Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

The 2026 Ladies Association Pre festival singles competition was held on Sunday 14^th June at Peel Sunset Club in warm and sunny conditions, attracting an entry of 33 ladies including ten visiting lady bowlers from the UK. Getting through to the quarter finals were five visiting bowlers consisting of mother and daughter Louise and Catherine Cotton  from Wrockwardine Wood; Lorraine Hirst  and Sally Turner from New Mill, and Paula Gamon from Overton plus home bowlers Elaine Moore, and Kim Hargraves from South Ramsey, and Janet Monk from Mooragh Park.

First quarter final saw Lorraine Hirst in fine form winning 21-10 against Catherine Cotton; second and third quarter finals saw strong performances by Paula Gamon, and Janet Monk who both won 21-13 against Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore respectively. Fourth quarter final was a nip and tuck game between Louise Cotton and Sally Turner with Louise eventually taking the win 21-18.

The semi-final pitted Paula against Lorraine and on the 11^th end score was equal at 14 across. Lorraine took the next end scoring a two, but Paula hit back taking the following four ends to lead 20-16. Despite Lorraine scoring another two on the 17^th end, it wasn’t quite enough as a single on end 18, saw Paula take the win 21-18. Second semi was between Janet and Louise. Although Louise started off well taking the first three ends, Janet got into her groove taking eleven of the following thirteen ends to lead 19-11. Louise hit back with two singles and a double, but like the first semi it wasn’t quite enough as Janet scored singles on the following two ends to win 21-15.

And so to the final between Paula and Janet. Paula started off strong leading 14-11 on the 12^th end. Janet took the next end scoring a single and then playing a relatively straight mark over the crown of the green which she had played superbly all day, scored three doubles on the bounce to lead 18-14. Even though Paula hit back with a double and a single, Janet just had the edge scoring the three points needed to win 21-17 for a well deserved win. Both ladies played exceptionally well in the final treating the spectators to some outstanding bowling.

Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Caroline Whitehead, competition committee member, who thanked Peel for hosting the event and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon; all the lady competitors, especially thanking Janet and Paula for a great final.