Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

The sun came out, the rain stayed away and with yachts in the bay for ‘Seafest’, the setting couldn’t be beaten for the final Ladies Doubles Competition of the season, the Ballapaws Trophy at Peel Sunset Bowling Club.

An entry of 15 pairs meant 7 prelim’s, with Mary Moffatt and Joyce Kelly being the only pair with a drawn entry to the Quarter Finals. The hard work of the greenkeepers at Peel had paid off as today the green was running well and as a result, all the bowling was high quality with close ends and each point being fiercely fought over.

Unfortunately, none of the home greener’s made it past the quarter finals – we’ll try again next year to bring the trophy home.

The first semi-final was Louise Tebay and Maria Dimsdale against Linda Cadamy and Sue Gawne. Both pairs were on top form and the match was close, but, with the play technique of Louise taking the lead and instructing Maria to “knock ‘em up”, they came out winners 21-16.

The second semi-final saw the pairing of Paula Firth and Sylvia Kennaugh against Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden. Allegedly playing together for the first time in 4 years (although you wouldn’t have thought that), Paula and Sylvia took an early lead to 16. Philippa and Joyce weren’t letting it go so easy and having won control of the jack, clawed their way back to 17 across. However, Paula and Sylvia dug deep to win the next 3 ends and the match, 21-17.

The final was all set, and what a match – it was nip and tuck all the way with both pairs taking turns to lead but the “knock ‘em out” team of Louise and Maria stole the show 21-18. Paula and Sylvia left with smiles on their faces for a rekindled partnership.

Thank you to the sponsors, Ballapaws Boarding Kennels, for their continued support and thank you to all who helped on the day; measuring, marking, making brew’s etc. An enjoyable day for all and best of all, lots of laughs and smiles on the green.

Published by Louise Horsfall