2026 Non Winners (Hands Trophy) competition
The 2026 non winners competition was played at Ballaugh Bowling Club on Sunday attracting an excellent entry of 34 lady bowlers with spectators being treated to some exceptional bowling throughout the afternoon. Getting through to the quarter finals were Margaret Tasker and Alison Stockham (Breagle); Keri Hampson (Nobles); Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey); Tracy Moore (Castletown); Julie Reilly (Ballaugh), and junior lady bowlers (and sisters) Bailey and Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park). First quarter final saw stablemates Margaret and Alison play each other with Alison taking the honours 21-17. Second quarter final saw Lacey in fine form winning 21-7 against Keri. Third quarter final resulted in a 21-16 win for Tracy against Fiona with Bailey convincingly winning the fourth quarter final 21-9 against home-greener Julie.
First semi-final was between Alison and Lacey. This game could have gone either way as Lacey came back from 20-16 down to level the score 20 across. On the final end, and with Lacey lying two, Alison played a near perfect last wood to win the end and game 21-20. The other semi saw Bailey take on Tracy. Although both ladies played some good bowls, Bailey got her head in front and not looking back won 21-13.
And so to the final between Bailey and Alison. Bailey again came out of the blocks strongly taking control of the game leading 19-7 on the eleventh end. Despite Alison getting singles on the next four ends, Bailey was in no mood to take any prisoners and after two more ends won 21-11 for a well deserved title win. I stand to be corrected, but I think Bailey, at 14 years of age, is the youngest winner of this competition. Well done Bailey!
Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Clare Cooper, Ladies Competition Secretary, who thanked Ballaugh for holding the competition and providing excellent refreshments throughout the afternoon; all the lady bowlers for keeping the spectators entertained and the competition committee for their help in the smooth running of the competition before handing over the trophy and congratulating Bailey on her win.