Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

The Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles Competition, kindly sponsored by Fynoderee, went ahead at Castletown Bowling Club on Saturday, 13th June 2026.

A strong field of competitors took part in the popular round-robin format, with matches played over five ends throughout the group stages. The shorter format ensured plenty of closely contested games, with every end carrying added importance as pairs battled to secure qualification for the knockout stages.

The standard of bowling remained high throughout the day, with players producing some excellent performances and spectators treated to a number of exciting encounters.

After an impressive morning’s bowling, the four group winners progressing to the semi-finals were Rebecca Teare & Chris Price (Castletown), Voirrey Curphey & Jean Thackrah (Breagle Glen), Fiona Kennish & Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), and Lyn Bolton & Lynda Cadamy (Marown).

The closest battle for qualification came in the group won by Voirrey Curphey and Jean Thackrah, who finished level at the top of the standings with Gwen Tuck and Zoe Durcan. With a semi-final place on the line, the tie was settled by a thrilling one-end shootout, with Curphey and Thackrah holding their nerve to secure progression.

In the first semi-final, home favourites Rebecca Teare and Chris Price produced a strong display to defeat Voirrey Curphey and Jean Thackrah 7-1 and book their place in the final. The second semi-final was a closer affair, with Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore overcoming Lyn Bolton and Lynda Cadamy 5-2 to set up a meeting with the Castletown pairing.

The final began in closely fought fashion, with both pairs exchanging early blows in a competitive contest. However, as the match progressed, Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore found their rhythm and proved too strong, pulling away to secure victory and claim the 2026 Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles title.

Thanks must go to Castletown Bowling Club for hosting the event so efficiently. Special thanks also go to the ladies in the kitchen who kept players and spectators warm and well fed throughout the day, and to the club members who assisted with stewarding and measuring duties.

Finally, sincere thanks are extended to Fynoderee for their generous sponsorship and continued support of ladies’ bowls. Chris French was on hand to present the prizes and congratulate the competitors following another successful staging of this popular event.