Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Peel Bowling Club held the pre-festival Autumn Shield on Sunday, as a strong entry of 96 took part on a fine day with the competition running like clockwork throughout the day with the competition starting at 10:00 in the morning.

Some players had to win four games just to reach the quarter final stage, losing out were home greener Gordon Corrin 14-21 to Marown captain Paul Dunn, whilst Bob Clark (South Ramsey) eased through 21-11 against Reg Temporaza (Onchan). Both games in the other half of the draw were well contested as Martin Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood) edged home 21-20 against Ryan Clark (Meersbrook BC), whilst Neil Withers (Marown) beat Dave Jackson (Acregate) to the same score.

At the semi-final stage Dunn was up against Clark, with the latter never falling behind in the game as the South Ramsey man built up a five-chalk lead at 15-10, only for Dunn to work his way back into the game in the corners to get to within one chalk at 14-15. With Dunn lying two a good last bowl from Clark put him on another mini run to go into a 19-14 lead. A single and a double from Dunn had the game finely poised at 17-19, only for Clark to get the two he needed to seal a 21-17 win to book his place in the final. Withers was in complete control of his semi-final as he only conceded just three chalks, whilst scoring five doubles with his 21-9 victory over Gaut.

Clark made the better start in the final as he went into an early 11-7 lead, with Withers picking up two singles to put the score at 9-11. A poor end from Withers was fully punished by the South Ramsey man who counted for two, who then picked up a further single and two doubles to lead 18-9 as Clark opted for a longer length. On the following end Clark played a good lead, however failed to count with his second allowing Withers a free shot to play out the counting bowl to make two to put the score at 9-18.

Another poor end from Withers was punished to full effect as Clark scored two to lead 20-11, then scored the one point needed to secure a fully deserved 21-11 win and the £400 first prize, with Withers taking home £200.

The presentation was made by Peel competition secretary Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who thanked the sponsor David Lancaster Limited for their continued support. Club President Lynda Wilson was then introduced to present the prizes with over £1,160 paid out down to the Last 16.