Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

The IOM ladies Crown Green Bowling Manx Championship took place last Saturday at Breagle Glen Bowling Club attracting an entry of 32 lady bowlers. The competition was played 21up off scratch in sunny, but at times very windy conditions. 

Making bowling history by winning the championship for the fifth consecutive year, and winning the title nine times in total since its inauguration in 1973, was Jenny Moore from South Ramsey.

Booking their place in the quarter-finals were Jenny who won 21-16 against Stella Watterson (Castletown); Jenny Saunders (Castletown) who won to 19 against Breagle’s Caroline Whitehead; Shannon McMullan (Mooragh Park) who won to 18 against Louise Tebay (Marown); Mavis Franks (Breagle) who won to single figures against Helen Withers (Marown); Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who won to 18 against Gwen Tuck (Breagle); Clare Cooper (Marown) who beat stablemate Jayne Smith to 13; Debbie Leece (Marown) who won to 14 against home-greener Linda Dawson and Margaret Tasker who won to 10 against Marown’s Lynda Cadamy.

First quarter final pitted the two ‘Jennys’ against each other. Unfortunately for Jenny Saunders, Jenny Moore, was too strong taking the game 21-6. The second quarter saw Shannon have a comfortable 21-10 win over Mavis. The third and fourth quarters were closer affairs with Clare winning to 15 against Kim and Margaret eventually crossing the line 21-19 having had a nip and tuck game against Debbie.

Semi-finals saw Jenny play Shannon and Clare taking on Margaret. In the first semi, Jenny got off to a flying start and not giving Shannon a chance ran out to win 21-10 after 21 ends. Second semi was slightly closer with Clare leading 17-7 on the 18^th end. Despite a spirited comeback from Margaret taking singles in next seven ends, Clare ran out 21-13.

The final between Jenny and Clare did not disappoint as both ladies were on top form with the lead changing several times during the game with Clare having a one point advantage on the 20^th end at 14-13. Never one to give up, Jenny responded with a double, a single and another double to lead 18-14 on 23^rd end. Clare took the next end with a single, but it wasn’t quite enough to stop Jenny taking the next two ends to win 21-15. 

Many congratulations to both ladies for treating the spectators to an excellent final, but especially to Jenny on her fifth consecutive win and ninth title – an awesome feat!

Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Caroline Whitehead, competition committee member, who thanked Breagle Glen for hosting the championship, also thanking Clare, Jenny and James Teare for the smooth running of the competition with special thanks to Ann Gale for sponsoring the event.