Yearly Archives: 2025
MAROWN ‘A’ LADIES ON FORM IN OPEN AGE LEAGUE
Ladies Open Age League: Last Wednesday evening, Castletown ‘A’ put in a solid away performance at Nobles winning 7-2 on games and dropping only eleven points (116-178); score was helped by four of Town’s players winning to single figures. Two winners for Nobles were Jo Smith and Libby Andrade who won to 12 and 19 respectively against Tracy Moore and Jenny Saunders. Tina Hampson for Nobles just missed out on another win for her team when she lost to 19 against Kellie Maddrell. Peel also had a good away win at Douglas when they won 7-2 (128-173) with Louise Horsfall and Niamh Stringer for Peel plus Mel Molesworth for Douglas winning their games to single figures. Closest games saw Douglas’s Erin Quayle just pip Emilie Moss 21-20 and Emma Sayle crossing the line 21-19 against Gill Clarke. Ballaugh B were at home to Marown B winning 5-4 on games and by four points (157-153). Karen Young for Ballaugh and Celia Joughin for Marown both won their games to single figures. Ballaugh’s Maggie Hughes managed to cross the line 21-18 against Martha Butler. Ballaugh A made their way to Castletown B coming away with a 5-4 win (143-165). Town’s Sue Peach and Ballaugh’s Maria Dimsdale both won to single figures. Two closely contested games saw Town’s Sarah Morgan and Chelsea Taylor both win to 19 against Rose Waterworth and Elena Dimsdale. The following evening Marown A put in a strong home performance against South Ramsey winning 7-2 on games (171-128). Debbie Leece for the Crosby ladies plus Gill Dixon for South won to single figures. The other winner for South was Fiona Kennish who won 21-15 against Lynda Cadamy. Two other close games saw Marown’s Clare Cooper and Rebekah Kelly win to 17 and 18 against Jenny Moore and Judy Kelly. Result from match between Breagle Glen B vs Breagle Glen A awaited.
On Friday evening, Marown A were again on form scoring a full house (189-102) away to Castletown B with Clare Cooper, Helen Withers and Lyn Bolton all winning to single figures. Town’s Sue Peach and Sue Wilshaw just missed out on winning their games when they lost to 19 and 18 against Philippa Taylor and Jayne Smith. Mooragh Park also put in a strong home performance when they won 7-2 at home against Breagle Glen B (178-91) with four of Mooragh’s ladies winning to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Ros Cannon and Angie Bennett who won to 18 and 13. Another 7-2 win was scored by Breagle Glen A at home to Douglas (166-137). Katy Williams for Breagle won her game to single figures, as did Mel Molesworth for Douglas. A tough battle took place between Breagle’s Trish Bull and Jane Lothian with Trish just getting the point needed to win 21-20. Another team on form was Peel who won 8-1 (184-130) at home against Ballaugh B. Stopping the full house was Rachel Thomas who won to 16 against Lilien Lilienfeld. Two close games saw Diane Fleming and Maggie Jakeman for Peel win to 18 and 19 against Karen Young and Sandra Buckeridge. Its not very often a match is won on games but drawn on points, but it happened this evening when Marown B played Nobles at home. Marown won 5-4 on games but match was tied on points (151-151). Crosby’s Grace Cooper and Paula Firth for Nobles both won their games to single figures. Nobles’s Colese Creer nearly reversed the scoreline when she lost to 19 against Lil Smith. Result from match between Ballaugh A vs Castletown A awaited.
Over 60s Ladies League: Thursday morning saw Castletown A on form again scoring a maximum at home to Breagle Glen C. Unfortunately, Breagle were a player short with the remaining games, apart from one, being won to single figures. Only player to get into double figures for Breagle was Susan Inch who lost to 11 against Sue Peach. Three of the morning’s matches were won 5-1; the first being South Ramsey A who visited neighbours Mooragh Park B (63-121). Stopping the whitewash was Peggy Freeman who won to 16 against Gillian Jopson. Second team to win 5-1 and dropping six points, were the Nobles ladies at home to Castletown B (120-56). The player for Town stopping the full house was Marie Ashurst who won to 15 against Jo Smith. Third team to win 5-1 was Onchan away at South Ramsey B (68-112). Sole winner for South was Sue Collier who won her game to single figures. Just missing out on another win for South was Ann Gale when she lost to 20 against Sue McCourt. Breagle Glen B hosted Peel winning the match 4-2 and by six points (116-110). Closest games saw Breagle’s Jacqui Elliot and Angela Bennett both win to 18 against Lynda Wilson and Joyce Kelly. Another close match resulted in Finch Hill winning 4-2 home and by nine points when they played Ballaugh A. Two winners for Ballaugh were Rose Waterworth who won to single figures and Alison Millard who won to 13 against Ann Hon. A good home performance saw Marown A win 4-2 on games (107-94) against Breagle Glen A. Breagle’s Linda Dawson was the only player to win to single figures. A nip and tuck game resulted in a 21-17 win for Marown’s Rosie Winckle against Trish Bull. Mooragh Park A also won 4-2 away to Ballaugh B. Unfortunately, Ballaugh B were two players short. Two winners for Ballaugh were Brenda Clayton and Ann Kinvig who 14 and 9 against Lynn Mayers and Gillian Malpass.
2025 BCGBA Ladies Veterans County Championships
The British Crown Green Ladies Veterans Championship was held on Tuesday 24 June in Shrewsbury, UK, over four greens – Meole Brace Green 1 & 2, Hanwood BC and Bicton BC. Competition was played as a round robin format of four groups with each group consisting of four county teams (8 players plus a reserve) with the winner of each group progressing through to the semi-finals and then final. The IOM Ladies Veterans team of Alison Stockham, Margie Tasker, Caroline Whitehead, Lynda Cadamy, Sue Gawne, Hilary Kermode, Elaine Moore, Sue Collier and Judy Kelly, was drawn in Group C along with Yorkshire, Merseyside B and Lancashire playing on Meole Brace No.2 green. The first match pitted the IOM against the highly fancied Yorkshire Team. The green was tricky, in that it was quite slow in places but fast in some especially when playing along or towards the edge of the green. Despite a spirited performance by our Manx ladies, Yorkshire won 6-2 (106-77). Second match saw the Island ladies play Lancashire – like their first game, they played well but lost 5-3 (111-78). Our ladies put in a sterling performance in their final group match when they took on Merseyside, drawing four all on games but winning on points (102-88). Unfortunately this was not enough to see them through to the semis. Not losing a group game, Yorkshire went through to the semis.
In the semi-finals, Yorkshire played their rivals South Yorkshire winning 6-2 (112-91). The other semi-final saw Greater Manchester take on the Welsh ladies. Although this match finished 4 all, Greater Manchester won on points (102-93). The final was played on Meole Brace No.2 green and with both teams playing well, the spectators were treated to some fine bowling with Yorkshire eventually winning 5-3 (113-81).
Bradford Wins Third Manx Championship
Canada Life International Manx Champion 2025 - David Bradford with his son Kian Bradford
Photo: Arnie WithersThe final stages of the Canada Life International Manx Championship were played at Breagle Glen Bowling Club on Sunday afternoon, with the qualifying rounds having taken place the previous day, there was a healthy 64 entries. The last time the Championship was held in Port Erin in 2006 the final was contested between Paul Dunn and John Kennish, with the latter prevailing to win title number seven. Kennish is the current holder and has since gone on to win another five Championship titles.
As is always the case there were some casualties on the Saturday, with the draw being played down to the last 16, the target being to navigate safely through the early rounds to reach finals day.
| Tom Kelly | 21 | 14 | Paul Kelly |
| Paul Dunn | 21 | 12 | Toby Hart |
| Paul Cowley | 04 | 21 | John Kennish |
| Mark Moorley | 21 | 14 | Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly |
| Andy Kennish | 21 | 15 | Karl Parker |
| Colin Kelly | 21 | 14 | Reg Temporaza |
| Peter Slinger | 21 | 17 | Stevie Kelly |
| David Bradford | 21 | 05 | Neil Withers |
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Paul Dunn who lost out 19-21 to Marown teammate Tom Kelly, with the latter having led 12-3, Dunn turned the game around to lead 17-14. Kelly stepped up a gear to win four ends on the bounce scoring six chalks to lead 20-17, only to concede a double. With the game finely poised at 20-19 Tom capitalised on a bit of room to get the single chalk needed to secure a semi-final spot with a 21-19 win. The second quarter final saw John Kennish (South Ramsey) having to mix things up a little, with a determined Mark Moorley (Breagle Glen) going into the lead once again with the score at 12-11 after 19 ends. A solid finish to the game saw Kennish prevail 21-14.
In the bottom half of the draw, the two matches were more straightforward for both winners, as Colin Kelly (Marown) took a decisive 21-5 win over Andy Kennish (Peel), with the latter scoring five singles, whilst Kelly scored seven doubles. David Bradford (South Ramsey) also secured safe passage to the semi-final with a 21-6 win over Peter Slinger (Onchan), with the Ramsey man keeping his opponent down to six singles throughout the game.
The semi-finals saw three previous winners looking to add to their tally, with Tom Kelly hoping to secure his maiden Manx Championship title, as he faced 12-time winner and current holder Kennish, with the latter never going behind in the game, with the score at 13-9 to Kennish, he went on to win seven of the last eight ends to runout with a comfortable 21-10 win.
The other semi-final had the potential to go to the wire, it was seven-time champion Colin Kelly with a five-chalk lead (9-4) after 10 ends. From there two-time champion Bradford took the game by the scruff of the neck, whilst it took another 21 ends to finish the game Bradford got on a mark that had served him well in his previous two rounds, whilst only scoring one double, it was 15 singles that got the Ramsey man over the line with a comfortable 21-14 win to take his spot in the final.
The final got underway with approximately 100 spectators in attendance, for an all-South Ramsey final, it was Bradford who made a positive start scoring a two on the first end. John responded to win the next three ends as he moved around the green on a shorter mark. Scoring two singles and a double to lead 4-2. On the next end two good bowls and not much of a target left Bradford with no other option other than to try to break the end up, which he did to count for one. John scored a single on the next end, however Bradford got back in immediately, went on a six-end scoring run on a longer length to lead 11-5 after 12 ends.
The following end saw a good two from Kennish close the deficit to four chalks. On the next end Kennish opted for a longer mark in the same direction that he had favoured, putting up a good first bowl. Bradford was fast with his first bowl and with a bit of good fortune punched out John’s bowl, then played a good second bowl to count for two. Two singles from Kennish saw the deficit cut to four chalks once more at 9-13.
On the following end a good second bowl from Kennish, saw a reaching bowl from Bradford almost result in a double for the latter. Bradford went on to send the jack off the green, however this didn’t knock Bradford out of his stride, as his second bowl promoted his first bowl to count for one. Another two was secured on the 19th end, with John just hitting the wrong side of the second counting bowl to give Bradford a commanding 17-9 lead.
A good lead from Bradford saw Kennish punch out Bradford’s bowl, going on to make two. Another single from Bradford was secured with a return of the favour as he punched out John’s lead with his first bowl, then John somewhat unluckily hit the gap between the jack and counting bowl. A loose end from Bradford saw the deficit close to five chalks at 13-18.
Two singles, both scored from a good first bowl saw Bradford go 20-13 ahead, the second end saw John hit another gap between the jack and counting bowl to runout.
Bradford headed for the mark that he had scored most of his points on throughout the day, with John picking up a good two, this put the score at 15-20. In the last chance saloon a bit of distance was required as John headed for the corners. A two picked up on the next end, was followed up with a single with a great second bowl from John saving the game.
The tension was starting to build with the score at 18-20, with Kennish heading back into the corner. A short first bowl from Kennish wasn’t beaten by Bradford, with Kennish just needing to correct his length, he looked to have a perfect second bowl coming in, however the pace just prevented the bias from coming into play as he went into Bradford’s short bowl to knock it in to count for game 21-18. This win was Bradford’s third Manx Championship title following successes in 2015 (Douglas), and 2022 (Ballaugh).
The presentation was made by Association competition secretary Matthew Keggen, who introduced IOMCCGBA President Hilary Kermode to present the prizes. In his speech Bradford thanked the Association for running the competition, went on to mention that he had only played in the competition as his son Kian had entered, and after a tough few weeks with his health, he had somehow got through two games on Saturday, and four games on Sunday afternoon. Without doubt this must go down as one of Bradford’s best achievements, following a tough run of games throughout the competition. The win also marked a first ever defeat in the final of the Manx Championship for Kennish having won all 12 finals that he had played in previously.
David and John will both compete in the Senior Individual merit at Dodworth BC, South Yorkshire on Saturday 26th July, with David also competing in the Champion of Champions at Owley Wood Recreation Club, Cheshire on Saturday 27th September.
Photo: Arnie Withers
MOORE NOT LESS
Ladies Manx Champion 2025 - Jenny Moore
Photo: James TeareOn Saturday, the Ladies Manx Championships was held at Ballaugh Bowling Club with an entry of 23 ladies.
Going through to the semi-finals were Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) with a 21-15 win against Stella Watterson (Castletown; Debbie Leece (Marown) who won 21-14 against Caroline Whitehead (Breagle Glen); Jenny Moore who won 21-8 against Maria Dimsdale (Ballaugh), and Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who won 21-12 against Hilary Kermode (Castletown).
The first semi-final saw Janet play Debbie. This was an evenly contested game between the two with the score going to and fro. On the 29th end, the game was level at 19 across, but with two good lead bowls on the next two ends Janet ran out 21-19. The other semi-final pitted stablemates Jenny and Kim and despite some good bowls from Kim, Jenny was always in control winning 21-5.
The final saw Jenny play Janet with both ladies having recently played against each other in the main event of the June Festival. The final was a similar affair with both Jenny and Janet playing some exceptional bowls. On the 23rd end, Jenny led 17-12, but never one to give up Janet clawed her way back and on 28th end was just one point behind Jenny at 18-17. A single followed by a two saw Jenny take the title 21-17 for the third consecutive year, and eighth time overall, adding to her June Festival, June Tourism, and Top Lady wins this year – an amazing achievement.
Hilary Kermode, President of the IOM Crown Green Bowling Association, thanked all the competitors for an entertaining afternoon of bowls, Ballaugh Bowling Club for hosting the competition and providing refreshments, and to Chris Holland (Ladies Competition Secretary) and her team for the smooth running of the competition before introducing Ann Gale, Sponsor of the Ladies Manx Championship, who presented the semi-finalists, runner-up and winner with their prizes.
Marown A Extend Lead
Finch Hill B pictured prior to their match with Onchan C
Photo: Phil CainAfter a week of Festival action league bowls returned this week, as the second half of the season got underway. Five of the six first division games saw 10 chalks or less settle the two points up for grabs on the aggregate.
In Canada Life International Division One Marown A put clear daylight between themselves to lead by three points following the Crosby men’s 9-1 home win over Castletown A. Nathan Cooil prevented the whitewash as he performed well to beat Peter Jones 21-13. All seven of the home wins were comfortable for Marown, with Tom Kelly, Glenn Boland, and Phil Kelly taking 21-5 wins over Dean Kinley, Aaron Richardson, and Andy Clark respectively.
If there is such a thing as a disastrous win, then a 4-6 away win for South Ramsey A over bottom side Breagle Glen A sums it up. Winning for the home team were Trevor Quayle, who beat Peter Collister 21-6, Ewan Cooil got over the line 21-18 against Dido Kelly, with the latter having trailed 2-16. Steve Durcan won to the same score (21-18) against James Teare, with the former having led 12-4 before securing the win. The lone winner in the first half for the visitors was John Kennish who beat Dan McCabe 21-11.
The second half of the match saw South fightback, with Jordan Cain beating Tim Williams 21-12, Bob Clark held off Chris Lever 21-18, Mark Moorley got a fourth win for Breagle, as he beat David Bradford 21-16, whilst Glynn Hargraves just got home 21-17 against Wayne Roberts, with South Ramsey managing to edge the aggregate by a solitary chalk (141-142) with every point counting. Breagle can take heart from this performance, following the addition of two players at the halfway point to strengthen the ranks, this should see the home team climb the table in the second half of the season.
Peel A hosted Onchan A on Monday evening in the Sunset City, with another tussle between the teams going to the wire, as the visitors edged the aggregate by a chalk (135-136) to take home a 4-6 win. For the home team Stevie Kelly beat Steve Parker 21-8, with Will Penhallurick responding with a 21-9 win over Gary Smith. Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly beat Reg Temporaza 21-15, whilst Andy Mackie beat Jamie Clague 21-18. For the visitors June Festival finalist Matthew Quirk had his first outing using two different bowls – this is permitted under the rules, provided both bowls are within a certain weight range. The Onchan man was up against opposing captain George Gadsby, with the Peel man putting up a good fight only for Quirk to prevail 21-18.
North Ramsey A hosted Marown B, it was the visitors who went home the happier of the two teams with a 3-7 victory, with the Crosby men winning the aggregate by 10 chalks (137-147). Jamie Box made his debut for Marown, on a green he would never have previously played on, losing out 18-21 to Allan Callow, whilst John Gelling held off David Callow. All players on the night reached double figures.
South Ramsey B slipped to a 3-7 home defeat against Douglas A, despite Tony Dugdale being the only single figure winner 21-7 against Ian Moore. Winning close games were Toby Hart 21-20 against Merv Sayle, Nick Firth responded for the Villa men to beat Christian Caley to the same score, whilst Keith Rise got over the line 21-19 against Lee Dawson.
In Division Two the closest game of the week was between hosts Onchan B and Noble’s A, it was the home team that edged home 6-4, thanks to winning the aggregate by just three chalks, as three games finished to 19, and a further two games went to 20.
Marown C clawed a point back on leaders Ballaugh A following their 1-9 away win over Douglas B. Ballaugh A are top by five points following their 8-2 home win over Breagle Glen B, as Nigel Tebay missed out on making it a 9-1 win for Ballaugh cruelly losing out 20-21 to Peter Hulley.
Castletown B may just have found some form, as they beat Finch Hill A 9-1 at the Crofts, with Stephen Oates once again winning for the visitors. Noble’s B just missed out on a whitewash at home to Peel B as Dean Sowerby lost 20-21 to Andrew Cover, however they won three games to 18, 19, and 19.
Division Three is starting to look like a three-horse race between South Ramsey C, Peel C, and North Ramsey B, with the latter slipping to a disastrous 3-7 home defeat to Ballaugh B.
Peel C missed the opportunity to hit top spot, as they occupy second place, just one point back on North Ramsey B following their hard fought 4-6 away win over Marown D, taking the aggregate by 12 chalks (130-142).
South Ramsey C were the biggest winners of the week with a timely 0-10 away win over Breagle Glen C, however they had to battle for four of the wins to 17, 17, 18, and 20, with the 21-20 win going to Paul Routledge over Terry Collister.
In Division Four league leaders Onchan C picked up 14 points this week, as they played a rearranged fixture beating nearest rivals Finch Hill B 6-4 at home, having won 2-8 away to Peel D earlier in the week.
Finch Hill B just missed out on a full house, with a 9-1 home win over Douglas C. Rob Tomlinson prevented the whitewash with a 21-19 win over David Holmes.
Douglas D had a good week thanks to their 7-3 home win over Castletown C, taking the aggregate by 17 chalks (138-121), whilst Noble’s E came away with an identical 3-7 win, also by 17 chalks (132-149) over North Ramsey C.
Ladies Night League Returns & Dorothy Piearce Qualifiers Decided
Ladies Open Age League: A return to playing on the Friday evening of festival week resulted in solid 8-1 home wins for both Castletown A and South Ramsey. Castletown A took on Ballaugh B (176-104) with three of Town’s ladies winning to single figures. Stopping a full house was Alison Millard who won to 8 against Stella Watterson. Closest game saw Chris Price for Castletown having a nip and tuck game against Elaine Fenton before running out 21-17.
South Ramsey were at home to Castletown B (176-109) with Marie Ashurst stopping the whitewash when she won 21-8 against Gillian Jopson. Sue Kerruish and Rachel Palmer just missed out on wins for the Town ladies when they lost to 19 and 18 respectively against Joyce Ogden and Sue Collier.
Nobles visited Ballaugh A coming away with a 5-4 win but losing on points (141-148). Julie Reilly and Louise Tebay for Ballaugh plus Jo Kelly for Nobles all won to single figures. Best game of the night saw Grace Gawne for Nobles eventually winning 21-19 after a good tussle with Caroline Parker. Douglas made their way west to Marown B coming away winning 6-3, but losing on points (149-156). Marown’s points total was helped greatly by Rosie Winckle and Celia Joughin winning to 2 and 1. The third winner for the Crosby ladies was Grace Cooper who after a good battle with Mel Molesworth managed to cross the line 21-20. Another 21-20 game saw Nobles Pauline Cowley pip Elaine Dewhirst to the winning post. Peel played host to Breagle Glen B winning the match 6-3 (170-119). Gill Clarke, Jo Corkill, and Louise Horsfall plus Jacqui Elliot for Breagle all won to single figures. The other two wins for Breagle were hard fought games with both Hannah Leece and Jean Thackrah winning 21-20 against Diane Fleming and Emilie Moss with Jean coming back from being 15-5 down to win. The match between Mooragh Park and Marown A has been postponed to a later date.
The British Crown Green Dorothy Piearce Memorial Ladies Doubles qualifier was held on Sunday at Finch Hill Bowling Club with an entry of 10 pairs. The weather was extremely changeable throughout the afternoon but it didn’t deter some excellent bowling being played. Getting through to the semi-finals were Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey), Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden (Marown/South Ramsey), Louise Tebay and Maria Dimsdale (Ballaugh), plus Helen Withers and Lyn Bolton (Marown).
The first semi-final pitted Jenny and Fiona against Philippa and Joyce with the South pair progressing through with a comfortable 21-9 win. Second semi-final was a tighter affair with Helen and Lyn eventually overcoming the challenge of Louise and Maria to win 21-18.
In the final, Jenny and Fiona were first out of the blocks and maintaining their momentum won 21-10. Many congratulations to Jenny and Fiona on their win. It is hoped both Jenny and Fiona, and Helen and Lyn will represent the Isle of Man at the Dorothy Piearce Finals being held on Saturday 9 August at Dudley Dell, Staffordshire. Thanks to Finch Hill Bowling Club for the use of their green and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon and to Chris Holland, Ladies Competition Secretary and her team on the smooth running of the competition.
Many congratulations must go to Jenny Moore on her very successful June Bowling festival winning the main event and the Ladies Tourism – a great feat indeed!
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History Made as Moore is ‘Two’ Good
IOM June Ladies Festival and Tourism Winner 2025 - Jenny Moore
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event Jenny Moore etched her name further into the history books, smashing more records along the way as the South Ramsey favourite picked up her fourth festival title following her previous successes in June 2016, September 2021 & 2023.
What made this win more impressive, due to previous success in the festival, is that Moore was four points back on all her opponents, starting off +1, with Jenny incredibly facing the prospect of being off -2 in the September festival, with the winner being docked three chalks for picking up the title.
With Moore having to score 20 chalks to her opponents 16 chalks to win, a good start was vital as Jenny took on her biggest rival on the Island for several years Janet Monk (Mooragh Park), as the four-chalk deficit was swiftly turned into a three-chalk lead after six ends to lead 9-6.
Jenny only relinquished the lead once from this point, crucially did not trail as the game was level at 13-13 after 14 ends. Jenny made her move once more scoring five chalks over three ends on a longer length to lead 18-13. Janet went on to pick up two singles, only for Moore to jump in with a double to restore her five-chalk lead at 20-15.
As Jenny headed for the corner, a good two bowls from Janet saw a glimmer of hope for Monk, as the Mooragh Park player headed to the crown. The Mooragh Park bowler picked up another single to close the score to 18-20. Monk then headed from the crown back to the corner. With nerves of steel Moore bowled in with a great last bowl to secure her second June festival title and fourth overall.
Whilst receiving the £1,250 first prize, Jenny also received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady. Janet could console herself with the runners up prize of £625.
In the semi-finals Jenny put paid to the challenge of Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) with a 21-10 win, whilst Janet had a battle on her hands with Elaine Moore (South Ramsey), with the latter leading 14-9 Janet used all her experience to overturn the deficit and book her place in the final with a 21-17 victory.
Moore started her day with a comfortable 21-9 victory over previous festival winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse), whilst Russell beat rising star Alex Edmondson (Pudsey BC) 21-14. In the other half of the draw Monk held off Emma Earlam 21-16 (Castle Sports & SC), whilst Elaine overturned a 10-16 deficit against Jayne Kent (Meersbrook BC) to edge home 21-20.
Having picked up the Tourism Title on Thursday morning, it is believed that Jenny is the first to achieve the feat of winning the ladies June main event and Tourism Title in the same week, and only the third person to do this overall following Katrina Caley (Bentley Colliery) in September 1995, and Jane Jones (Wirral) in September 1994. The week saw Jenny go 14 singles games unbeaten – seven games in the Main event giving her opponents a four-chalk head start and a further seven games in the Tourism.
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, with Jenny Moore setting herself up nicely for the last 32 in the main event on Thursday afternoon, with a hard fought and nail-biting 21-20 victory over Louise Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood). Moore had led 17-8 at one point in the game, looked to be cruising only for Cotton to get hold of the jack to pull the deficit back to one chalk at 16-17 after 15 ends. Jenny got back in at the right time to maintain her lead, however both players alternated winning ends from this point until the end of the game for the score to be tied at 20-20. Cotton led out and played a good lead bowl approximately 18 inches past the jack. Showing no sign of pressure Jenny played a front toucher gently nudging the jack to count one for game. Louise was unable to beat this, which sealed the Tourism title for Jenny.
Moore reached the final thanks to a 21-15 win over Jayne Kent (Meersbrook BC), whilst Cotton finished her game with Hazel Borradaile (Netherfield BC) strongly to get over the line 21-19.
In the quarter finals Moore beat Katie Morgan (Denby Grange) 21-14, whilst Kent beat Sharron King (Kirkham) 21-12. In the other half of the draw Cotton started her day with a 21-15 win over Karen Hill (New Mill), whilst Borradaile just got over the line 21-20 against Caroline Bushell (Lindal BC).
Wraight Completes Holy Grail
IOM June Men’s Festival Winner 2025 - Callum Wraight
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place this week, with the event attracting well over 500 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve, with the weather from Wednesday to Friday perfect conditions for the visiting bowlers to bask in the sun. The spectators were treated to an entertaining finals day to cap off a superb week.
In the Men’s event it was Callum Wraight (Llanrwst BC) who picked up his first June Isle of Man Festival win, despite having won the Isle of Man September Festival in 2021, the June title was the one he really wanted. Wraight now has all the top U.K. titles on his C.V.
Wraight took home the winners’ cheque for £3,200 and lifted the famous trophy as he beat local man Matthew Quirk (Onchan) 21-13. Quirk made a positive start scoring on the first end, on the second end he was counting for two only for Wraight to kill the end with one of his renowned strikes. A further single was scored by the Onchan man to lead 7-5. Wraight got in on the following end with a perfect bowl to score his first point of the game.
Wraight got into his stride playing his customary short marks to take the lead 14-9, with the local man never far away. Quirk started to find his way back into the game, closing the deficit to three chalks at 11-14 after 12 ends. The 13th end was decided by a measure with Wraight picking up the point, whilst the following end saw all four bowls finish on the same line with Matthew scoring to trail 12-15. A poor end followed to gift wrap a cheap double for Callum, with Quirk missing the opportunity to double up himself on the following end.
A single from Wraight saw him lead out at 18-13, with Quirk playing a great bowl. What happened next will be remembered for a long time. A full-blown strike and direct hit from Wraight saw the side of Quirk’s bowl smash and fly up in the air, in what must be a first in a major final. Almost unnoticed the jack eventually rolled off the green to kill the end. The rules allow for bowls to be changed during a game – if a bowl is damaged. Whilst a replacement pair of the same make of bowls and weight were sourced it led to a short break in the game.
With play back underway, Wraight scored a single from the corner, then played an even shorter length on the following end as the Shropshire man secured the two points needed to lift the June title for the first time and with it the cheque for £3,200.
Wraight reached the final with a comfortable 21-11 win over previous Festival winner Phil Lee (St Mary’s) taking 16 ends to claim the win, whilst Quirk progressed with a 21-16 victory over Dean Missere (Sheffield), with the former scoring more consistently over the course of the game.
The quarter finals saw Wraight get his day off to a dream start with a 21-6 win over James Fitzpatrick (West Kirby Vics), as the Merseyside man only managed to score one chalk with a running bowl on the second end of the game. Despite both players preferring a shorter length the Shropshire man dominated the game. Lee reached the next round with a 21-14 win over Martin Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood), whilst in the other half of the draw Quirk eased to a 21-8 victory over Gareth Lally (Crossgates) with a great display. Missere also made safe passage to the semi-finals with a 21-12 win over Peter Jones Llanrwst BC).
Quirk picked up the George Craine Trophy as the only local bowler to reach finals day, whilst he also took home a cheque for £1,250 for his efforts throughout the week.
At the presentation Wraight thanked the Department of Economic Development for their continued support of the event, expressed his pleasure at finally achieving the Holy Grail in Crown Green Bowls, having now secured all the top titles to be won in the game.
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge) who picked up the Tourism title to see off Kevan Shaw (Red Lion), with Kelly taking a five-chalk lead at 14-9, Shaw fought back to close the deficit to one chalk at 14-15. The Thongsbridge man shortly put paid to any hopes of a win for Shaw, as he picked up the Tourism Title with a 21-16 victory.
In the semi-finals Kelly took on Callum Wraight (Llanrwst BC) the man who would go on to lift the main event the following day, making light work of Wraight. Despite losing the first two ends, 11 consecutive scoring ends from Kelly, with five doubles and six singles saw the Thongsbridge man romp home 21-8, whilst Shaw beat Conor Chamberlain (Stretton- Anglesey) 21-14.
In the quarter finals Kelly started his morning with a battle against Joshua Mordue (Pudsey BC) taking the win 21-17. Wraight beat Jon Edmondson (Heckmondwike BC). In the bottom half of the draw Shaw had the closest game of the round with a 21-18 victory over James Davison (Thongsbridge), whilst Chamberlain made light work of Ryan Marks (Wirral) with a 21-7 win to progress to the next round.
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by Dan Edmonds (Dalton Cricket Club) who beat Gareth Coates (Ackroydon Victoria) 21-20 in the final, having led 20-16 with Coates fighting back to 20-20 only for Edmonds to get the one chalk required. Edmonds beat Paul Bradley (Fairfield) 21-17 in the semi-final, whilst Coates had a comfortable 21-11 win over Ian Howard (Meanwood BC).
The Ladies consolation final was more straightforward for the winner Sarah Weaver (Wrockwardine Wood) who beat Jessica Pickthall (Lindal BC) 21-10 in the final, with the latter scoring four singles. Weaver reached the final courtesy of a 21-10 win over Diane Harrison (Lune Road), whilst Pickthall took her place in the final with a 21-14 win over Natalie Sanderson (Crossgates BC).
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Callum Wraight (Llanrwst BC) who had a warmup on the green ahead of the men’s main final, as he made light work of Dave McCabe (Douglas) 9-1, whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won 21-20 by Andy Gregory (Comberbach) in a final that went to the wire against Harry Hargreaves (Two Gates).
In the doubles competitions the Open doubles was won by Michael Coupe (Wirral) and Rob Fitzpatrick (Lever Club), following an entertaining final against Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (Marown), which went all the way 11-10. Both semi-finals were keenly contested as Coupe and Fitzpatrick reached the final with a 11-9 win over Chris Mordue (Pudsey BC) and Gaz Lally (Crossgates BC), whilst Withers and Dunn got over the line 11-10 against Phil Lee (St Mary’s) and Louis Fazakerley (St Mary’s).
The Men’s doubles final saw an emphatic 11-1 win for Ian Hazlehurst (Wirral) and Phil Lee (St Mary’s) who retained the title they won in June 2024 as they beat Simon Walder (Crossgates BC) and Gareth Coates (Ackroydon Victoria). Hazlehurst and Lee won their semi-final 11-5 against Barry Simm (Lune Road) and Gareth Jones (Dalton Cricket Club), whilst Walder and Coates booked their place with a 11-8 victory over James Fitzpatrick (West Kirby Vics) and Paul Roberts (West Kirby).
The Ladies doubles final saw a good tussle with Sharon Rigden and Clair Russell up against Carly Williams and Paula Gamon, with the latter pair leading 6-0, only for Rigden and Russell to get over the line 11-8. The winning pair got through to the final with a hard fought 11-9 win over Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC)) and Wendy Allen (Castle Sports & SC), whilst the losing finalists were run closer again, with a 11-10 win over Sharon Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) and Amanda Nicholas (Gresford Colliery).
Winning the Mixed pairs were Carly Williams (Comberbach) and Colin Crawford (Two Gates BC) with an emphatic 9-1 win over Tricia Bull (Breagle Glen) and Steve Shannon (Woodlands Park). Williams and Crawford progressed to the final with a 9-5 win against Suzanne Sinclair (Lowther Gardens BC) and Paul Moore (Chesterfield), whilst a 9-7 win for Bull and Shannon over Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) and Barry Simm (Lune Road) booked their place in the final.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Hargraves Wins Sheila Freeman Memorial 32 Invitational
SHEILA FREEMAN MEMORIAL 32 INVITATIONAL 2025 WINNER - GLYNN HARGRAVES WITH SPONSOR DEREK HALSALL
Photo: Tash FenlonFriday evening saw the return of the post festival invitational competition, with the competition organised by local bowler Paul Dunn, with Douglas Bowling Club hosting the event and 32 bowlers accepting the invitation to play. The competition featured 16 local bowlers, and 16 visitors who had taken part in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival.
The competition was put in place in memory of the late Sheila Freeman, who visited the Island for a number of years with her partner Derek Halsall who sponsored the competition.
The format was 21 up with 3 on the card, with the draw taking place earlier in the afternoon from two pots with visiting bowlers playing local players in the first round.
With a strong field taking part, it proved tough for the local bowlers, with just five of the 16 locals winning their first round games, with Jamie Box (Marown), Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey, John Kennish (South Ramsey), Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) and Stevie Kelly (Peel) going into the second round.
Box won 21-14 against Ryan Clark, Hargraves beat Gareth Hughes 21-17, Kennish held off Mark Hughes 21-17, Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly breezed through 21-9 against Joe Cranston, whilst Stevie Kelly impressed with a 21-19 win against Chris Mordue.
Other notable first round results were Castletown’s Nathan Hamilton losing out to Conor Chamberlain 19-21, Paul Dunn (Marown) was pipped to the post 20-21 by Josh Mordue, Gaz Lally got over the line 21-19 against Phil Kelly (Marown), whilst Jack Dyson just edged home 21-20 against Tom Kelly (Marown).
At the quarter final stage Conor Chamberlain lost out 18-21 to Reece Farr, Glynn Hargraves won 21-16 against Gaz Lally. In the bottom half of the draw the current holder John Kennish had an epic battle with Callum Wraight, with the spectators treated to some fine bowling, with the pair clashing at the same stage as they did in last year’s competition, it was Kennish who prevailed again with a 21-19 victory to progress to the semi-final, whilst Stevie was up against it with John Bailey losing out 8-21.
The first semi-final saw Hargraves up against Farr, after exchanging ends in the early part of the game, Hargraves got a run with the jack with the score at 13-11 to lead 20-11 playing a sweeping round peg off the edge of the crown. Farr got in to take a single, however a good first bowl from the South Ramsey man was enough to book his spot in the final with a 21-12 win.
The other semi-final saw Bailey take a 13-7 lead over Kennish, however the local man stepped up a couple of gears to see the game out with a 21-15 victory playing the edge in front of the kitchen on a falling mark.
The final got underway with the floodlights coming into play, with the green still proving tricky. For a second consecutive year it was two locals vying for the title, with Kennish the current holder starting as favourite. A two on the first end saw Kennish head for the edge that had served him well in the semi-final, however Hargraves got in immediately to win three ends on the bounce as he headed for the mark that had won him the semi-final.
Kennish got in with a single and headed for the crown, was counting for two with Hargraves playing a rambler in an effort to save, he somewhat fortuitously counted one, went on to win four ends on the spin to lead 10-6. Two quick fire doubles from Kennish saw the game level at 10-10 after 11 ends.
With both players throwing the jack off the green on consecutive ends it was Hargraves who pressed ahead 17-13 having won five of the next seven ends returning to a mark played in the earlier rounds over the middle of the green. Kennish hit back once again to close the deficit to a solitary chalk at 16-17. With Kennish in the corners and counting for two, there was room to get in, with the last bowl of the end just getting in between two short bowls to count.
A single on the next end put Hargraves within touching distance of the title and £500 first prize, and he duly obliged putting up two good bowls on the final end to win the game 21-16, whilst Kennish took home £250.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by competition organiser Paul Dunn who thanked everyone had had accepted the invitation to play, Douglas Bowling Club for hosting the event, providing a superb playing surface, all the club members who had helped, along with competition sponsor Derek Halsall who was introduced to present the prizes.
Taylor wins Julia North Trophy
Winner of 2025 Julia North Trophy - Philippa Taylor with Sponsor Debbie Leece
Photo: Arnie WithersAfter a few years hiatus, on a warm and sometimes wet afternoon, Marown Bowling club held the Julia North Ladies Singles competition. With an entry of 20 bowlers there were some great games that were all played in lovely spirits, with the competition sponsored by Debbie Does Nails. All of the home green Ladies started off 5 with everyone else off 6.
The quarter final stage was a bit of ballaugh versus Marown, which saw Rose Waterworth 21 ended Lisa Pugh 15 of progressing any further. Lyn Bolton 21 made sure the sponsor Debbie Leece 18 wasn’t taking home any winnings. Jayne Smith 21 and Maria Dimsdale 16 had a close battle, and the final quarter winner Philippa Taylor 21 ended Michele Cubbon 12 good run.
The two finalists were on top form at the semi-final stage with Philippa winning 21-14 against Jayne and Rose 21-10 against Lyn.
The Final started with some top bowling from both players, after five ends Rose was leading 10-7. Philippa picked up a two and changed the length of play to win herself a few two’s and take the lead. After 14 ends the game was at 16-15 where Philippa found her mark and didn’t look back. Taking the win 21-15.
The presentation was made by Lisa Pugh and Debbie Leece our sponsor Debbie Does Nails, who thanked everyone who supported and helped on the day.
Report by Lisa Pugh