Monthly Archives: June 2026
LADIES OPEN AGE LEAGUE
LADIES OPEN AGE: After a busy bowling festival week, fixture 13 was played on Friday 19 June. South Ramsey were on fine form winning 8-1 away at Nobles dropping only three points (186-70). Stopping a whitewash was Colese Creer who won to 18 against Lauren Groen. Breagle Glen A also had an impressive 8-1 (177-103) win at home to Ballaugh A with four of their ladies winning their games to single figures as did Ballaugh’s sole winner, Karen Young. Two closest games saw Trish Bull and Angela Bennett both win to 15 for the Breagle ladies. Castletown A travelled to Peel coming away with a solid 6-3 win (172-152) with Town’s Rebecca Teare and Chris Price winning to single figures. Scoreline could have been reversed when Peel’s Emilie Moss and Niamh Stringer both lost to 20 against Kellie Maddrell and Jenny Saunders. Mooragh Park also had a good 6-3 home win against Marown B (155-112) with six of the nine games being won to single figures – four for Mooragh and two for Marown. Closest game of the match resulted in a 21-15 win for Marown’s Emily Cooper against Jackie Hassall. Douglas also had a sound 6-3 away win at Castletown B (163-125) with four of the Douglas ladies plus a Castletown lady winning to single figures. Other two winners for ‘Town’ were Sue Wilshaw who won to 18 and Rachel Palmer who won to 11. Ballaugh B won 5-4 at home to Breagle Glen B (162-138) with Gill Clarke and Charlotte Neesom for the home side and Pauline Worrall for the visitors winning to single figures. Breagle’s Jacqui Elliott had a tough game against Rachel Thomas eventually crossing the line 21-19.
On Wednesday 24 June (fixture 14), Marown B put in a solid home performance winning 6-3 (172-119) against Breagle Glen B with four of the Crosby ladies winning to single figures. Three winners for the visitors were Voirrey Curphey who won to 17, Anita Roberts who won to 12 and Pauline Worrall who won to 17. Marown’s Martha Butler had a good game against Chrissy Woodward before crossing the line to win 21-18. Mooragh Park won 6-3 at home (147-128) to neighbours Ballaugh A. The three winners for Ballaugh were Maria Dimsdale, Michele Cubbon and Karen Young who all won to single figures as did Janet Monk and Shannon McMullan for Mooragh. South Ramsey made their way south to Castletown B coming away with a solid 6-3 win (167-113) with four of South’s ladies winning to single figures. Three winners for Castletown were Aaslish Moore who won to 16, Marie Ashurst who won to 15 and Barbara Young who won to 10. The following evening, Marown A had an impressive 6-3 away win at Douglas dropping only four points (185-103) with four of their six wins being won to single figures. The winners for Douglas were Paula Garrett who won to 19 and Rebecca Jacobs and Emma Sayle who both crossed the line 21-20 against Philippa Taylor and Debbie Leece. Two remaining matches from this fixture (Nobles vs Castletown A, and Breagle Glen A vs Peel) have been re-arranged for Wednesday 1 July.
Last Friday evening, 26 June, Castletown A won 7-2 at home dropping only five points against Ballaugh B with four of the ‘Town’ ladies winning to single figures. Two winners for Ballaugh were Victoria Johnson who won to 17 against Rachel Palmer and Maggie Hughes who had a battle with Kellie Maddrell before getting the point needed to win 21-20. Marown A won 6-3 (155-122) at home to Breagle Glen A with Clare Cooper, Louise Tebay, and Debbie Leece for the Crosby ladies, plus Alison Stockham and Margie Tasker for Breagle all winning to single figures. Closest game saw Jayne Smith for the home side win to 18 against Ros Cannon. South Ramsey hosted Marown B and although Marown won 5-4 on games they lost the match on points (146-136). Elaine Moore and Gill Dixon for South and Grace Cooper for Marown all won to single figures with Lil Smith and Martha Butler for the visitors both having tough games eventually winning 21-20 and 21-19 respectively against Kim Hargraves and Anne Buck. Peel put in a solid home performance winning 7-2 (163-122) against Nobles with four games being won to single figures – three for Peel and one for Nobles. Colese Creer and Lisa Bradshaw just missed out on two wins for the visitors when they both lost to 20 against Emilie Moss and Louise Horsfall. Douglas made their south to Breagle Glen B coming away with an impressive 6-3 win dropping only four points. Scoreline could have been 8-1 to Douglas as both Rebecca Jacobs and Harley Garrett both lost to 20 against Jacqui Elliott and Anita Roberts. Third winner for Breagle was Voirrey Curphey who won to 19 against Sue McCourt. Another solid 7-2 win was by Ballaugh A at home to Castletown B (179-118) with four of the Ballaugh ladies winning to single figures. Two winners for Castletown were Marie Ashurst who won to 19 against Michele Cubbon and Jo Robert who won to 13 against Charlotte Neeson.
LADIES OVER 60’s LEAGUE
Having had a break due to Festival week and the Over 60’s Veterans Team playing away, fixture 17 was played last Thursday in very warm and humid conditions but this did not deter from some excellent bowling. Nobles ladies were once again on superb form scoring a full house at home against Mooragh Park A (126-73) with Libby Andrade and Sue Gawne for the home side winning to single figures. Two closest games saw Jo Smith and Marilyn Ellison both cross the line 21-18 against Karen McGurgan and Joy Morris. Breagle Glen B had a good 5-1 win at home against Ballaugh B (116-71) with three of the southern ladies winning to single figures. Sole winner for Ballaugh was Brenda Bowyer who won to 11 against Pauline Worrall. Marown won 4-2 at home (111-60) against a player short Finch Hill with three of the Marown ladies winning to single figures as did Finch’s Lil Smith. Other winner for Finch was Sue Caley who won to 19 against Sue Hammond. Breagle Glen A had a good 4-2 win away against Ballaugh A (105-87) with Linda Dawson and Angela Bennett for the visitors and Michele Cubbon for the home team winning to single figures. Closest game resulted in a 21-19 win for Breagle’s other winner Margie Tasker against Julie Reilly. Another 4-2 win was by Breagle Glen C away to Mooragh Park B (108-89) with Edwina Reid and Win Collister for Breagle winning to single figures. Closest game of the match saw Gwen Tuck just pip home-greener Diane Robinson 21-20. Castletown B drew three all at home against South Ramsey A, but South took the honours on points (100-87). Closest game resulted in a 21-14 win for Town’s Pat Rigby against Lorraine Moore. Castletown A drew three all away to Peel winning the match by one point only (97-96). Castletown’s Hilary Kermode was the only player to win to single figures with Chris Price having a nip and tuck game with Peel’s Val Allwood before crossing the line 21-16. A rearranged match from this fixture between South Ramsey B at home to Onchan was played on Monday morning. Onchan took the honours winning 4-2 (103-88). Wendy McDowell and Maureen Payne for Onchan, plus Sue Collier for South all won to single figures with Kay McKiernan for the visitors just pipping Lesley Murray to the post 21-20.
Two postponed matches from fixture 16 were played on Friday morning, 26th June. First of these was Castletown A at home to a player short South Ramsey B. Castletown won 5-1 (118-60) with Jenny Saunders and Anne Oates for Town winning to single figures. Stopping a whitewash was Sue Collier who to 13. Second match was between Breagle Glen A home to Peel. Breagle took the honours by winning 4-2 and on points (106-96) with Mavis Franks for the home side being the only player to win to single figures. Two winners for Peel were Beverley Wilson who won to 10 and Val Allwood who won to 12. Terri Berry just missed out on making the score three all when she lost to 20 against Linda Dawson.
MOORE’ HISTORY MAKING
Manx Championship Winner 2026 - Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) who won her fifth consecutive championship and ninth overall
Photo: Arnie WithersThe IOM ladies Crown Green Bowling Manx Championship took place last Saturday at Breagle Glen Bowling Club attracting an entry of 32 lady bowlers. The competition was played 21up off scratch in sunny, but at times very windy conditions.
Making bowling history by winning the championship for the fifth consecutive year, and winning the title nine times in total since its inauguration in 1973, was Jenny Moore from South Ramsey.
Booking their place in the quarter-finals were Jenny who won 21-16 against Stella Watterson (Castletown); Jenny Saunders (Castletown) who won to 19 against Breagle’s Caroline Whitehead; Shannon McMullan (Mooragh Park) who won to 18 against Louise Tebay (Marown); Mavis Franks (Breagle) who won to single figures against Helen Withers (Marown); Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who won to 18 against Gwen Tuck (Breagle); Clare Cooper (Marown) who beat stablemate Jayne Smith to 13; Debbie Leece (Marown) who won to 14 against home-greener Linda Dawson and Margaret Tasker who won to 10 against Marown’s Lynda Cadamy.
First quarter final pitted the two ‘Jennys’ against each other. Unfortunately for Jenny Saunders, Jenny Moore, was too strong taking the game 21-6. The second quarter saw Shannon have a comfortable 21-10 win over Mavis. The third and fourth quarters were closer affairs with Clare winning to 15 against Kim and Margaret eventually crossing the line 21-19 having had a nip and tuck game against Debbie.
Semi-finals saw Jenny play Shannon and Clare taking on Margaret. In the first semi, Jenny got off to a flying start and not giving Shannon a chance ran out to win 21-10 after 21 ends. Second semi was slightly closer with Clare leading 17-7 on the 18th end. Despite a spirited comeback from Margaret taking singles in next seven ends, Clare ran out 21-13.
The final between Jenny and Clare did not disappoint as both ladies were on top form with the lead changing several times during the game with Clare having a one point advantage on the 20th end at 14-13. Never one to give up, Jenny responded with a double, a single and another double to lead 18-14 on 23rd end. Clare took the next end with a single, but it wasn’t quite enough to stop Jenny taking the next two ends to win 21-15.
Many congratulations to both ladies for treating the spectators to an excellent final, but especially to Jenny on her fifth consecutive win and ninth title – an awesome feat!
Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Caroline Whitehead, competition committee member, who thanked Breagle Glen for hosting the championship, also thanking Clare, Jenny and James Teare for the smooth running of the competition with special thanks to Ann Gale for sponsoring the event.
BCGBA LADIES DOUBLES QUALIFIER – DOROTHY PIEARCE PAIRS
On Sunday 21 June, the Dorothy Piearce qualifier was held on Onchan Bowling Club attracting an entry of 10 pairs. The winners, with possibly the runners-up, will represent the IOM at Spen Victoria Bowling Club in Yorkshire on Saturday 8th August.
Getting through to the semi-finals were the Marown pairings of Clare Cooper and Debbie Leece, and Lyn Bolton and Helen Withers; Michele Cubbon and Nicci Cain (Ballaugh/Breagle), and Lynda Cadamy and Sue Gawne (Marown/Nobles). First semi saw the Marown stablemates play each other. Initially this was a fairly even game with Clare and Debbie leading 11-10 on the 16th end. From this point, Clare and Debbie took charge of the game and not looking back ran out to win 21-13. The second semi was a closer affair between Lynda/Sue and Michelle/Nicci, with Lynda and Sue leading 15-11 on the 19th end. Michele and Nicci responded scoring seven points on the following four ends to take the lead for the first time at 17-15. Unfortunately, this little flurry was not enough as Lynda and Sue eventually won 21-18.
The final between Lynda/Sue and Clare/Debbie was hotly contested with both pairs playing well. First out of the blocks was Lynda and Sue who led 12-5 on the 11th end. Not to be outdone and upping their game, Clare and Debbie clawed their way back to lead 19-16 on the 22nd end, but just like the first semi, Lynda and Sue rallied round taking the the following three ends to win 21-19.
Many congratulations to Lynda and Sue and to all the competitors for an excellent afternoon of bowling. Also many thanks to Onchan Bowling Club for hosting the qualifier and to the Ladies Association Competition Committee for the smooth running of the competition.
NOBLES OVER 60’s LADIES LEAD THE WAY
LADIES OVER 60’s LEAGUE: Heavy rain last Thursday morning resulted in only three matches being played with three being postponed to the following morning and two postponed to a later date. Braving the weather on the Thursday morning were the Onchan ladies who played at home against the Castletown B ladies. Onchan won the match 4-2 dropping only seven points (119-95) with Jane Lothian for the home team being the only player to win to single figures. Two close games resulted in 21-18 wins for Onchan’s Kay McKiernan and Castletown’s Marie Ashurst. Another match that went ahead was a player short Finch Hill who were at home to Breagle Glen B. The Finch ladies won the match 4-2, but due to being a player short won by only two points (87-85). Lil Smith and Iris Kermode for the home-side plus Alison Stockham for Breagle all won to single figures. Closest game saw Finch’s Wendy Cowin just get the better of Jenny Cain winning 21-16. The third match to be played was Mooragh Park A at home against Ballaugh A. Match finished three all, but Ballaugh took the honours on points (93-88) with Maureen Hamilton and Janet Monk for Mooragh plus Rose Waterworth and Christine Macdonald for the visitors all winning to single figures. Mooragh’s Joan Henderson had a good tussle with Julie Reilly eventually crossing the line to win 21-15. The following morning, and in much brighter weather conditions, the Nobles ladies had a convincing 6-0 win away to a player short Breagle Glen C (126-37) with Sue Gawne and Paula Garrett winning to single figures. Closest game saw Libby Andrade just pip Gwen Tuck 21-15. South Ramsey A were at home to Marown; match finished three all, but South won on points (100-78) with Elaine Moore and Joyce Ogden for South and Rosie Winckle for Marown winning their games to single figures. Marown’s Philippa Taylor had a good battle against Lorraine Moore with Philippa eventually winning 21-18. Ballaugh B hosted neighbours Mooragh Park B who were a player short. Match finished three all (116-81) with Gill Clarke for the home team being the only player to win to single figures. Three winners for Mooragh were Mary Bruce and Irene Goodall who both won to 19 and Diane Robinson who won to 15. Matches between Breagle Glen A vs Peel Sunset and Castletown A vs South Ramsey B have been postponed to Friday 26 June.
LADIES OPEN AGE LEAGUE: Last Friday evening South Ramsey were on good form winning 8-1 (185-89) at home to Ballaugh B with five of south’s wins being won to single figures. Stopping a full house was Victoria Johnson who won to 17 against Joyce Ogden. Another 8-1 win was scored by Marown B at home to Castletown B (171-132) with Celia Joughin and Lil Smith for the Crosby ladies plus sole winner for ‘Town’ Debra Cooper, all winning their games to single figures. Sue Wilshaw and Barbara Young just missed out on wins for Castletown when they both lost to 20 against Lillie Barrett and Elaine Dewhirst. Douglas were at home to Peel winning the match 7-2 (166-141) with Jane Lothian for the home-side and Karen Moss for the Peel ladies winning to single figures. Beverley Wilson nearly got another win for Peel when she lost to 18 against Paula Garrett. Mooragh Park travelled south to Breagle Glen B coming away with a solid 7-2 win (159-116) with five games (three to Mooragh and two to Breagle) being won to single figures. Closest game of the match resulted in a 21-15 win for Mooragh’s Grayse Blencoe against Jean Thackrah. The Nobles ladies also put in a good away performance at Ballaugh A winning the match 5-4 (157-135) with Colese Creer and Sylvia Kennaugh for the visitors winning to single figures. Rose Waterworth for Ballaugh had a nip and tuck game with Keri Hampson before running out to win 21-18. Castletown A were at home to Marown A; with both of these teams vying for the top spot it was a well contested match with Castletown winning 6-3 and by seventeen points (150-133). Five of the nine games were won to single figures (three for Castletown and two for Marown). Hilary Kermode for the Town ladies played Lynda Cadamy; game could have gone either way, but Hilary managed to get the final point to win 21-20.
JEAN KELLY PLATE KNOCKOUT
The Jean Kelly Plate knockout competition (handicaps in brackets) got underway on Thursday 26 June with a pre-liminary match between Breagle Glen B (+54) home to Nobles (+37). The Nobles ladies won 6-3 on games and by 65 points, 160-95, with five of the Nobles ladies winning to single figures. Three winners for Breagle were Pauline Worrall who won to 20; Jacqui Elliot who won to 12, and Voirrey Curphey won to single figures.
The quarter finals are due to take place on Tuesday 7 July and Thursday 9 July.
IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM REACH THE FINAL IN WREXHAM
Ladies Vets Team that played in Llay, Wales last week
Photo: UnknownBCGBA LADIES VETERANS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
A nine player strong Isle of Man Over 60’s Ladies team plus Team Manager travelled to Wrexham in Wales on Monday 22 June to compete in the British Crown Green Bowling Association Ladies Veterans County Championship. All matches were played on the following day (Tuesday) in extremely hot and humid conditions – water and shade were certainly the order of the day!
The competition was played in four groups consisting of four counties with the winners of each group progressing to the semi-finals. Group A and Group B played at Llay Miners Welfare Bowling Club; Group C and D at Gresford Village, with the semi-finals and final being played at Brymbo Sports and Social Club. All games played 15 off scratch.
The Isle of Man Team consisted of Elaine Moore and Sue Collier (South Ramsey); Hilary Kermode (Castletown); Paula Garrett and Sue Gawne (Nobles); Joyce Kelly (Peel); Lynda Cadamy (Marown), plus Caroline Whitehead and Margaret Tasker (Breagle Glen). Elaine was Captain and Janet Latham was Team Manager.
The IOM ladies were drawn in Group B along with Wales plus Warwick and Worcester. The other county in the group, Shropshire, had to withdrawn due to health problems. Group A consisted of Staffordshire, North Shropshire, Merseyside and South Yorkshire. Group C consisted of the favourites to win the competition, Yorkshire; Mid-Warwickshire, Dudley & District and Burton & District. Group D consisted of South Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Our ladies first match was against Warwick and Worcester and although we drew four all, we took the honours on points (97-91). Wales was next on the green winning 6-2 (110-66) against Warwick and Worcester. With both the IOM ladies and Wales winning a match each, whoever won between ourselves and Wales would progress to the semi-finals. This match was a nail-biter with every point counting as we drew four all again winning by just three points, to seal our place in the semi-finals. Also going through to the semis were Merseyside from Group A; Yorkshire from Group C, and Greater Manchester from Group D.
The IOM ladies made their way to Brymbo Sports and Social Club for the semi-finals/final. Our semi was against Group A winners Merseyside. Our ladies were on excellent form winning this match 6-2 and by 40 points (113-73). Second semi was also a 6-2 win for Yorkshire against Greater Manchester (106-73).
And so to the final, the first time for the Isle of Man! Unfortunately for our ladies and despite playing exceptionally well in the final and during the day, Yorkshire were too strong winning the match 7-1 (113-73).
Results of the final:
| Isle of Man | Score | Score | Yorkshire |
| Paula Garrett | 14 | 15 | Lorraine Hirst |
| Sue Collier | 4 | 15 | Lynda Drury |
| Margaret Tasker | 8 | 15 | Linda Gledhill |
| Lynda Cadamy | 7 | 15 | Julie Best |
| Sue Gawne | 8 | 15 | Jean Witchcombe |
| Hilary Kermode | 12 | 15 | Sally Turner |
| Elaine Moore | 15 | 8 | Karen Hill |
| Caroline Whitehead | 5 | 15 | Debbie Davis |
| 73 | 113 |
Many congratulations to our ladies on an excellent performance; they certainly did the IOM bowling fraternity proud. Also thanks to our supporter, Jenny Saunders, for all her encouragement and to Janet for doing most of the running round especially in the hot conditions. WELL DONE IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM!
Manx Championship Finals Night Qualifiers
Manx Championship Qualifier Reg Temporaza (Onchan) who faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) on his way to qualifying
Photo: Gary Weightman/Vannin PhotosThe Manx Championship got underway on Sunday afternoon with a healthy entry of 62, despite the competition being played in a split format over two greens for the first time ever.
With South Ramsey as one of the two qualifying greens, there weren’t too many shocks that took place, with perhaps the closest thing to a shock was Noble’s captain Alex Yates reaching the quarter finals with a solid 21-14 win over Marown B captain Juan Killip.
The second qualifier was Marown’s Peter Jones, who had a good tussle with Breagle man Wayne Roberts, with the latter fighting back from a 7-14 deficit to level the game up at 17-17, only for Jones to steady the ship and see the game out with four singles to progress with a 21-17 win.
The third spot in the quarters went to seven-time champion Colin Kelly (Marown), who had a battle on his hands with Onchan captain Matthew Quirk, with the latter leading 15-11, the game went to 20-20, with the Marown man winning the deciding end.
The final spot at South Ramsey went to Marown captain Paul Dunn, with a 21-8 win over Finch Hill’s Stephen Oates. Dunn rather unusually only had to play one game, as he had received a bye in the first game, then his opponent who also had a bye withdrew from the competition. This contrasted with the other qualifiers who had to win three games to qualify.
In the capital of the Island, Finch Hill hosted the remaining bowlers, with several big hitters clashing in the early rounds, with this there were high-profile casualties.
Peel’s Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly breezed through his qualifying game with a 21-9 win over Phil Kelly (Marown) to become the first Peel man to qualify for finals night.
Marown’s Jamie Box had to face teammate Tom Kelly in his qualifying game, with the game being well contested throughout, however Box had enough in the locker to see the game out with a battling 21-19 win.
12-time Manx Champion John Kennish (South Ramsey) lost out to Reg Temporaza (Onchan), in the second round, with the Onchan man recovering from a heavy deficit to progress. In his qualifying game Temporaza faced 2001 Manx Champion Ewan Cooil, with the Breagle man leading 17-11, Reg once again fought back to see the game out with a strong finish to qualify for finals night. Temporaza had a tough run, having faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) in the first round.
The last game on the green was between Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Rob Middleton (Peel), with the latter taking a 10-4 lead, Monk went on to lead 17-16 after 26 ends. Middleton secured two successive singles to lead 18-17, with the North Ramsey man doing likewise. With the game finely poised at 19-18, Middleton scored the three chalks required taking three singles to win 21-19.
Other casualties in the earlier rounds were the current holder and three-time Manx Champion David Bradford who went out to Ballaugh man Mike Spooner, two-time winner Neil Withers, who lost out to Alan Moore (South Ramsey), another two-time winner Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) went out to Tom Kelly, whilst recent Association Cup winner Stevie Kelly lost out to Ewan Cooil in the first round.
Due to players being unable to play on their home green, a redraw took place to decide who would play who in the last 8 of the competition.
The draw was done live on Facebook as follows:-
Reg Temporaza vs Alex Yates
Paul Dunn vs Peter Jones
Jamie Box vs Rob Middleton
Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly vs Colin Kelly
The competition will be played to a conclusion on Wednesday evening at Douglas Bowling club with play getting underway at 6:30, with BCGBA dress code required.
Preview
The Onchan man Temporaza starts as favourite in this tie, however Yates has been known to cause an upset having reached the quarter final stages of the September Festival a couple of years ago, so should be written off at your peril.
Marown teammates Paul Dunn and Peter Jones promises to be a blockbuster of a game, with Dunn having one Manx Championship title to his name, he will be looking to add number two. Jones on the other hand, has settled into Island life since his move four years ago, has won four singles open competitions, with the biggest win being the Manx Masters at the end of the first season he moved over in 2022. Jones also turns out regularly for the island team, is more than capable of upsetting his captain. A tough one to call.
Jamie Box is another Merseyside man, who is settling into Island life, having moved over in the latter part of the 2025 season, he is finding his feet in Marown A team. His opponent Rob Middleton plies his trade for Peel B, doesn’t enter a huge number of opens, but generally gets through a few rounds when he does, he has proven he can mix it with the better players in the past. Middleton is another man who will just keep plugging away, should not be written off.
The final matchup is between two stalwarts of the game, Peel man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly whose name is forever written into the History of the Bowling Festival having picked up a June festival title in June 2000, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) did the same in June 2008. The Marown man does have seven Manx Championship wins under his belt, and with it the ultimate prize in the game when he won the Champions of Champions title at the Waterloo Bowling Green in Blackpool in 2019. Whilst Colin starts as the favourite, Barney will be looking to pick up his first Manx Championship having suffered heartache in the final on four occasions to date, with the two most recent efforts being in 2020 and 2022.
Phil ‘Sooty’ Lee Sweeps Up IOM Festival Title
Men's IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Phil Lee (St Mary's)
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place last week, with the event attracting approximately 600 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve. The spectators were treated to a week of mixed conditions particularly later in the week and especially on finals day with heavy rain setting in for the morning, and early afternoon.
In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (St Mary’s), known on the bowls circuit as ‘Sooty’ who picked up his second June Isle of Man Festival win, having won this event in 2023, as he etched his name further into the history books.
Lee collected the £3,200 winner’s cheque and lifted the famous trophy after beating Crossgates man Simon Walder 21-11. Walder made a bright start by winning the first two ends, but Lee soon settled into the game, putting together short scoring runs while limiting Walder to just three further scoring ends. The St Mary’s player scored five doubles on his way to a convincing victory. The rain clearly affected conditions, with parts of the green saturated but not visibly so, making play difficult. Players had to navigate the heavier areas carefully, while the bowls ran more freely on the drier parts of the green.
Lee sealed victory with a double in the corners to score the two points needed to lift the June title once again and the sizeable cheque for £3,200.
Lee reached the final with what ended up being a comfortable win over the current holder Callum Wraight (Castlefields), who started off +3 due to his success in 2025, despite trailing 5-12 after just six ends Lee started to find his feet, with another six ends played in saturated conditions the Wirral man found himself ahead 13-12. Wraight was contained to just two more chalks, as a strong finish from Lee booked his place in the final 21-14. Crossgates man Simon Walder was up against the last of the locals Colin Kelly (Marown), with the visiting bowler always in control, remaining in the lead throughout the game to seal his place in the final with a 21-15 win. Kelly picked up the George Craine Trophy as the furthest local bowler, whilst he also took home a cheque for £650 for his efforts.
The quarter finals saw Lee start his day with what turned out to be his toughest game of finals day, with a hard fought 21-18 win over Jack Bowes (Pudsey Littlemoor), with the latter leading on three separate occasions by a solitary chalk at 8-7, 14-13, and 18-17, with the Wirral man seeing the game out with four consecutive singles. Wraight advanced to the next round in a match that swung one way, then the other, and back again with Neil Withers (Marown), as Wraight led 11-6, then trailed 11-17, with a seven-end losing streak, with the Castlefields man then going a seven-end winning streak to see the game out 21-17. In the other half of the draw Walder beat three-time June winner Graeme Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-17, whilst Kelly took a comfortable 21-11 win over Danny Barwise (St Mary’s).
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up the Tourism title with a solid 21-12 victory over Ryan Clark (Meersbrook), with neither player taking the early initiative, it was Wraight who led by two chalks after 10 ends. The Castlefields man went on to win seven of the following nine ends on his customary short length up to the crown and back to the corner to run out with a 21-12 win, and with it taking his fifth win in the June Tourism event.
In the semi-finals Wraight made light work of Robbie Ellis (Pudsey Littlemoor) with a 21-10 win to book his place in the final, whilst Clark had to work for his 21-17 victory over Matty Stewart (Netherfield BC).
In the quarter finals Wraight started his morning with a battle as he held off Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) 21-19, whilst Ellis beat Paul Bailey (Belvedere BC) 21-10. In the other half of the draw Clark beat Simon Walder (Crossgates) 21-17, whilst Stewart beat Mark Booth (Dodworth MW) with a single figure win 21-9.
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by 18-year-old Lewis Pember (Spen Victoria) who enjoyed success in what was his first time entering the festival beating 1990 June winner Kevan Shaw (Carleton) who has won the biggest prizes in the game with an assured victory 21-14 in the final.
Pember beat Daniel Moores (Comberbach) 21-17 to book his spot in the final having trailed 17-18 before going on a three-end winning streak, scoring the four chalks needed. In the other semi-final, Shaw held off the challenge of Richard Bendrey (Wirral) 21-18, as he scored five doubles to the Wirral man’s solitary double, which ultimately proved to be the difference.
The Ladies consolation final was more straightforward for the winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) who beat Catherine Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-11 in the final, with the latter scoring five singles, whilst Lunn-Gadd scored five singles and six doubles on her way to victory. Lunn-Gadd reached the final courtesy of a 21-12 win over Sarah Boyd (Lune Road), whilst Wilson took her place in the final to the same score with a win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC).
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Sally Turner (New Mill), as she had a tussle with Matt Gilmore (Wirral), with the former having initially led 7-0 in a 9-up match. Gilmore fought back to level the match at 8-8 to ensure the match went to a deciding end. Having a great bowl Gilmore would have been certain he would win, however a superb last bowl from Turner sealed a 9-8 victory. Turner also had to work to reach the final, with another 9-8 win over Lorraine Hirst (New Mill), whilst Gilmore eased to a 9-3 victory over Kyle Chapman (Alford Hall BC).
The Last Chance Mixed Final was another close encounter with Nick Dawson (Parkfield) winning 21-19 over Maurice Edmonds (Dalton Cricket Club). Dawson reached the final with a solid 21-11 win over Steve Barber (Grapes Hotel), whilst Edmonds had to dig a little deeper to hold off Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) 21-17.
The Men’s doubles final saw a good battle in the final with visitors Callum Wraight (Castlefields) and Andrew Spragg (Hollingwood) who took an 11-9 victory over Marown’s Paul Dunn and Neil Withers in the final. Wraight and Spragg reached the final with an 11-8 win over two young and up coming bowlers in Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) and Jay Bailey (Belvedere BC). Dunn and Withers took a comfortable 11-5 win over Ben and Joshua Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood).
The Ladies doubles final saw Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Sharon Gadd (Cononley) ease to a 11-4 victory over Heather O’Hanlon and Debbie Gittins (Crosstown BC). The winning pair got through to the final with a 11-9 win over Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk, whilst O’Hanlon and Gittins took their spot as they held off Lynda Cadamy (Marown) and Sue Gawne (Nobles) to the same score. Winning the Mixed pairs were Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) and Ashley Walton (Meersbrook) with a hard fought 9-7 victory over Sue Sinclair (East End BC) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield), with the latter pair having led 7-5, a mini fightback sealed the win. Earlam and Walton reached the final with a 9-5 win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC) and Ryan Marks (Wirral), whilst Sinclair and Colebourne recorded a comfortable 9-3 win over Yvonne Hamilton (Meersbrook BC) and Craig Oddy (Carcroft).
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Boyd Wins Maiden IOM June Festival Title
Ladies IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park)
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event it was school-teacher Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) who etched her name into the history books, picking up her first festival title.
Boyd had the task of facing Tracy Wraight (Castlefields) in the final, with the latter making a strong start taking the first four ends to lead 10-5. Boyd got in with a double, in what was the first of three consecutive doubles and six in total throughout the game playing round pegs to devastating effect to lead 19-11. Wraight finally got back in on the 13th end, however Boyd ensured there was to be no comeback, as she displayed nerves of steel to see the game out with two singles to seal a 21-11 victory. With Boyd receiving the £1,250 first prize, Wraight took home the runners up prize of £625.
In the semi-finals Boyd put paid to the challenge of Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) with an assured 21-12 win, whilst Wraight put paid to the hopes of Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates) of doing the double following her success on Thursday in the Tourism event with a hard fought 21-19 win to progress to the final.
Boyd started her day off with a solid 21-14 win over Paula Gamon (Overton), whilst Fox just edged home 21-20 against Carly Williams (Comberbach). In the other half of the draw Wraight was in fine fettle with a resounding 21-6 win over Josephine McGhee (Knutsford), whilst Wilcox held off Louise Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15 to advance to the next round.
In her speech Boyd said she hoped she would be able to return to the Island in 2027 to defend her title, having received special permission from the headmaster to take the week off from her role as a school-teacher, as to get the week off in the first place was a once in a lifetime thing.
For local interest Nobles bowler Sue Gawne received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady reaching the last 16 of the competition on Thursday afternoon, losing out 16-21 to be the highest scoring local in the round.
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, with former local bowler Rachel Wilcox, who now plies her trade for Crossgates comfortably seeing her way through the latter stages of the Tourism event, sealing the win in the final with a 21-9 win over Kathy Chadwick (Castle Sports & SC), with the latter winning just three ends, whilst Wilcox scored heavily with seven doubles, taking just 13 ends to win the final.
Wilcox reached the final with a solid display in the semi-final beating Louise Tebay (Marown) 21-16, in a contest that the Crossgates player was always in control of. In the other semi-final Chadwick had a battle to hold off clubmate Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) 21-18.
In the quarter finals Wilcox put paid to challenge of current holder Jenny Moore’s (South Ramsey) hopes of retaining the title with a 21-16 win, with Moore getting the score back to 15-16, only for a strong finish from Wilcox. Tebay advanced to the next round with a tense finish to the game, as she recovered from a 13-18 deficit to Denise Burchell (Castle Sports & SC) which went to a deciding end at 20-20, with the Marown bowler prevailing. In the other half of the draw Chadwick took a comfortable 21-12 win over Caroline Bushell (Lindal BC). whilst Earlam inflicted what would be the only defeat of the week on Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) with a 21-17 victory.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: James Wilcox
Photo: Arnie Withers