Colin Kelly (Marown) was in imperious form as he won the coveted Jim Kernan trophy at South Ramsey on Saturday. Kelly, who had been in devastating form all day, saved his best for the final where he beat visiting bowler Matt Gilmore (Wirral).

Both players were on top form in the final however Kelly just hit a devastating length from the off and it always looked like it was going to be his day.

Neither player had it easy in the semi final either with Kelly battling his way past Dave ‘Dido; Kelly (South Ramsey) whilst Gilmore got the better of David Bradford (Onchan).

A fantastic entry of 61 players were treated to one of the best yet tricky playing surfaces around and the green keepers should be congratulated for doing an immaculate job. Thanks also go to George Brew for his continued sponsorship of the competition.

Seven times Island champion John Kennish was imperious form as he dominated the Cain Cup at Casteltown on Saturday from first bowl to last.

Its frightening with the Island Championships this weekend just how easily Kennish cut through a quality field of 41 in a scratch competition he clearly used as a warm up for the main event, and if he carries this form with him will be a formidable force of nature and almost impossible to stop, especially on his home green.

Kennish competed his rout defeating Paul Skelly in a high quality final, however Skelly was unable to make much impact into the game as Kennish just settled on a length from the off.

Skelly will draw confidence from his performance in making the final and will take this with him next weekend where he is a definite contender on a South Ramsey green which has brought him success in recent seasons.

Kennish made the final at the expense of the evergreen Ian Kissack who played exceptionally all day to make it that far but was unable to live with Kennish. Skelly dispatched John’s brother Andy Kennish at the same stage.

Thanks go the Castletown bowling club for providing a green in good condition and running what is now becoming one of the most popular dates in the men’s calendar.

It was a case of déjà vu for 1996 Island Champion Gary Conwell as he won the Henry Kissack trophy at Marown on Saturday for the third time.

Conwell, who’s last open success came in this very same competition in 2009, was in imperious form all day but saved his majestic best for the final where he beat Michael Collister 21-11.

He was unplayable in the final and every time it looked like Collister would get a foothold to climb back into the game he produced winner after winner to claim the title.

Collister should also be lauded for exploits on the day and particularly his 21-17 semi-final win over Castletown stable mate Aaron ‘Bob’ Clark. Conwell knocked out home greener Brian ‘Boothy’ Kelly at the same stage.

Losing out in the quarter finals were Arnie Withers, Phil ‘Rambo’ Kelly, Bobby Thorne and David Proctor. Marown bowling club should once again be congratulated for putting on another superbly well run competition.

Ian Kissack & Mike Hargraves turned back time as these two evergreen over 60’s put in some tremendous performances to win the men’s doubles at Peel Bowling Club on Saturday.

There was another blast from the past in the final and it was great to see multiple Island champion Andy Kennish back on the open circuit partnered by Lee Dawson. Kennish & Dawson played brilliantly all day but were no match for Kissack & Hargraves in the final who put their foot on the gas from the off and never backed off with a 21-9 win.

In the semi finals our eventual victors were equally as ruthless against Jordan Cain & Bob Clark beating the youngsters 21-11 whilst our runners up just had the edge to see off the challenge of homegreeners Frank Watson & Jerome Surridge.

As always it was a well run competition on a tricky playing surface and our winners fully deserve every accolade afforded them as they were the class act on the day – well done fellas!

The Clague Kermeen was played on Saturday 20th July in glorious sunshine with 28 men taking part.

The eventual winner was home greener David Bradford who retained the trophy with a 21-14 win over Colin Kelly of Marown. Losing semi finalists were Edward Trustham (Ballaugh) and Tony Hart (South Ramsey). Losing quarter finalists were Mike Alexander, Alan Moore, Peter Karran and Neil Withers.

The Dreswick Cup, sponsored by the Albert Hotel, Port St Mary, was played for on Port St Mary Green on Thursday 18th July and attracted an excellent entry of 46 competitors.

The weather was hot and sunny and the Green was in superb condition and the bowling throughout the day was of a very high standard.

The eventual winner was Trevor Quayle who beat Mathew Quirk 21-17 in a closely contested final. In the semi finals, Quayle beat Glynn Hargraves 21-11 and Quirk beat Juan Hargraves 21-13. Losing out in the quarter finals were Seamus Whelan, Arnie Withers, Colin Kelly and Neil Withers.

At the conclusion of the competition the prizes were presented by the sponser Mr Pat Omeara, from the Albert Hotel.

Report by Sean Lillie

David Bradford was the worthy winner of the magnificent Ramsey Town Cup at Morragh Park on Saturday with a dominant 21-9 final win over Paul Leece. Bradford got ahead and stayed there and on this occasion was too good for his opponent, who must also be commended as he played excellently all day to reach the final.

In the Semi- Finals Bradford knocked out newcomer Geoff Porter 21-11. Porter may have fell short this time but he is one to watch after only just taking up the sport this season. In fact in his quarter final he eliminated Island Champion Glynn Hargraves 21-13 which goes to show the progress he has already made!

In the other Semi-final Leece had his work cut out against the hard to handle Syd Bolton before progressing with a narrow 21-18 win. Other Quarter finalists were Brian Colquitt, Tony Smart and Peter Collister. At the conclusion of the competition prizes were presented on behalf of Ramsey Town Commissioners by Dr Alanson, head of parks and leisure.

Report by Mark Kneen

Neil Withers lifted his second cup in two day last Sunday, as he won the RNLI cup at Nobles Mixed Bowling club, after finding himself on the right side of an epic 21-20 final encounter with Matthew Keggen.

It was a truly brilliant final with Keggen doing all the work in the early stages before Withers stepped in and found his customary length over the middle, moving through the gears to go from 13-10 in arrears to lead 20-13.

Keggen didn’t give in however and after trailing the jack set off to the corners where he picked up three quick two’s to draw level. With a great lead bowl he must have thought it was his day however Withers made sure he reached and ran the block for the final point required to secure victory.

Both players were at the top of their game in the semi-finals with Withers beating Trevor Qualye 21-8 and Keggen overcoming June Festival finalist Matthew Quirk 21-7. Fallers in the quarter finals were Arnie Withers, Paul Kelly, Phil Kerruish and Peter Lees. At the conclusion of the competition Douglas Lifeboat President Peter Cain presented the prizes and £150 was raised for the RNLI.