Pearl Kaighin Ladies’ Singles
There was an entry of 30 for the ladies’ singles open, played at Ballaugh on Saturday 23 April, for the Pearl Kaighin Trophy.
The conditions were tricky with a fast green combined with a strong wind. Although the conditions were warm and pleasant during the afternoon for spectators sitting in sheltered spots, towards the latter stages winter returned and Sylvia Kennaugh’s blanket was the envy of many !
Quarter-finals: Jenny Maddrell 21, Sylvia Kennaugh 10; Shirley Whelan 21, Tricia Bull 19; Lil Smith 21, Helen Martin 12 (ret.); Rosie Winckle 21, Margaret Tasker 17.
It was unfortunate that Helen had to retire from her match after twisting her knee.
The final stages were dominated by Marown players, three of them in the semi-finals, two of whom made it to the final.
Both semi-finals were very close. In the first Shirley made the better start, racing to a 12-7 lead before Jenny had the advantage over the next few ends, closing to level at 15-15 and going on to lead 20-17, winning four ends in a row on the way. However Shirley took the next three ends to take the game 21-20 and progress to the final.
In the other semi-final it was Rosie Winckle who got off best to lead 16-10, then 18-12, before Lil started a revival, catching up to 17-18 before Rosie took two of the next three ends to go through 21-18.
In the final we were treated to some wonderful play from both players, although Shirley had the edge throughout, taking the title 21-14.
Final: Shirley Whelan 21, Rosie Winckle 14.
Club chairman, Jenny Maddrell, thanked those who had stayed to the end in the bitter conditions, those who had helped measuring, marking and in the kitchen. Special thanks went to Bernard Kaighin for continuing to sponsor the event and providing the trophy in memory of his mother, and also to Richard for running the sheet and keeping the afternoon going smoothly.