Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a healthy entry of 62 matching the 2024 entry. With heavy thunderstorms and lightning in the morning, the green was deemed playable with bursts of rain throughout the afternoon, however all 62 entrants turned up to play. The competition was sponsored by George Brew and CEF also on board this year.

At the quarter final stage Matthew Quirk (Onchan) beat Steve Barber (Grapes) after finishing the game strongly scoring six doubles on his way to a 21-15 win. Nick Wyer (Penn) was 19-19 with Paul Dunn (Marown) only for the latter to finish the game with a two to progress to the semi-final 21-19.

In the other half of the draw Reece Farr (Penn) seen off Andy Kennish (Peel) 21-16, whilst the last home greener Alan Moore put paid to the challenge of Joe Dicken (Woodfield) 21-14.

Both winners of the semi-finals ended up with comfortable wins as Quirk trailed 6-12, and 13-15 to Dunn who was the current holder having won the competition for the past two years, with the former running out to win 21-15. Moore managed to build up a healthy 16-8 lead over Farr, as the latter fought back only to lose out 16-21.

The final saw neither player able to win more than two consecutive ends in the early stages, it was Quirk who led by two chalks after nine ends at 13-11. Moore went on to win seven of the next eight ends playing the corners to go within touching distance of his first win in this competition, however two doubles from Quirk cast a shadow of doubt on the outcome, however a single was enough for Moore to lift the trophy, along with the £350 first prize, whilst Quirk took home £150 for his efforts. This was also Moore’s third singles open competition win overall having previously lifting the Autumn Shield and Dreswick Cup.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey club member Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the ladies for providing the refreshments throughout the day, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition. Thanks were given to long term sponsor George Brew, along with Richard Butler from sponsor CEF who presented the prizes.