Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves Crowned Kennish Cup Champions

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves emerged victorious at this year’s Kennish Cup, lifting the trophy after an outstanding day of bowls played in glorious weather.

A fantastic entry of 46 pairs competed for the coveted title, with play getting underway at 11:30am due to the large field. The green was running exceptionally well, although the many brown patches made for a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable playing surface, producing plenty of close and competitive contests throughout the day.

Round One Highlights

There were several standout performances during the opening round, none more impressive than the junior pairing of Grayse Blencoe and Archie Dunn (Mooragh Park/Marown), who produced a superb display to defeat home green favourites Julie Stephens and Marty McDermott in a thrilling 21-19 encounter. Their composure and determination against experienced opposition was one of the performances of the day. With conditions proving difficult, many games across the draw were decided by the finest of margins before the competition reached the quarter-finals late in the afternoon.

Quarter-Finals

The first quarter-final saw Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) take on Becky Teare and Dave “Dido” Kelly (Castletown/South Ramsey). Becky and Dido made the brighter start, collecting a series of singles and a four to establish a commanding 12-6 advantage. However, the deficit sparked Jordan and Glynn into life. A remarkable run, consisting of a single followed by three consecutive fours, turned the match completely on its head as they raced to 19 before securing the two points they required to book their place in the semi-finals.

The second quarter-final featured four home greeners – Toby Hart and Alan Moore against Jenny Moore and James Teare in another absorbing contest. Toby led superbly throughout the early stages, while Alan was in excellent form at the back as they built a 14-7 lead. Jenny and James responded by switching their lead bowlers, a tactical move that proved highly effective. A couple of valuable three’s helped them recover and edge ahead 20-18. Toby and Alan showed tremendous resilience to level the match at 20-20, but Jenny and James held their nerve to score the deciding single on the final end and progress.

The third quarter-final between Stevie Rundle and Paul Routledge (Marown/South Ramsey) and Colin Kelly and Jamie Box (Marown) was evenly matched throughout. The scores were locked at 11-11 after seven ends, with both teams exchanging scores throughout the game. Colin and Jamie edged ahead with a crucial three, only for Stevie and Paul to respond immediately with a two. With little separating the pairs, the match was ultimately decided over the closing ends as Colin and Jamie finished strongly with three consecutive two’s to seal victory.

The final quarter-final saw newly engaged Ali Kearsley and Nathan Cooil face John Kennish and David Bradford. The match remained finely balanced during the opening exchanges, with John and David building a slight advantage through a three and a two before Ali and Nathan fought back to level the scores at 9-9. John and David then opened a four-point lead over the next two ends, only for Ali and Nathan to respond in kind. However, two decisive three’s from John and David secured the final semi-final place.

Semi-Finals

The first semi-final featured an all-South Ramsey clash between Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves and Jenny Moore and James Teare. Jordan and Glynn made an excellent start, collecting several two’s to move into a 13–8 lead. Jenny and James responded brilliantly with a four to narrow the deficit to just one shot. Unfazed, Jordan and Glynn regained control and stretched their advantage to 20-13. Lying game down James managed to produce a last bowl saviour that kept the pairings hopes alive with a single, Jenny then produced a series of outstanding lead bowls to inspire another comeback, reducing the score to 20-17. With momentum shifting, Jordan and Glynn remained composed and produced an excellent final end to secure their place in the championship match.

The second semi-final saw Colin Kelly and Jamie Box face John Kennish and David Bradford. John and David controlled the early stages, establishing a 13-7 lead. Colin and Jamie battled back impressively with a series of two’s and a single to close the gap to 14-12, but their comeback ultimately fell short. John and David finished strongly with a succession of singles to book their place in the final.

The Final

The final produced a fitting conclusion to an excellent day’s bowling. Jordan and Glynn held a slender 12-10 advantage after 10 ends before taking complete control of the match. Outstanding lead bowling from Jordan, combined with Glynn’s quality at the back, helped extend their lead to 19-10 over the following four ends.

John and David refused to surrender, responding with a single and a two to keep their hopes alive. On what proved to be the decisive end, John delivered an excellent bowl into the corner, only for Jordan to produce an even finer delivery to edge inside and claim shot. Several bowls came close to altering the outcome, but none could improve on Jordan’s effort.

With the final bowl of the match, Glynn calmly delivered the decisive shot, adding another counting bowl to secure the two points required and seal a deserved Kennish Cup victory 21-13.

Presentation

Following the final, Competition Secretary James Teare thanked the large crowd who stayed to watch the conclusion of the event and expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers whose efforts made the competition such a success.

Special thanks were extended to:

* Glynn and his greenkeeping team for preparing an excellent playing surface
* Steve Moore for efficiently running the competition sheets throughout the day
* The club’s ladies for providing another outstanding selection of refreshments
* Everyone who helped with measuring, marking cards and the many behind-the-scenes tasks that ensured the event ran smoothly

Special Awards

Best Junior Players – Archie Dunn, Kian Bradford & Grayse Blencoe

All three juniors were recognised for their excellent performances, positive attitude and sportsmanship throughout the day. They represented the future of the game superbly and are undoubtedly stars in the making.

Furthest Progressing Lady – Jenny Moore

Furthest Progressing Fourth Division Player – Steve Kelly, who partnered wife Judy Kelly in an excellent run to the last 16

Champions

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves were then presented with the Kennish Cup. Speaking on behalf of the pair, Jordan thanked the event sponsor, Voice Over by Sarah Hart, everyone involved in organising and running the competition, the volunteers, and all those who contributed to another highly successful Kennish Cup.

The day was a tremendous success, featuring outstanding bowling, close competition, excellent sportsmanship and a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. Congratulations once again to Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves, worthy champions of the 2026 Kennish Cup.

Photo: James Teare