Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

On Thursday evening, 6 August, the Ladies Association Jean Kelly Knockout final was played on Onchan Bowling Club sponsored by the family of the late Jean Kelly.  Match was between Marown A with a handicap of +16 and South Ramsey with a handicap of +20.  With only 4 points difference;  a good crowd in attendance and great support for both teams, a highly contested night of bowls was anticipated.

First jack on the green was Zoe Pearson for Marown against Kim Hargraves.  Zoe started off the stronger and despite a spirited attempt by Kim, Zoe ran out to win 21-17.  Second jack was between South’s Lesley Murray and Louise Tebay.  Unfortunately for Lesley, Louise who has been playing well all season, continued with her on-form performance winning the game 21-6.  Third jack pitted Marown’s Rebecca Kelly against Judy Kelly.  Rebecca got into her stride straight away and not looking back won 21-9.  Fourth jack was between South’s Jackie Murley and Lyn Bolton  – this game could have gone either way as both ladies were leading well, but with a push at the end Lyn won 21-15.  Fifth jack saw Marown’s Debbie Leece take on Elaine Moore.  This was certainly a game off two halves as at one point Elaine led 15-3, but once Debbie got hold off the jack and playing some exceptional lead bowls, she ran out to win 21-16.   

Score at this point in the match, including the handicaps was Marown 121, South Ramsey 83. With South having an uphill climb, tension around the green was being felt as only four games remained.

Jenny Moore for South was next on the green taking on Clare Cooper.  Jenny gave South a fighting chance winning to 10 against Clare and South’s first win of the match.    The seventh game was between Marown’s  Helen Withers and Fiona Kennish.  Just as the game between Debbie and Elaine, Helen got off to a great start to lead 14-4, but with determination and some good lead bowls, Fiona fought back to win 21-18 to give South their second win of the night reducing the deficit in points to 24.  Eighth game was a battle to the end between South’s Gill Dixon against Lynda Cadamy with Lynda eventually taking the honours 21-19.  Last game was between Philippa Taylor for the Crosby ladies against Sue Collier.  Philippa sealed South’s fate with a solid 21-10 win;  the final point being an amazing bowl by Philippa who played a bowl full corner to corner to rest on the jack – bowl of the match!

Final total (including  handicaps) –  Marown A 192  (7 games) South Ramsey 154 (2 games). 

Presentation was made by Linda Wilson, Secretary of the Ladies Crown Green Bowling Association, who thanked the Kelly family for their continued sponsorship of the competition;  Onchan for the use of the green and congratulating all the players on a good night of bowling before introducing Carolyn Kelly, on behalf the Kelly Family, to present the prizes to both teams and the shield to Jayne Smith, Captain of Marown A.  Jayne also thanked the Kelly family for their continued sponsorship and support of the competition; congratulating her team on their performance and thanking the South Ramsey ladies for a good match.

Congratulations to Marown A on their win and commiserations to South Ramsey on what was a great night of bowls.