Plumbmaster Rayner Shield Underway
The Plumbmaster Rayner Shield got underway last week, this gives teams from the lower divisions the opportunity to test themselves against stronger teams, with first round losers going into the draw for the Rayner Plate.
Three first division teams went out, with the biggest upset being Castletown B beating Port St Mary A 5-3 (148-140) with just eight chalks separating the two teams. This result will lift the Town men who picked up their first win of the season.
Peel A also go into the draw for the Rayner Plate, following their 6-2 away defeat to fellow first division team Onchan A. Once again it was the father and son combination of Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly & Stevie Kelly winning for the visitors.
Douglas A slipped to a 3-5 home defeat to Marown B at the Villa, as they were well beaten on the night, despite Gordon Wynne-Smythe and Mervin Sayle picking up good wins against experienced bowlers John Gelling and Phil Kelly respectively.
South Ramsey A won 8-0 against their lower ranked B team. Marown A progressed to the next round thanks to a 7-1 home won over Douglas B, with Paddy Murphy causing a minor upset as he beat Marown captain Paul Dunn 21-20.
North Ramsey A went into the hat for the next round following a 3-5 away win over third division side South Ramsey C on a tricky green.
Marown C won 1-7 at the Villa against Douglas C, whilst Castletown A took on their C Team with the higher ranked team winning 6-2.
Port Erin A and Finch A played out a 4-4 draw at Breagle Glen with the home team going through as they won by 16 chalks (158-142), with Onchan C and Ballaugh B the only draw last week at the Park as the home team won by 22 chalks (143-121).
South Ramsey D had a tough night, as they were defeated 0-8 at home to Ballaugh A, who were too strong for their opponents.
Teams that go into the draw for the Plate will be awarded a handicap for home and away fixtures.