Clark Wins Ballaugh Men’s Singles
Bob Clark - Ballaugh Singles Winner 2023
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe first Men’s singles open competition of the 2023 season took place at Ballaugh Bowling Club on Saturday, with some spare dates in the bowling calendar Ballaugh were the lucky recipients of the extra open. The competition attracted an entry of 43 on a good day, with the green running particularly well for the time of year.
The first two quarter finals had South Ramsey players progress to the next round as David Bradford came through 21-16 against Matthew Keggen (Marown). Also progressing was Bob Clark who ended the hopes of another Marown player, Brian Kelly with a 21-9 win.
In the bottom half of the draw Neil Withers overcame Marown clubmate Karl Parker 21-17 in a close game, whilst Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) held off Castletown man Nathan Hamilton 21-15.
In the semi-finals Clark was just too good for Bradford with the former running out with a 21-10 win to book his place in the final, whilst Neil Withers went one better as he beat Roberts 21-9 to claim his spot in the final.
The final got underway with Withers fully punishing Clark on the first end as the latter passed up the opportunity to make two as the Marown man played out Clark’s counting bowl, only for Clark to respond with a two. On the third end Clark once again didn’t make two, with Withers once again taking advantage to score a single and tie the game at 8-8.
Clark then got into his groove as he played brilliantly to pick up two singles then three consecutive doubles to shoot ahead 16-8 . Withers threatened a comeback as he jumped in on a poor lead from Clark the following end to claim a two, then started to work his way around the green scoring two more singles.
The South Ramsey man clicked back into gear pouncing on a poor lead from Withers, as Clark scored a single then made certain of the victory with two good ends to run out with a well-deserved 21-12 victory.
The presentation was made by competition organiser Gordie Moore, who thanked he club members for providing helpers and refreshments throughout the day.