Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Last Saturday Finch Hill Bowling Club hosted the Douglas Corporation Any Combination Doubles event which attracted a field of 21 pairs.  With last year’s winners Dunn and Withers missing, there was going to be new names of the trophy.

The draw produced some really tough preliminary round games, with several juniors, past and present festival winners and newcomers making for a very interesting competition. Anita and Wayne Roberts had a long and hard fought game against homegreeners Mark Taylor and Sam Stannard-Duke, winning eventually 21-19. Another tough game was Richard Blencoe and his partner Sam Quayle against family membersMartha and Grayse Blencoe taking a  21-19 win.

In the quarter finals Peter Greenlees and Walter McCarthy ended the hopes of Philippa Taylor and Lynda Cadamy 21-11.  Anita and Wayne met a very in-form Glenn Boland and Jamie Box losing 21-12.  Also securing a place into the semis was John and Fiona Kennish taking a 21-14 win over sisters Madison and Lacey McMullan.  Special mention goes to newcomers Efren Cagadas and Arnold Nor, both only started playing bowls 6 weeks ago and delighted the spectators with their enthusiastic and very emotional style of play, who also won a place in the semi-finals by defeating Paddy Murphy and Dave McCabe 21-15.

Semi final line up was Efren and Arnold against Glenn Boland and Jamie Box, with some very entertaining ends and emotions running high, the experience of Boland and Box was just too much for Efren and Arnold with them taking a 21-13 win.  The other semi final was a match of two experienced teams of John and Fiona Kennish against Greenlees and McCarthy.

Peter and Walter’s excellent run up to this stage was no match for the Kennish pairing with the latter running out a 21-7 win and taking their place in the final.

The final saw Boland and Box move into a comfortable early lead and never looked back, despite John and Fiona battling every end in an attempt to catch up.  Boland and Box lifted the trophy with an impressive 21-9 win.

The presentation was made by Finch Hill member Mark Taylor on behalf of Douglas Corporation.  Jamie Box thanked the sponsors and hosts, all the competitors and helpers and especially to the ladies in the kitchen for the excellent refreshments available all afternoon. Thanks also to Joyce Ogden for running the sheet.

That almost brings the season to an end.  So winter well everyone and see you in 2027.