Yearly Archives: 2025
STILL ALL TO PLAY FOR IN LADIES OPEN AGE LEAGUE
Ladies Open Age League: Last Wednesday evening South Ramsey put in a strong home performance scoring a full house against Marown B (189-77) with seven of South’s wins being won to single figures. The remaining two games saw Crosby’s Emily Cooper and Celia Joughin lose to 18 and 15 against Sue Collier and Kim Hargraves. Home derby between the Castletown teams resulted in a solid 8-1 win by the A ladies dropping only one point (188-98). Rachel Palmer stopped the whitewash when she won to 20 against Anne Oates. Another 8-1 win was scored by Mooragh Park at home to Peel (176-100). Four of Mooragh’s wins were won to single figures along with Peel’s sole winner Shirley Corrin. Grayse Blencoe had a tough battle with Peel’s Emilie Moss eventually crossing the line 21-18. Two 7-2 wins were also recorded – the first being Ballaugh A at home to Breagle Glen A (180-125). Two winners for Breagle were Caroline Whitehead who won to 16 against Sherriee Pedley and Katy Williams who won to 17 against Elena Dimsdale. Ballaugh’s Christine McDonald and Lola Tebay were the only players to win their games to single figures. Second 7-2 scoreline was by Marown A away to Nobles (183-101) with Crosby’s Philippa Taylor, Debbie Leece and Lynda Cadamy winning to single figures. Two winners for Nobles were Grace Gawne who won to 16 against Lyn Bolton and Jo Smith who had to battle hard to win 21-20 against Zoe Pearson. Breagle Glen B were home to Douglas and although Breagle won 5-4 on games they lost the match on points (137-152). Points tally for Douglas was helped greatly by Jane Lothian, Paula Garrett and Sue McCourt winning their games to single figures. Karolina Urbaniak for Breagle came back from 9 nil down to win her first game 21-20 against Rebecca Jacobs.
On Friday evening, having played against each other in the Jean Kelly Knockout the previous evening, Castletown A took on Marown A at home resulting in a 5-4 win for Town (168-151). Town’s points total was helped greatly by Kath Kinley and Hannah Drewett winning to single figures. Jenny Saunders, Hilary Kermode and Stella Watterson all had to battle hard to win their games to 19, 18 and 19 against Jayne Smith, Rebekah Kelly and Lyn Bolton with Crosby’s Zoe Pearson holding her nerve to win 21-20 against Kim Foy. Ballaugh A visited Douglas coming away with a 6-3 win (167-120) with three of the Ballaugh ladies winning to single figures, as did Mel Molesworth for Douglas. Closest game of the match resulted in a 21-17 win for Douglas’s Graiagh Smith against Lola Tebay. Marown B won 7-2 at home against a player short Castletown B team (165-102) with three of the Crosby ladies winning to single figures. Two winners for Town were Sue Wilshaw who won to 11 against junior bowler Lillie Barrett and Sue Peach who won to single figures. Mooragh Park made the trip south to Breagle Glen A coming away with a solid 7-2 win (177-116) with the Mooragh’s junior bowlers putting in good performances winning their games to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Mavis Franks and Caroline Whitehead who won to 13 and 17 against Katie Johnson and Madison McMullen. South Ramsey made their way west to Peel winning the match 5-4 (168-139) with three of South’s ladies winning their games to single figures. Two nip and tuck games resulted in 21-20 wins for South’s Kim Hargraves against Shirley Corrin and Beverley Wilson for Peel against Lorraine Moore. Ballaugh B were at home to Breagle Glen B with the Ballaugh ladies winning 5-4 (156-145). Ballaugh’s Maggie Hughes won her game to single figures with Breagle’s Roz Cannon crossing the line 21-18 against Rachel Thomas and Charotte Neeson for Ballaugh winning to 17 against Jean Thackrah.
Ladies Over 60’s league: Tuesday morning, 29 July, saw Ballaugh A score a full house at home to Castletown B (126-67) with three of the Ballaugh ladies winning to single figures. Town’s Marie Ashurst and Linda Dobinson just missed out on wins when they both lost to 18 against Michele Cubbon and Julie Reilly. Castletown A also put in a good home performance winning 5-1 and dropping only five points against Ballaugh B (121-65) with three of Town’s ladies winning their games to single figures. Sole winner for Ballaugh was Alison Millard who won to 16 against Sue Peach. Marown took on South Ramsey B at home winning the match 4-2 (111-85) with Cath Parker for Marown being the only player to win to single figures. Two winners for South were Anne Buck and Sue Collier who won to 14 and 13 against Gill Christian and Celia Joughin. Onchan travelled north to Mooragh Park B coming away with a solid 5-1 win dropping only four points (122-66) helped by three of Onchan’s ladies winning their games to single figures. Gill Hammond was Mooragh’s sole winner winning to 17 against Caroline Heathcote. South Ramsey A hosted Breagle Glen A; match finished three all but Breagle took the honours on points (107-91). Mavis Franks and Caroline Whitehead for Breagle both won to single figures with the closest game seeing South’s Lorraine Moore cross the line 21-18 against Voirrey Curphey. Nobles made their way south to Breagle Glen B coming away with a 4-2 win (118-76) with Paula Garrett and Sue Gawne for the Nobles ladies winning to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Jacqui Elliot who scored the point needed to win 21-20 against Paula Firth and Pauline Worrall who won 21-14 against Libby Andrade. Finch Hill were at home to Mooragh Park; the match finished three all but the Mooragh ladies won by six points (103-96). All games went into double figures with the closest game resulting in a 21-16 win for Finch’s Anne Hon against Gillian Malpass. The following morning (Wednesday) Breagle Glen C hosted Peel with the Peel ladies winning 4-2 (114-82) helped by Shirley Corrin and Val Allwood winning their games to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Steph Swift who had a tough game against Lynda Wilson eventually winning to 20 and Di Benson winning to 10 against Beverley Wilson.
Matches on Thursday morning, 31 July. As I have mentioned previously it is not often a match finishes in a draw and on points, but it happened on Thursday morning when Peel played Ballaugh A at home (107-107). All games went into double figures with Peel’s Joyce Kelly just pipping Michele Cubbon to the post 21-19 and Ballaugh’s Christine McDonald just edging home 21-20 against Gill Clarke. Nobles consolidated their lead at the top of the table with a three all draw at home to South Ramsey A but winning on points (116-79). This was a game of two halves with the first three jacks off being won by South but the final three games being won to single figures by the Noble’s ladies. Closest game saw South’s Judy Kelly cross the line 21-19 against Dee Lewis. Mooragh Park A were at home to Castletown A with Castletown taking the honours 4-2 (104-96). Town’s Jenny Saunders and Gail Corrin for Mooragh won to single figures with Barbara Young and Kath Kinley for Town winning to 19 and 17 respectively after a tough battles against Maureen Hamilton and Joy Morris. Home derby between Breagle Glen A and C resulted in a solid 5-1 win for the A ladies dropping only five points. Sole winner for the C team was Gwen Tuck who won 21-16 against Angela Bennett. Dot Mylchreest just missed out on a win for the C team when losing to 20 against Trish Bull. Finch Hill made the short distance to Onchan coming away with a 4-2 win and by 14 points (104-90). Wendy McDowell for Onchan and Sue Caley for Finch both won to single figures with Onchan’s other winner, Maureen Payne, getting over the line 21-17 against Wendy Cowin. Breagle Glen B travelled north to South Ramsey B winning the match 5-1 dropping only three points (123-76). Jacqui Elliot and Jean Thackrah won their games to single figures for Breagle with South’s sole winner, Jackie Murley, winning to 18 against Joan Ryder. Marown were away to Ballaugh B winning the match 5-1 (111-89) with Rosie Winckle for the Crosby ladies winning to single figures as did Ballaugh’s only winner Carol Holt. Ballaugh’s Brenda Clayton didn’t quite get over the line when she lost to 20 against Elaine Dewhirst. Castletown B hosted Mooragh Park B winning the match 4-2 (112-87). Town’s points win was aided by Hilary Cooke and Linda Dobinson winning to single figures. Two close games saw Mooragh’s Diane Robinson win to 17 against Elaine McElroy and Susan Kerruish for Castletown winning to 16 against Gil Hammond.
With only three Over 60’s fixtures left to play Nobles are currently top of the league on 3,129 points, Castletown A second on 3,039 closely followed by third place Breagle Glen A on 3,030, but as we all know anything can happen in bowls!
JEAN KELLY/PLATE KNOCKOUT FINALS DECIDED
Jean Kelly Knockout Competition (handicaps in brackets): Semi-finals of the Jean Kelly Knockout were played last Thursday evening. First semi was played at Finch Hill between current open age leaders Castletown A against Marown A with both teams playing off the same handicap (+18). Castletown won 5-4 on games and by 28 points 183-155, helped by Town’s Kath Kinley, Hannah Drewett and Stella Watterson winning to single figures. Closest game resulted in a 21-18 win for Crosby’s Debbie Leece against Jenny Saunders. Second semi was played at Douglas Bowling Club between Ballaugh A (+28) and Breagle Glen A (+30). Ballaugh won 7-2 on games and by 32 points 209-177. Ballaugh’s Caroline Parker was the only player to win her game to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Margie Tasker and Caroline Whitehead who both won to 17 against Christine McDonald and Sherriee Pedley. Closest game resulted in a 21-20 win for Ballaugh’s Elena Dimsdale against Voirrey Curphey.
Final to be played on Friday 15 August at Onchan Bowling Club.
Plate Knockout (handicaps in brackets): Semi-finals of the Plate Knockout were also played last Thursday evening. First semi saw South Ramsey (+18) take on Mooragh Park (+38) at Peel Bowling Club. South Ramsey won 7-2 and by 20 points 193-173, with South’s Lauren Groen and Joyce Ogden winning to single figures. Mooragh’s junior bowler, Grayse Blencoe along with Joy Morris just missed out on winning their games when they both lost to 20 against Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves. Second semi was played at Onchan between Nobles (+29) and Peel (+45). Nobles won the encounter 7-2 and by 33 points 209-176, with Sue Gawne for Nobles being the only player to win to single figures. Two winners for Peel were Mary Moffatt who got the point needed to win 21-20 against Libby Andrade and Jo Corkill who won to 13 against Joanne Kelly.
Final to be played on Thursday 14 August venue to be arranged.
Island Team Reach Final of Supplementary Championship
Supplementary County Championship 2025 - Runners Up Isle of Man with the Winning Team Merseyside
Photo: Tash FenlonThe Isle of Man Team took part in the 2025 BCGBA Senior Supplementary County Championship which was held on Sunday at Fleetwood Bowling Club. The day started in wet conditions, with the wind playing a factor for the first two rounds of matches.
Drawn in Group 1, the opposition was tough with Staffordshire, North Midlands and Cheshire awaiting. The matches were played for on chalks with two points for a win, and one for a draw.
In the first round of matches the eight man team were up against Staffordshire, with the Manx men winning by 13 chalks (149-136). Peter Jones won 21-20 against Paul Evans, Neil Withers also crept home 21-19 against Reece Farr, with the latter hitting a high percentage of his strikes as the Marown man kept his composure to see the game out having trailed 13-19. Tom Kelly performed brilliantly leading 16-5 against Daryl Handley, as he went on to win 21-12 to give the Manx men an eight chalk lead at the halfway point.
The second half of the match saw Colin Kelly win 21-8 against Owen Evans, while Paul Dunn beat Kevin Hocknall 21-14. The five wins helped the team to secure the two points to get their day off to a good start.
In their second round match North Midlands were the opposition, they managed to share four individual games with the winners being Neil Withers who stormed to a 21-12 win against Ronan Allen, Glynn Hargraves wasn’t far behind as he beat Tyler Dewes 21-13, David Bradford won 21-16 against Jordan Badderley, while Paul Dunn beat Matt Horton 21-14. Tom Kelly lost out 18-21 after a good battle with Will Beal, while Colin Kelly lost out 20-21 to Max Jefferson. The chalks went in favour of the Island men by 10 (149-139) to put the team on four points and sitting in top spot after two games played.
In their final match they faced Cheshire. The team knew a win or a draw would guarantee safe passage to a first ever final, with a defeat leaving them in the unenviable position of relying on results in the other game. This fixture turned out to be their closest as they managed to secure a win by just three chalks (145-142) despite losing 3-5 on games, which says a lot about the games they did win and the chalks scored by the players who lost. Losing out 18-21 were John Kennish and Tom Kelly, with the former having a tough day at number one, but scoring well in each game as he lost to Richard Peach, while Tom lost out to Simon White. The three winners for the Island Team were Matthew Quirk who beat Nathan Brown 21-13, Neil Withers kept his 100% record going with a 21-15 win over Andy Gregory, as did Paul Dunn who was the last man on the green needing to win to 21-12 or better, he took any tension out of the situation with a 21-9 win over Darren O’Hanlon.
Taking six points from the group stages was enough to top the group with a chalks difference of +26. Staffordshire were runners up in the group with four points and a slightly better chalks difference of +28.
Group 2 consisted of Shropshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, and Merseyside with the latter topping the group to take their place in the final.
The final got underway with the first four games played on the green that the Manx men had been on all day. Tom Kelly didn’t get the chalks to reflect his performance as he lost 12-21 to Matt Gilmore, Paul Dunn had a battle with Stephen Glover only to lose out 17-21, Neil Withers picked up Manx win number one in the final as he trailed Phil Lee 15-17, finishing the game strongly with three doubles to win 21-17. Glynn Hargraves trailed 8-17 against Danny Barwise, with the former picking up another eight chalks to lose out 16-21.
The second half of the match moved to Green 2, with the Merseyside men building on the 14 chalk lead that they had built up from the first four games. Wayne Ditchfield won 21-5 against John Kennish to put the Merseyside men into a 30 chalk lead, to all but put the match beyond any doubt. Next off was Peter Jones who lost 15-21 to John Finch, swiftly followed by Matthew Quirk 12-21 to Andy Hayes. The last match off saw David Bradford recover from a 14-18 deficit to win 21-19 against Nick Burridge as the team lost by 43 chalks 119-162, picking up their second win of the match, as the Merseyside men took a deserved win.
The Isle of Man Team who were managed by Bob Clark and assisted by Nicola Kneale outdid any performance of any Manx team over the years as they reached the final, they can be proud of their performance to win all three group games and reach the final of this competition. Thanks must also go to Bob and Nicola for their efforts on the lead up to the day, especially on the day, with the incoming storm leading to a change in travel arrangements at short notice.
A great team effort overall, with Paul Dunn winning three out of four games, while teammate Neil Withers won all four games. The performance by the team and support from the supporters throughout the day was superb.
Castletown A Win Plumbmaster Rayner Plate
Plumbmaster Rayner Plate Winners 2025 - Castletown A
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe final of the Plumbmaster Rayner Plate took place on Friday evening at Noble’s Park in ideal bowling conditions between first division side Castletown A (+30) and second Division side Marown C (+40), who have won the title on three occasions in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The Town men’s one and only success in this competition was in 1998, when they beat Port St Mary B on their home green by 19 chalks, when the final used to be played on the teams green that was drawn out first. Interestingly this was the last occasion that the final was contested this way, as from 1999 the final of the Plate competition has been played on a neutral green.
Castletown started as favourites as they ply their trade one division above Marown, with the latter team having a 10 chalk start on the night, they are currently occupying top spot in Division Two, as they look to make an immediate return to Division One.
The evening started positively for Town as Dean Kinley had the Crosby men’s most experienced player Peter Kelly, with the former impressed as he kept his opponent to nine singles, as Kinley scored seven doubles on his way to a 21-9 win. The next game off saw Jordan Drewett finish the game strongly to run out with a 21-14 win over Jamie Joughin. John Kelly picked up Marown’s first win and clawed some chalks back as he beat Ian Watson 21-14. The last game off in the first half of the match saw the most inexperienced player Kieran Krypner once again prove he is the man for the big occasion, as he displayed a great attitude, matched by his performance to seal a 21-15 win over Darren Kerruish.
At the half way point Castletown had won three of the four games and turned a 10-chalk deficit on the handicap into an eight chalk lead (107-99). This left all to play for in the second half of the match.
First game off in the second half saw Aaron Richardson put in a solid performance in the second half of the game to beat Dan Smith 21-13, with the latter having led 12-8, the Town man only conceded one more chalk. The 16-chalk lead held by Town was swiftly reduced to just two chalks as Walter McCarthy put in a captains innings to beat Andy Clark 21-7. Just as things had got interesting with just two games left on the green Town captain Nathan Hamilton ‘brought home the bacon’ as he got over the line 21-17 against Brian Kelly. Despite the win being sealed for Town this did not deter Marown’s Steve Rough from recovering from a 16-19 deficit against David Quayle, as the Town man had already scored enough chalks to play his part in the win. Rough hit a great strike to score a single to, then scored a double to get over the line 21-20.
The win was secured for Castletown by five chalks (176-171) as the Town men etched their name onto the trophy for the second time, in a final that was well contested throughout the Town men deservedly edged it.
The presentation was made by Competition Committee Secretary Matthew Keggen who thanked Noble’s for hosting the final, along with providing measurers and the refreshments. Town Captain Nathan Hamilton was then presented with the trophy, he congratulated his team on their performance and offered his commiserations to Marown.
| Castletown A | +30 | +40 | Marown C |
| Jordan Drewett | 21 | 14 | Jamie Joughin |
| Dean Kinley | 21 | 9 | Peter Kelly |
| Ian Watson | 14 | 21 | John Kelly |
| Kieran Krypner | 21 | 15 | Darren Kerruish |
| Aaron Richardson | 21 | 13 | Dan Smith |
| David Quayle | 20 | 21 | Steve Rough |
| Nathan Hamilton | 21 | 17 | Brian Kelly |
| Andy Clark | 7 | 21 | Walter McCarthy |
| 5 Games Won | 176 | 171 | 3 Games Won |
Photo: Neil Withers
Title Race Takes Twist
An unexpected defeat for Marown A on Monday evening in Canada Life International League Division One away to Douglas A, saw the momentum shift in the title race, as the Villa men recovered from their 0-10 away defeat to South Ramsey A to turn over the Crosby men 8-2 on a tricky green. The result only tells half the story, as while I am sure a match has finished with four 21-20 scores previously, I have never seen all four go in favour of the one team. Despite losing heavily just four chalks separated the sides (154-150). Peter Jones got the night off to a solid start for Marown with a 21-10 win over Mark Kneen, with Keith Rise responding with a 21-13 win over Tom Kelly. Andy Cannell beat Phil Kelly 21-20, with Dave McCabe edging over the line 21-20 against Paul Dunn.
In the second half of the match Merv Sayle beat Neil Withers 21-15, with Glenn Boland picking up win number two 21-18 against Shaun Seal. Another two 21-20 scores went in favour of the home team, as Ian Moore bounced back from a heavy defeat the previous week to beat Colin Kelly, while Gordy Wynne-Smythe scraped home against Paul Kelly.
South Ramsey A fully capitalised on the defeat for Marown A, by taking a 0-10 away win over Marown B winning to the same score as last week. Single figure wins arrived from Jordan Cain and David Bradford, were followed up with four wins to comfortable scores. Having to dig deep for the wins for the visitors, Dido Kelly was pushed by Matthew Keggen, getting over the line with a great bowl to secure a 21-18 win. John Kennish was up against Karl Parker, with the Crosby man staring defeat in the face with the Ramsey man playing a front toucher with a 20-17 lead, Parker then went into the back of Kennish’s bowl, then a second bowl from John a foot away left no target. Parker proceeded to play one of the best bowls you will ever see to tip the jack and count for one. A single for Parker on the next end, was followed up by a great lead from Karl, with Kennish just going into the back of the lead bowl. The South Ramsey man changed his peg with his last bowl and delicately chipped out the counting bowl to take a 21-19 win, in what was a great finish to the match. In the space of a week a six-point deficit for South, has turned into a three-point lead, with just three matches to play.
Castletown A had a good battle at home to Onchan A, with the visitors earning a 4-6 win winning the aggregate by 19 chalks, thanks to single figure wins from Peter Slinger 21-3 over Aaron Richardson, and Kevin Quirk’s 21-6 win over Jordan Drewett. Winning for the home team George Foy beat Steve Parker 21-17, a result matched by Ian Watson against Neil Dunwell. Dean Kinley was Town’s best winner 21-10 against Jamie Clague, while captain Nathan Hamilton won 21-15 against Peter Johnstone.
North Ramsey A eased their relegation worries with an 8-2 home win over Peel A. Steve Walmsley impressed with a 21-15 win over Barney Kelly, while Allan Callow held his nerve to beat Tommy McMeiken 21-19. Mooragh captain Rob Monk beat Gary Smith 21-16, with John Cannan the only home single figure winner 21-9 against David Proctor. The two winners for Peel were Stevie Kelly 21-11 against Tom Collins, while George Gadsby looks to be approaching his best as he beat John Corteen 21-5.
The bottom two clashed, with South Ramsey B hoping to get a win to give themselves some breathing space as they hosted Breagle Glen A. Winning the for the home team Tony Dugdale led the way with a 21-13 win over Steve Durcan, Ben Dugdale won 21-16 against Mark Moorley, Alan Moore recovered from a 12-19 deficit to beat Tim Williams 21-19, with Stefan Kelly beating Chris Lever 21-17. For the visitors all four wins were comfortable as Ewan Cooil continued his return to bowls with a 21-13 win over Eddie Carlyle, Dan McCabe beat Lee Dawson 21-12, Douglas Town Cup Winner Trevor Quayle won 21-10 against Toby Hart, while Wayne Roberts was the only single figure winner 21-9 against Austin Hart, as the visitors went two points ahead of their opponents in the table to earn a 4-6 win taking the aggregate by 21 chalks (128-149).
Division Two is starting to get interesting as the two-point lead held by Marown C over Ballaugh A disappeared this week, despite the Crosby men earning a 3-7 away win over Noble’s A, with the home team earning two 21-17 victories from Alex Yates and Mark Bradshaw over Brian Kelly and Peter Kelly respectively.
Ballaugh A won 9-1 at home to Douglas B, with Stuart Garrett preventing the whitewash with a 21-9 win over Nogel Tebay. Single figure wins for the home team arrived from Mark Dimsdale and Phil Quayle.
Bottom side Breagle Glen B made up two points to Douglas B, despite losing 3-7 at home to Noble’s B. Seamus Whelan won 21-19 against Steve Brennan, while Mike Caley strolled home 21-4 against Dylan Marsh, Steve Cain might well be off the Christmas Card list as he beat his Uncle Derek Cain 21-8.
Finch Hill A are 20 points off the top two, with just three games left to play, this is too far to mount a challenge, despite their 2-8 win over Peel B. Winning big for the visitors Pat Maher beat Jimmy Corlett 21-2, Paul Dougherty battled to a 21-20 win over Phil Clarke, while Shay Waterworth made it six out of eight wins despite only taking the game up in 2024.
Castletown B are fairly secure in Division Two despite losing 7-3 away to Onchan B. Winners for the Town men were Junior bowler Sam Quayle, Dad David Quayle, and Juan Drinkwater, with the latter getting over the line 21-20 against Derek Allen.
North Ramsey B lead the way on 91 points in Division Three following their 7-3 home win over Noble’s D, with the home team losing three games to close scores. Ray Skelly lost 17-21 to Stephen Hampson, while Ray Beattie and Paul Cannan fell short 18-21 against John Andrew and Ciaran Broad respectively.
Peel C are now just nine points behind the leaders with a game in hand, and crucially the Mooragh men have to visit Peel in what could prove to be a pivotal fixture in the race for promotion to Division Two. This week’s fixture saw the Western men win 9-1 at home to Ballaugh C, as they hunt down the leaders.
Elsewhere Ballaugh B won 8-2 at home to South Ramsey C, with Paul Routledge and Dave Corkill the two winners for the visitors, while Marown D kept Breagle Glen C 11 points adrift of safety, following their 6-4 home win. The Breagle men will struggle to close the gap, having played a game more than the teams immediately above them.
In Division Four Douglas C stunned runaway leaders Onchan 6-4 at home on a tricky Villa green, as Douglas edged the aggregate by just three chalks (143-140).
Finch Hill B romped to a 10-0 home win over Noble’s E with two of the Noble’s men – Chris Kirkman and Ross Pulman losing out 19-21.
Castletown C managed to field a full team, as they gave valuable experience to the newer bowlers. Junior bowler Jacob Robert won 21-6 against Steve Tayloe, while another Junior Freddie Palmer lost out 18-21 to Craig Sims.
South Ramsey D won 6-4 at home to Peel D, with Matt Rees winning his second game of the season, in only his ninth game as he beat Nick Bradley 21-3. For the visitors Rob Lucas-Kneen – brother of Mark Kneen picked up his first league win in his third outing as he impressed with a 21-11 win over Junior Kian Bradford.
7-2 Scoreline Order of the Night
Open Age League: On Friday 18 July, rearranged match from fixture 17 resulted in a 7-2 away win (171-135) for Mooragh Park against Douglas with Janet Monk for Mooragh being the only player to win to single figures. Two winners for Douglas were Paula Garrett and Katie Jacobs who won to 10 and 14 respectively against Grayse Blencoe and Madison McMullan.
On Wednesday night 23 July, all five matches played resulted in 7-2 scorelines. First of these was by Breagle Glen A at home to Marown B (176-123) with three of Breagle’s wins being won to single figures. Two winners for Marown were Lil Smith and Rosie Winckle who won to 12 and 17. Closest game saw Crosby’s Celia Joughin losing to 19 against Voirrey Curphey. Second 7-2 result was achieved by Castletown B at home to Ballaugh B (177-137) with Town’s Joy Stephens being the only player to win her game to single figures. Melody Marsh for Castletown plus Elaine Fenton for Ballaugh had extremely close games when they both won 21-20 against Alison Millard and Sue Peach with Town’s junior bowler Ruby Keggen winning her first game to 16 against Sandra Buckeridge. Third 7-2 scoreline was scored by Ballaugh A at home to Peel (177-131); again only one player won to single figures and this was by Ballaugh’s Lola Tebay. Mary Moffatt and Beverly Wilson were the two winners for Peel winning to 12 and 18 against Michelle Cubbon and Elena Dimsdale. Terry Berry nearly made the scoreline 6-3 when she lost to 18 against Sherriee Pedley. Fourth 7-2 result was by Castletown A away to Mooragh Park (165-116). Anne Oates, Hilary Kermode and Alison Kearsley for Town all won to single figures as did Janet Monk for Mooragh. The other winner for Mooragh was Madison McMullan who won to 13 against Kellie Maddrell. Final 7-2 scoreline was by South Ramsey at home to Nobles (157-136). Even though South won seven games, the closeness in points was helped by Paula Firth and Jo Smith winning their games to single figures, as did Jenny Moore for South. South’s Judy Kelly and Kim Hargraves both had to battle hard to win their games to 19 and 20 against Colese Creer and Keri Hampson. Match between Marown A and Douglas postponed – date to be arranged.
On Friday evening, three 9-0 results were achieved. First of these was Castletown A who were on outstanding form at home to South Ramsey (189-94) with five of Town’s ladies winning their games to single figures. South’s Sue Collier and Lorraine Moore just missed out on winning when they lost to 20 and 17 against Jenny Saunders and Kellie Maddrell. Second impressive 9-0 scoreline was by Marown A away to Ballaugh B (189-82) with seven of the Crosby ladies winning to single figures. Closest game of the match saw Ballaugh’s Karen Young score 14 against Helen Withers. Third 9-0 result was by an on-form Breagle Glen A who were away to Peel (189-122) with three of the Breagle ladies winning to single figures. Toughest games of the match saw Peel’s Shirley Corrin, Gill Clarke and Jo Corkill lose to 20, 19 and 18 against Katy Williams, Linda Dawson and Voirrey Curphey. Marown B took on Mooragh Park at home and although Marown won 5-4, they lost the match on points (140-149). Mooragh’s Lacey McMullan nearly reversed the scoreline when she lost to 20 against Grace Cooper. Nobles were at home to Castletown B winning 7-2 and by 14 points (172-158). Colese Creer for Nobles plus Town’s Debra Cooper had tough games when they both won to 19 against Melody Marsh and Jo Smith with Noble’s junior bowler, Lara Johnson winning her first game of the season 21-18 against Sue Kerruish. Ballaugh A made their way south to Breagle Glen B coming away with a solid 7-2 win and dropping only seven points (182-112) with four of Ballaugh’s win being won to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Roz Cannon and Jacqui Elliot who won to 19 and 16 against Lola Tebay and Sherriee Pedley.
Nobles Ladies Maintain Lead in Over 60’s League
Ladies Over 60’s: On Friday morning 18 July, rearranged match from fixture 22 between Breagle Glen A at home against Mooragh Park A resulted in a 5-1 win for Breagle (117-82). Mavis Franks and Tricia Bull for Breagle won their games to single figures with Mooragh’s Elaine Slack and Maureen Hamilton both losing to 19 after good battles against Alison Stockham and Margaret Tasker.
Tuesday morning, 22 July, a closely contested match took place between second placed team Castletown A at home to current leaders Nobles. Match finished three all, but the Nobles ladies took the win by one point only (110-109) with all games going into double figures. Two keenly contested games saw Town’s Sue Peach and Nobles’s Marilyn Ellison both win to 19 against Paula Firth and Anne Oates. Breagle Glen B made their way to Marown and even though the match finished three all, the Crosby ladies won by ten points (98-90). Cath Parker and Lynda Cadamy for the Crosby ladies plus Jacqui Elliot for Breagle all won to single figures with Pauline Worrall for the southern ladies winning her game to 18 against Mair Moore. South Ramsey B visited Finch Hill and although the match finished 4-2 on games to Finch, South won by one point (93-94) helped by South’s two winners, Ann Gale and Sue Collier, winning their games to singles as did Anne Hon for Finch. Pat Heesom for Finch had a nip and tuck game with Jackie Murley eventually getting the point she needed to win 21-20. Mooragh Park A travelled to neighbours Ballaugh A coming away with a solid 4-2 win and by eleven points (108-97) Ballaugh’s Kay McKiernan nearly made the match three all when losing to 20 against Lynn Mayers. Breagle Glen A put in a solid home performance against Castletown B winning 5-1 and dropping only five points (121-66) with three of the Breagle ladies winning to single figures. Stopping a full house was Susan Kerruish who won to 16 against Alison Stockham. Ballaugh B travelled east to neighbours Mooragh Park B coming away winning 4-2 (119-81). Brenda Clayton for Ballaugh was the only player to win to single figures with Mooragh’s Mary Bruce and Jane Casey managing to cross the line 21-19 and 21-16 against Ann Kinvig and Jane Teare. South Ramsey A hosted Peel and whilst the match finished three all, South won by ten points (110-100) with Joyce Ogden for South and Mary Moffatt for Peel winning their games to single figures. Two nip and tuck games resulted in Peel’s Beverley Wilson and Shirley Corrin winning to 20 and 19 against Helen Caley and Judy Kelly. The following morning, Onchan were on good form when they won 4-2 away to Breagle Glen C dropping only four points (122-79). Two winners for Breagle were Edwina Reid who after a hard fought game won 21-20 against Norma Cowell and Steph Swift who had a good tussle with Caroline Heathcote winning her game to 18.
Last Thursday morning, local derby between the Mooragh teams resulted in a 5-1 win for the A’ team (115-54). Stopping the whitewash was Gill Hammond who won to 10 against Karen Bentley, with Maureen Hamilton, Joy Morris and Janet Monk for the A team all winning to single figures. South Ramsey A made their way south to Breagle Glen B coming away with a 4-2 win (110-71) with Gillian Jopson and Judy Kelly for South winning to single figures. Two winners for Breagle were Pauline Worrall and Voirrey Curphey who both won to 13 against Lorraine Moore and Jill Quayle. Ballaugh A visited Onchan winning the match 5-1 (115-60) with four of the Ballaugh ladies winning to single figures. Lone winner for Onchan was Jane Lothian who won to 10 against Pat Mason, with Maureen Payne just missing out on another win for Onchan when she lost to 20 against Julie Reilly. Breagle Glen A were away to Peel winning 4-2 on games and by only two points (110-108). Two winners for Peel were Terry Berry who won her game to single figures and Val Allwood who won to 17 against Margie Tasker. Closest games saw Breagle’s Mavis Franks and Trish Bull win to 19 and 18 against Mary Moffatt and Joyce Kelly. Ballaugh B hosted Finch Hill with the match finishing three all with Finch taking the honours on points (105-94). Ballaugh’s Carol Holt was the only player to win to single figures whilst the closest game saw Ballaugh’s Alison Millard win to 19 against Pat Heesom. Breagle Glen C travelled the short distance to Castletown B and although they lost the match 4-2, the Breagle ladies won on points (106-109) helped by Gwen Tuck winning to single figures. The other winner for Breagle was Edwina Reid who won to 17 against Marie Ashurst. Susan Inch just missed out making it three all when she lost to 19 against Town’s Linda Dobinson. Castletown A were away to South Ramsey B winning the match 5-1 (118-69). Three of Town’s wins were won to single figures with Ann Gale stopping the whitewash when she won to 13 against Barbara Young. Nobles played Marown at home in a close fought contest – match finished three all but Nobles won by four points (111-107) with no games being won to single figures. Two tough battles resulted in a 21-17 win for Crosby’s Elaine Dewhirst against Marilyn Ellison and a 21-18 win for Libby Andrade for the Nobles ladies against Philippa Taylor.
Douglas Town Cup Success for Cooper & Quayle
Douglas Town Cup Winners 2025 Clare Cooper & Trevor Quayle with Steve Pickett of Jaks Bar & Smokehouse
Photo: Arnie WithersDouglas Bowling Club hosted both the Mens & Ladies Jaks Group Douglas Town Cups on a very tricky Villa Marina Green this Sunday, on what was a great day for bowls, despite a couple of minor showers.
The green was in fantastic condition and running faster than much of what we’ve seen on the Island this year. In fact I would say, especially in the early stages, the playing surface was each bowlers toughest opponent. Changing weather conditions mean a changing green and the winners were those who adapted the best throughout the day.
Clare Cooper of Marown reigned supreme in the ladies competiton beating the prolific Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-14 in a high quality final. Both players were excellent all day but Clare really had the bit between her teeth in the final and ran out the deserved winner.
Defending champion Paula Garrett (Douglas) went out 21-15 at the semi final stage to our eventual winner whilst Janet ended the charge of Breagle’s Margie Tasker 21-14.
Just falling short at the quarter finals stage were Martha Blencoe (Mooragh Park), Lyn Bolton (Marown), Jane Lothian (Douglas) & Trish Bull (Breagle Glen) .
Trevor Quayle (Breagle) won the coveted trophy for a second time halting the efforts of Paul Dunn (Marown) who is still to add this title to his ever growing resume. The game was nip and tuck in the early stages but Trevor found tip gear and accelerated to a 21-15 win.
It was great to see two seasoned veterans having a great run to the semi-finals with Steve Parker (Onchan) going down 21-9 to Dunn whilst home greener Keith Rise turned in a battling performance to narrowly lose out 21-18 to Quayle.
Neil Withers, Paul Kelly, Peter Greenlees ( all Marown), and Merv Sayle (Douglas) all had good days before dipping out in the quarters.
At the conclusion of the event Mark Kneen thanked Jaks Group for their continued support and introduced Steve Pickett who presented the prizes on behalf of the sponsor.
Bradford Impresses in BCGBA Senior Merit
BCGBA Semi-Finalist David Bradford with BCGBA President Lesley Allan
Photo: Steve ClampSouth Ramsey man – the current Manx Champion David Bradford performed brilliantly in one of the top events on the bowls calendar on Saturday in the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s Senior Merit, winning four games to reach the semi-finals against a top quality field.
In his first outing Bradford was up against Jonathan Lacey (North Lancs & Fylde) as he battled to a 21-17 win.
In the second round Bradford took a comfortable 21-12 win over Lee Kington (Warwick & Worcester), having led 10-1 he matched his opponent point for point from there.
Playing his third game of the day, the South Ramsey performed brilliantly to out-perform top bowler Paul Dudley (Greater Manchester) 21-14.
Reaching the quarter final stage was an achievement in itself, Bradford found himself trailing by five chalks at 7-12, however he wasn’t done there with a strong performance in the second half of the game to reach the semi-finals courtesy of a 21-16 win over Mark Orme (North Midlands).
In the semi-finals Bradford came up against an in form Derbyshire man Dan Petcher, with the latter taking a 21-10 win to book his place in the final. In the other semi-final Gareth Coates (Yorkshire) advanced to the final with a 21-16 over Chamberlain.
Bradford should be proud of his efforts as he joined an elite group with John Kennish reaching the final in 2003, only to lose to Gary Ellis at Rylands in Warrington, while Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly, also reached the semi-final back in 2005 in Barrow only to lose out to Shropshire man Peter Farmer.
In the final Coates was too good for Petcher as a 21-13 win secured his first BCGBA Senior Merit title.
Isle of Man representative Colin Kelly (Marown) fell at the first hurdle losing out 16-21 to regular Isle of Man Festival visitor Conor Chamberlain (Derbyshire), as did South Ramsey’s John Kennish 17-21 to Stuart Tipping (North Lancs & Fylde).
Dunn & Withers Win Nobles Cup Pairs
Noble’s Cup Men’s Pairs Winner 2025 - Paul Dunn & Neil Withers
Photo: Mark BradshawNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Nobles Cup Men’s Doubles on Saturday afternoon with 31 pairs taking part. The competition was sponsored by Atla Group.
Losing out in the quarter finals were home greeners Jim Callister and Steve Cain to Marown pair Paul Kelly and Matthew Keggen 13-21. Les Brookes and Brian Lindsay (Finch Hill/Marown) lost 12-21 to Peter Jones and Glenn Boland (Marown). In the bottom half of the draw Paul Dunn and Neil Withers (Marown) beat Peel pair Ross Menton and Mikey Cawte 21-10, while Noble’s pair Dean Sowerby and Steve Brennan beat club mates Steve Hampson and John Andrew 21-20.
An all Marown tussle was won by Jones and Boland 21-18 against Kelly and Keggen, while Dunn and Withers ended the home hopes of Sowerby and Brennan 21-9.
The final was over in 18 ends as Dunn and Withers led 15-9 after eight ends. Five chalks picked up by Jones and Boland saw the deficit close to one chalks picked at 14-15. Dunn and Withers were made to work for every point as six singles secured a 21-16 victory.
The presentation was made by Lisa Bradshaw on behalf of sponsors Atla Group, with prizes paid down to the quarter finals.
