula Garrett won 21-17 against Jayne Kneen ending her 100% record. Final match score 106-187 (2-7)
South Ramsey keep the pressure on Port St Mary with a strong away performance against Port Erin. Port Erin could only manage two wins with Lynda Cadamy and Leah Vickers winning 21-15 and 21-16 respectively. South Ramsey’s Elaine Moore, Fiona Kennish and Lyn Bolton all won to single figures with the match ending 115-178 (2-7).
Nobles have slipped to third and had the tricky away encounter against Mooragh Park. The home side managed to take three games off Nobles with wins for Caroline Parker, Janet Monk and Rosemary Quirk. Nobles won five of their six games to single figures to take the match 110-164 (3-6)
Purt Le Moirrey welcomed Peel Sunset with the away side taking the spoils 139-153 (3-6). Peel player Mary Moffatt top scored in the match with a fine 21-3 victory whilst home player Linda Dawson won 21-6.
Castletown A produced their best result of the season away at Ballaugh. The visitors produced a maximum performance winning 115-189 (0-9) with Marie Ashurst and Heike Perry winning to single figures. Another 100% record went as Gill Dixon lost narrowly to Kim Foy 19-21.
In the final match on Friday Castletown B faced Onchan. The match finished with an Onchan victory 148-180 (4-5) however Castletown B are improving each week and it won’t be long until they pick up their first league victory.
South Ramsey sit out the next round of matches but will keep a close eye on Port St Mary vs Nobles match to see how things stand as we approach the midway point in the season
League Chasers Drop Points
Castletown A hosted Port St Mary in last weeks match of the week. Both teams sit in the top four places and continue to chase Nobles and South Ramsey
The match was a very tight encounter with Castletown just getting the better results to win 147-141 (5-4). Home players Hannah Drewitt 21-8 and Tracy Moore 21-6 top scoring with wins also coming from Kim Foy, Heike Perry and Amanda Lawler. For the away team Jayne Kneen won 21-9 and Chris Price won 21-2 with Ann Maddrell and Val Macfarlane also winning.
With Port St Mary and Castletown dropping points South Ramsey used their considerable home advantage to great effect collecting a maximum and increasing the distance between the teams. South Ramsey defeated Castletown B 189-72 (9-0) with six of the South Ramsey ladies winning to single figures.
Nobles faced a tough away match travelling to the tricky Peel Sunset green. Nobles left the happier of the two sides after collecting a well earned victory 146-164 (4-5). Joyce Ogden had the best performance of the night winning 21-8 for the away side with wins also coming from Clare Cooper, Lin Ruscoe, Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare. For Peel Shirley Corrin, Heather Horsburgh, Mary Moffatt and Lynda Wilson.
Mooragh Park are starting to get used to playing at home again and notched up a 77 chalk victory over Onchan. Helen Martin, Janet Monk, Rosemary Quirk and Ann Chapman all won to single figures with Onchan player Sue Gawne winning her game 21-4 to make sure there was no full house for the home side. Final score 172-95 (8-1)
Marown put in another strong home performance beating Douglas 142-121 (8-1). Douglas will be disappointed not to have won more games with Ceila Joughin winning 21-20 against Wendy Cowin and Philippa Taylor winning 21-20 against Pat Kelly. Douglas only winner was Paula Garrett who won 21-6 to avoid a whitewash.
In the final match from Wednesday Ballaugh lost at home to Port Erin 123-163 (2-7). Elaine Fenton and Gill Dixon were Ballugh’s winners whilst Port Erin’s Phil Dobson and Carol Kaye won to single figures.
Onto Friday and South Ramsey travelled over the mountain to face Douglas at the Villa Bowling Green where in the last 3 years they have averaged over 177 chalks. Douglas however put in some great performances keeping South Ramsey for the first time this season to under 150 chalks. Douglas restricted South Ramsey with wins from Paula Garrett 21-4, Pat Kelly 21-7 and Wendy Cowin 21-10. South won the remaining six games but Douglas player Shantelle Thorpe just missed out on her first league victory going down 21-20 to Fiona Kennish and Muriel Cain was pipped 21-19 by Lyn Bolton. The final score 132-147 (3-6)
Castletown and Port St Mary bounced back from their earlier performance in the week and capitalised on South Ramsey dropping points. Castletown won away to Purt Le Moirrey 107-178 (1-8) with home greener Roma Ware preventing a whitewash. Port St Mary travelled to Onchan and picked up their first full house of the season winning 69-189 (0-9).
Nobles welcomed Marown and kept up their strong start to the season by winning the match 179-125 (6-3). Top scoring for the home side were Debbie Leece 21-5, Paula Firth 21-7 and Clare Cooper 21-4 with Jayne Smith, Rebecca Teare and Alison Keggen also winning. For the away side Philippa Taylor, Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle collected with the match finishing 179-125 (6-3)
Port Erin collected a fine home victory over Peel Sunset 173-115 (6-3). Caroline Whitehead and Lynda Cadamy both won 21-4 with Jenny Cain also winning 21-7 for the home side. Peels wins came from Mary Moffatt, Shirley Corrin and Joyce Kelly.
In the final result of the night Mooragh Park won 101-186 (1-8) away to Castletown B.
With the teams all playing a different number of matches we look at the average chalks to give us an idea of who is leading the way. The top four currently are Nobles (174), South Ramsey (168), Port St Mary (165) and Castletown (163).
Next week South Ramsey and Port St Mary catch up on previously postponed matches before Friday’s mouth watering clash of the current top two sides as Nobles make the journey north to play South Ramsey. Both teams will be looking to underpin their title credentials and South will be looking to dent the small advantage Nobles currently hold at the top of the table.
Early Leaders Drop Points
League Leaders Nobles travelled to the Purt Le Moirrey green where the home side put in a tough performance winning five of the nine games. At one point Nobles were in trouble with Lin Ruscoe 17-5 down to Chris Holland, Paula Firth 16-6 down to Roma Ware and Clare Cooper 12-4 down to Pauline Worrall. Nobles fought back, for the all important chalks, but these Purt Le Moirrey ladies proved too strong. A big win for Rebecca Teare 21-3 helped the Nobles ladies eventually win the match 144-169 (5-4).
South Ramsey improved their 2017 home performance against Champions Port St Mary. This year the winning margin was 24 chalks compared to last years three chalk victory. Big wins on either side as home players Elaine Moore 21-4, Jill Quayle 21-4 and Jenny Moore 21-9. Port St Mary’s Ann Maddrell won 21-6 and Trish Bull 21-9 evened up the scorecard. South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves was 18-7 down to Jayne Kneen before staging a great comeback to gain vital points for the team before falling at the last hurdle 21-20. The match finished 154-130 (5-4). Port St Mary will hope to overturn that result later in the season when the teams meet in August.
Mooragh Park played their first home game of the season against a strong Castletown outfit. Mooragh Park’s Vicky Lloyd-West was their standout performer preventing a whitewash winning 21-20 against Marie Ashurst. Amanda Lawler and Tracy Moore beat tough opponents Janet Monk and Helen Martin 12 and 16 respectivley. Caroline Parker and Ann Chapman just lost out 19 and 20 in their games with the final match score 128-188 (1-8).
Castletown B who are improving every week faced Peel Sunset at home. Newcomer Jo Robert beat last seasons merit runner up Mary Moffatt 21-15 and Barbara Young beat Cath Parker 21-16. Peel Sunset won five games overall including big wins from Shirley Corrin 21-4 and Lynda Wilson 21-7 giving Peel the victory 145-159 (4-5).
In the final matches played on Friday Ballaugh picked up their second win of the season defeating Douglas 164-135 (6-3). Marown proved too strong at home beating Onchan 181-109 (8-1) with Marilyn Ellison and Wendy McDowell both just losing 21-20.
Looking ahead to next week the Quarter Finals of the Jean Kelly take place on Thursday with Onchan (+45) vs Nobles (+15), Castletown A (scr) vs Mooragh Park (+25) and Purt Le Moirrey (+30) vs Peel Sunset (+25). Port St Mary (scr) vs Port Erin (+15) takes place on Tuesday 22nd May due to a green clash.
Friday sees a full set of night league fixtures with Castletown A sitting out this week.
South Ramsey Take Revenge
Early Leaders Nobles sat out from this weeks Ladies night league fixtures as champions Port St Mary would look to close the gap in their match against Marown.
Marown put on a big performance away from home taking four out of the nine games. In a high scoring match home greener Wendy Kennuagh won 21-20 against Elaine Dewhirst and Marown’s Rosie Winkle beat Chris Price 21-20 showing how close the match was on the night. Val Macfarlane top scored for the home side beating Shirley Whelan 21-8 and Port St Mary just had the upper edge overall winning the match 171-155 (5-4).
Ballaugh won their first match of the season away against Castletown B. Ballaugh picked up six games in the match with Gill Dixon winning 21-3. For the home side Sonya Mercer won her first league game with wins also for Tracy Moore and Barbara Young. The final score was 140-165 (3-6).
In the tightest match of the night Douglas welcomed Purt Le Moirrey to the Villa. The match was only separated by three chalks. A big home win for Paula Garrett 21-4 wasn’t enough as the away side won 5-4 on games with Edwina Reid and Linda Dawson winning to single figures. The final result was a Purt Le Moirrey win 152-155 (4-5)
A repeat of last weeks Jean Kelly tie saw Mooragh Park once again visit South Ramsey. Last week Mooragh triumphed knocking South Ramsey out. This week however South Ramsey prevailed restricting the visitors to under a hundred chalks. Janet Monk won 21-8 over Lauren Groen to prevent a whitewash in a match that finished 176-96 (8-1) with some strong individual performances from the South Ramsey ladies.
In the final matches Castletown faced Port Erin away at Breagle Glen and came away with a fine 116-170 (2-7) victory. Onchan hosted Peel Sunset with the away team winning 142-157 (4-5).
Looking ahead Mooragh Park play their first home match of the season following the work to their green and Castletown make the trip up North. Port St Mary face their toughest away challenge of the season so far as they face last years runners up South Ramsey. South Ramsey won last seasons tie 162-159 (5-4). Next weeks encounter should be just as close.
South Ramsey Storm The Castle
Game 4 of the Ladies League and Friday’s match of the day saw Castletown host South Ramsey. The home side won 6-3 on games however lost the match 164-170. South Ramsey lost six games however each held their own scoring a minimum of 13 and a number of games went down to the wire with Joy Stephens beating Kim Hargraves 21-20 and Heike Perry beating Lyn Bolton 21-20. The difference between the sides was a standout performance from Elaine Moore who won 21-4 to seal the victory for South Ramsey.
Port Erin welcomed Nobles to Breagle Glen with the away side unexpectedly picking up a full house winning 118-189.
A second whitewash of the evening also came down south as Purt Le Moirrey played Castletown B. The home side put on a strong home performance to win 189-72.
Port St Mary travelled to the tricky Peel Sunset green and a solid showing from last years league winners resulted in a win 148-169 (2-7). Shirley Corrin and Mary Moffatt won for Peel and Joyce Kelly just lost to Margaret Tasker 21-20.
In the remaining matches Ballaugh lost at home to Onchan 135-144 (5-4) and Marown beat Mooragh Park 169-151.
The preliminary rounds of the Jean Kelly competition took place on Wednesday 18th April. The closest match of the night came from South Ramsey who faced Mooragh Park. The visitors started with a 25 point handicap and two big wins from Janet Monk and Caroline Parker only added to the advantage. South Ramsey won six of the nine games but were unable to reduce the deficit losing by 10 chalks 151-161.
Current holders Port St Mary played Marown at home with the away team having a 25 point handicap. Port St Mary put on a strong performance at home winning 181-143 (7-2) with Rosie Winkle and Lil Smith winning for Marown.
In the other matches Castletown A won away at Douglas 139-179 (1-8) with Paula Garrett the only winner for the home side. Ballaugh faced Port Erin with the visitors winning 141-179 (2-7) and Peel Sunset beat Castletown B 202-180 (6-3).
Quarter Final draw Thursday 10th May Onchan (+45) vs Nobles (+15), Castletown A (SCR) vs Mooragh Park (+25) and Purt Le Moirrey (+30) vs Peel Sunset (+25). Tuesday 22nd May Port St Mary (SCR) vs Port Erin (+15).
Looking ahead this Saturday Port St Mary host the Top Lady invitation competition. 32 Ladies will compete in the competition, players have qualified by winning their team merit last season with the remaining spots taken from the top placed players in the overall merit. Last years champion Janet Monk will be amongst the 32 ladies.