Withers and Dunn Retain Keenan Fours
Keenan Fours Winners 2024 - Neil Withers & Paul Dunn
Photo: Arnie WithersThe Keenan Fours was held on Saturday saw 21 pairs travel to sunny Ballaugh on a much improved playing surface, with a handicap system introduced by the club this year.
At the quarter final stage current holders Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (SCR) beat Marown clubmates Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly (SCR) 21-15, whilst Kian and David Bradford (+3) held off home greeners Bobby Clayton and Paul Cubbon (+3). In the other half of the draw Keith Turton and James Teare (SCR)(Armthorpe/South Ramsey) lost out 14-21 to South Ramsey’s Alan Moore and Toby Hart (+3), whilst Marown’s Tom Kelly and Colin Kelly (SCR) beat Bob Clark and Paul Kissock (South Ramsey/Netherfield) (SCR) 21-20.
The semi-finals saw a comfortable win for Dunn and Withers over the Bradford’s 21-12, whilst the Kelly’s beat Moore and Hart to single figures 21-8 to take their place in the final.
The final got underway with the sun still shining, there was nothing to choose between the two pairs after the first nine ends with the score tied at 5-5, just one double scored. The game kicked into life from there with the Kelly’s scoring a three, two and one in between conceding nine chalks as Withers and Dunn took a 16-11 lead. Two successive singles from the father and son pairing saw the deficit close to one chalk at 15-16, however Withers and Dunn stopped the comeback there as they closed the game out with a double , a single and another double to win 21-15 to retain the trophy.
The presentation was made by Maurice O’Reilly who thanked the club members, everyone for entering, the catering team, and those who had stayed to watch the final. John Keenan the sponsor of the competition, presented the trophy.