Top Teams Clash
In the Ellan Vannin Fuels sponsored first division South Ramsey A made the trip to Crosby on Monday night, with memories of last year’s 9-1 defeat fresh in their minds. They gave a much better account of themselves this time round, despite being beat 7-3 and losing the aggregate by only four chalks, they will feel it could have gone their way on another night. The first four games ended all square with Marown A captain Neil Withers taking the first win for his side with an assured 21-7 victory over Peter Collister, with Dido Kelly replying for the visitors with a 21-4 win over Phil Kelly. Matthew Keggen put the home team 2-1 ahead with a good 21-11 win over Alan Moore, shortly followed by Stefan Kelly levelling it up for the visitors with a 21-14 win over Bob Clark.
In the second half of the match the rain came, with South Ramsey looking like they could take an 8-2 win at one point, the Crosby men dug deep to respond. The Islands most decorated players Colin Kelly & John Kennish were drawn to play each other, in a game that neither player could shake the other off, however it was Kelly getting over the line to win 21-18 and in doing so ending an incredible run of 49 consecutive wins in the league for Kennish. John Gelling took on Chas Grills, with Gelling also winning 21-18. Mark Moorley came back from 17-7 down to win 21-20 over Glynn Hargraves, which ultimately earned his team the aggregate victory. Last game off on what ended up an awful night was David Bradford, who earned his team an extra point winning 21-18 over Paul Dunn.
Onchan A have been quietly plodding along this season, with a good 8-2 win over visitors Douglas A to close the gap to five points, this could have been even better with Rob Monk, just losing out 21-20 to Douglas captain Paul Kelly.
Peel A currently sit second in the table, also five points behind South Ramsey by virtue of having played a game more than their rivals, took the trip down to Castletown to take on the B Team, coming away with a good 9-1 win.
Port Erin A were unable to use their home advantage with North Ramsey A being pleased to take a 7-3 win.
South Ramsey B & Ballaugh A continue to pull clear of the relegation battle with South Ramsey beating Castletown A 7-3, whilst Ballaugh beat Douglas B at the Villa 6-4.
The battle to stay up is now looking like a three way fight between Castletown B, Port Erin A & Douglas B.
In the second division Onchan B stayed top thanks to an excellent 9-1 away victory against Port St Mary C, whilst Marown B had a tough trip to take on Port St Mary B, winning 8-2 to stay in touch with Onchan B.
Nobles B continue to make life hard for Finch Hill A courtesy of a 9-1 win, whilst Nobles A stayed in touch with their B Team winning 7-3 away to Peel B.
Port Erin B continue their rise up the table following a 9-1 away win against Onchan C, whilst Douglas C lost 7-3 at home to North Ramsey B.
In the third division South Ramsey D had a good 8-2 home win over Ballaugh C, with Peel C matching their result with a home win over Marown C. Peel C now have a chance to put a bit of daylight between themselves & other teams at the top, as they have a game in hand on their rivals.
Peel D carried on the run of 8-2 wins, following their visit to Douglas to take on Finch Hill B.
South Ramsey C kept their promotion hopes alive with a 7-3 away win against Ballaugh B. Douglas D won 5-3 on games against Nobles C, but missed out on the aggregate by just one chalk.