Author Archives: Competition Secretary

Ladies Senior County Merit

A ladies team of nine senior Isle of Man Crown Green bowlers recently represented the island in the British Crown Green Senior County Merit which was held at Vale Park, Todmorden, West Yorks. The weather was kind although there was a short shower mid afternoon, however it didn’t spoil the day.

The competition format was four groups of four counties who played each other on a round robin basis and the winners from each group then played in the semi final and subsequent winners went on to the final.

The Isle of Man team were drawn in a tough group and also had to combat a very fast tricky green which proved a problem in the first game against a strong Wirral team but then an improvement with the second against Yorkshire (previous winners and this year’s finalists) and a great result in the third beating last years winners (Gtr Manchester) The eventual winners were North Shropshire who were first time winners.

The IOM team bonded together under the leadership of captain Val MacFarlane who kept the team’s spirit up all day.

Thanks go to our referee Mary Simmonds for her hard work all day and for keeping us and some of the other referees in order!! Thanks also to those who came along on the trip to support – it was much appreciated by all the team.

Team left to right Trish Bull, Joyce Kelly, Mary Moffatt, Lin Ruscoe, Margaret Tasker, Mary Simmonds (Referee), Val McFarlane (Captain), Lillian Slinger, Ann Gale, Jean Radcliffe
Team left to right
Trish Bull, Joyce Kelly, Mary Moffatt, Lin Ruscoe, Margaret Tasker, Mary Simmonds (Referee), Val McFarlane (Captain), Lillian Slinger, Ann Gale, Jean Radcliffe

Post published by Competition Secretary

Point Deductions

Please be aware that the following point deductions have been made to the league table during June.

Finch Hill B have received a 4 point penalty for failing to fulfil their Game 11 fixture

Post published by Competition Secretary

June Festival Preview

The first round of the Main June Festival kicks off today (Tuesday) and as always there is a host of local and visiting bowlers all vying to put their name on the coveted trophy.

Mark Hughes (Crossgates) has been in brilliant form in recent festivals and he will be hoping he can add the main crown to his tourism title. If he wants to progress though he will have to beat former winner Phil Kerruish (Onchan) in a very tricky opener. Fellow locals Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Dave Hughes (South Ramsey) will be hoping to make a name for themselves and book a place in the last 8. This will be easier said than done with perennial favourite Ian Nicholson (Victoria) and a host of other talented visitors in the section.

There are more potential winners than I care to mention in the next 32 with Tommy King (Kirkham), Andrew Spragg (Calow BC), Danny Sillitoe (Maltby MW), Paul Bailey (Meersbrook) and Nigel Hughes (Wirral) all visitors with the class to go all the way. Stuart Garrett (Douglas) is the pick of the locals in this section and he can overcome the mammoth test of Bailey in the opener who knows how far he could go.

The next page has locals Colin Kelly (Marown), Peter Slinger (Onchan) and Trevor Quayle (Castletown) all hoping to go all the way and clinch the main crown. It wont be easy however with names such as Jack Dyson (Meersbrook BC), Mike Tunstall (Wirral) and Martin Gilpin (Victoria) in close company.

John Bailey (Llanrwst BC), Dave Jackson (Railway) and Callum Wraight (WEM USC) are three names that jump of the page to me in this section but when you look a lot closer there are a host of other players who could go a long way. Charlie Priestly (Goerge & Dragon) Mark Bramhall (Kirkham) and Kevin Quirk (Onchan) are all more than capable of booing a place in the last 8 if they hit their form.

Ballacashtal finalists John Kennish (South Ramsey) and Matthew Keggen (Onchan) lead the charge for the locals in the next 32 of the draw however they certainly won’t have things all their own way. Wayne ‘The Beast’ Ditchfield will be bookies favourite to get out of the section unscathed however there are plenty of talented giant slayers around in the form of Jack Hargreaves (George & Dragon), Kez Smith (Crossgates) and Chris Barton (Wirral).

Matt Gilmore (Wirral) and Barry Booth (Victoria) is an interesting first round match with the winner potentially going a long way. Matthew Kelly-Walley (Strettor) is no stranger to doing well in festivals and will be hoping this is his year. Glynn Hargraves (Onchan) and Phil Kelly (Marown) have both performed will in recent years and will be hoping that one of them is still alive and kicking come Friday.

Last years winner Neil Withers (Marown) will be hoping to emulate his 2013 success however he has the unenviable task of giving the field a 2 point start so progress to the latter stages, whilst not impossible, will be extremely tricky. Jordan Cain (Onchan) is in a rich vein of form at the moment and if he carries this with him into Festival week could certainly raise a few eyebrows. Robbie Fitzpatrick (Morton House) is just one of the many visitors who will by trying to halt the Manx march.

David Bradford (Onchan) is another local who could go a long way but like Withers is backed marked 2 chalks for his September success. Bradford is joined in the section by this Onchan team mate Matthew Quirk who fell at the final hurdle last year. Just like in all the other sections the last one is no different with too many potential winners to name but watch out for the ever present Richie Goddard (WEM USC) who always seems to bring his A game to the Isle of Man.

Post published by Competition Secretary

Team of the Week – Game 7

Division 1

South Ramsey A and Marown A were both in ruthless form in the rain recording maximum 10-0 wins and their players make up a large section of our team this week. Dave Hughes and Dido Kelly both make it for South Ramsey as they were winning in the rain to single figures at Ballaugh and they are joined by the inform Mark Moorley from Marown, who has been the one to watch in recent weeks. Frank Watson led his team from the front away at Castletown A and a 21-10 win for the Govag over Michael Collister sees him earn his place. He is joined by Town’s Nathan Cooil who recorded an unbelievable 21-1 win over Harry Kelly. Douglas may have beat Castletown C at the Villa but it was the breath taking performance of Aaron Richardson from Town that caught my eye as he was simply brilliant beating Stuart Garrett 21-7. Clive McGreal of the Villa won the battle of the flat greeners as he handled the conditions admirable to beat high flying Phil Smith 21-4. There were several contenders from the rearranged game between Port St Mary A and Castletown B with super sub Wayne Roberts making for battling home 21-20 against George Foy.

Dave Hughes & Dido Kelly (South Ramsey A), Mark Moorley (Marown A), Frank Watson (Peel A), Nathan Cooil (Castletown A), Aaron Richardson (Castletown C), Clive McGreal (Douglas A) and Wayne Roberts (PSM A)

Division 2

Finch Hill A recorded a whitewash over their B team with Mervin Sayle and Keith Fearnley leading the way and earning respective places in our team for their single figures wins. Matthew Shanahan of Castletwon D helped his side to a good 8-2 victory over Ballaugh B and his 21-10 win over Bert Quayle sees him make the team for the second time this season. North Ramsey B had a great win over Nobles Mixed and Jimmy Moffatt’s single figures win over Geoff Mayles set them on their way, however there is a consolation for Mixed as David Pease was in imperious form to defeat Stephen Gill 21-9. Douglas B had to fight for everything to defeat Onchan B and team talisman Andy Cannell was again on fire with a 21-4 win over Mike Alexander. Dougie Allen of Peel B was the man of the moment against Nobles Park A and his 21-1 win sees him book a berth in our team. The final place in the team comes from the Port St Mary derby with Ray Shooter of the B making it for his 21-8 win over Peter Collins.

Mervin Sayle & Keaith Fearnley (Finch Hill A), Matthew Shanahan (Castletown D), Jimmy Moffaty (North Ramsey B), David Pease (Nobles Mixed), Andy Cannell (Douglas B), Dougie Allen (Peel B) and Ray Shooter (PSM B)

Division 3

Marown B are full of talented youngsters and starlet Harry Barton earns his first place in our team with a 21-19 win, this is particularly impressive when you realise that he had the wherewithal from 11-0 down to see out the win. He is joined by team mate Eric Kelly who is leaving a trail of devastation in his wake with devastating 21-3 win. Nobles Park B and Ballaugh C had a great match with Tony Quine form the northerners making it for his 21-8 win away from home. North Ramsey C and Peel C are both full of up and coming start with one player a piece making it with impressive wins. Paul Allison makes it for the Ramsey Men with a 21-8 win over Ray Kelly and Gordan Corrin is in for the Govags with a 21-6 win away from home. South Ramsey B are another team bursting with young talent however they were led home on this occasion by the evergreen George Brew who showed the new gaurd how it is done with a 21-6 win. Port Erin B are going well and David McCabe grabs a place in our line up with a 21-6 win against Onchan C, however although they only picked up 2 wins Onchan’s Les McLellan was man of the match with a 21-2 win.

Harry Barton & Eric Kelly (Marown B), Tony Quine (Ballaugh C), Paul Allison (Noth Ramsy C), Gordon Corrin (Peel C), George Brew (South Ramsey B), David McCabe (Port Erin B) and Les McLellan (Onchan C)

Post published by Competition Secretary

Point Deductions

Please be aware that the following point deductions have been made to the league table during May.

Peel Sunset D have received a 4 point penalty for playing an ineligible player in Game 5

Douglas C have received a 4 point penalty for failing to fulfil their Game 7 fixture

Post published by Competition Secretary

IOM Ladies Reach Semi Finals

Raymotors Mooragh Park Ladies travelled to Todmorden at the weekend to play in the British Crown Green Ladies Bowling Association Club Championships (qualifying is through winning the leagues per County), 16 Counties were entered in the Competition.  Mooragh Park were drawn in Group 1 against Bolsover Castle – North Derbyshire, Hatton – Burton & District and Dilhorne – Staffordshire.  In extremely cold and windy conditions the Mooragh Park Team started positively with a very good win over Bolsover Castle 103-70.  Second game saw a strong opposition of Hatton who they played last year, this was a closer game with a winning outcome of 102-91.  Third game was Dilhorne a team who qualify on a regular basis and look to be the strongest opposition, this was proved in the result and after a very hard fought contest MooraghPark just lost by 10 points, score 106-96.  But to the delight of the Isle of Man team, even with the loss against Dilhorne, they had the best aggregate which meant they went through to the Semi-Finals.  After waiting half an hour for the other groups to finish their qualifying rounds, Mooragh Park knew they had a tough game against previous winners St. Oswalds who had players in their team of a very high standard.  Now feeling very cold and tired the IOM team gave it their best, but unfortunately were beaten by a very strong opposition 115-69.

Helen Martin – Captain said “I am very pleased of my team’s achievements to get to the semi-finals of this prestigious event, they all proved that even though we are a small Island, we have some very good players who can compete with the best in England, we flew the Manx flag with pride, well done to all the Mooragh Park Ladies, for getting to the semi-finals for the second year”.  Final result – New Mill (Yorkshire) 103 v St.Oswalds (Cheshire) 92.

Full Results

Game 1
Mooragh Park Bolsover Castle
Isle of Man North Derbyshire
Janet Monk 15 8 Kiatreana Stray
Lilian Slinger 15 6 Joan Shardlow
Maureen Payne 14 15 Shirley Wharmby
Kellie Maddrell-Reeve 10 15 Elaine Rigby
Kim Hargraves 4 15 Mandy Wilks
Christine Price 15 4 Judy Walker
Helen Martin 15 6 Naomi Bennett
Rachel Quirk 15 1 Jayne Emmerson
Total 103 70 Total
Game 2
Mooragh Park Hatton
Isle of Man Burton & District
Janet Monk 15 13 J. Brooks
Lilian Slinger 10 15 L. Cox
Maureen Payne 15 3 S. Wood
Kellie Maddrell-Reeve 4 15 S. Young
Jean Radcliffe 15 14 M. Merry
Christine Price 13 15 M. Stevenson
Helen Martin 15 8 F. McDiarmid
Rachel Quirk 15 8 B. Lowe
Total 102 91 Total
Game 3
Mooragh Park Dilhorne
Isle of Man Staffordshire
Janet Monk 15 11 Carol Matthews
Lilian Slinger 14 15 Stacey Brown
Maureen Payne 15 13 Janet Hope
Kellie Maddrell-Reeve 13 15 Chris Adams
Jean Radcliffe 5 15 Pam Aston
Christine Price 15 11 Janet Salmon
Helen Martin 15 11 Sue Wright
Rachel Quirk 4 15 Laura Hallsworth
Total 96 106 Total
Semi Final
Mooragh Park St. Oswalds
Isle of Man Cheshire
Rachel Quirk 8 15 Lesley Smith
Lilian Slinger 4 15 Jean Wanbon
Maureen Payne 10 15 Ronnie Lyon
Kellie Maddrell-Reeve 15 11 Glenda Carroll
Jean Radcliffe 3 15 Barbara Beddall
Christine Price 15 14 Elaine Berry
Helen Martin 8 15 Maureen Lyons
Janet Monk 6 15 Irene Reardon
Total 69 115 Total

Mooragh Park Ladies - Club Championships 2014

Post published by Competition Secretary

Kenny Parker Trophy

It was an all Ramsey affair in the latter stages of the Any Combination doubles played at North Ramsey’s Mooragh Park green on Sunday 6th April. This was particularly appropriate as the trophy had kindly been sponsored by the Parker family in memory of the late Kenny Parker who was a longstanding and popular member of both North and South Ramsey Clubs.

A total of 28 pairs braved the early wind and drizzle to compete for the trophy and fortunately before long blue skies prevailed allowing the latter part of the competition to be completed in much better conditions. The first semi final was an all North Ramsey battle between the mother and son pairing of Janet and Robert Monk against Steve Gill and Brian Colquitt. In a very close fought tussle it was the latter pair that just emerged victorious by 21 – 17. The second semi final was an even closer affair between Andy Kennish and Alan Moore from South Ramsey and Tony Smart and John Cannan from North Ramsey. Thanks to a four on the last end it was the North Ramsey pairing that edged through by 21 – 19.

The final looked as though it was going to be extremely one sided as Steve Gill and Brian Colquitt raced into a 20 – 10 lead but they lost the jack with the winning post in sight and were never quite able to get the crucial final point as Tony Smart and John Cannan fought back to win 21 – 20.

Fallers at the quarter final stage were Margaret Tasker and Trish Bull, Steve Walmsley and Steve Parker, Matthew Quirk and Michael Collister and Ray Hardman and Gordon Corrin.

The prizes were presented by Steve and Anthony Parker who stated how proud their father would have been to have seen the competition played in his memory.

Post published by Competition Secretary

It’s tight at the top

All four teams saw their averages drop on the one day of play possible in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club over the weekend and as a consequence the top two are a little closer together, while fourth and fifth swapped places.

However, the biggest surprise of the session took place in the individual merit standings, when joint leader Glynn Hargraves (Incredabowls) lost his 100% record – to none other than his wife Kim.
After having to sit out the first set of fixtures, due to RBM being a player short, Glynn then had the unenviable task of maintaining his winning run against Kim who plays for Bits n Bobs.
Vying to retain the Derek Killey memorial trophy he won last year, Hargraves now has a seven point deficit on Seven-Up’s Jordan Cain, with the possibility of a head to head between them this Saturday, as both sides meet in a set of re-arranged fixtures.
Incredabowls began the afternoon with two games in hand and a gap of 147 points to catch up on Seven-Up; along with a tough encounter with RBM, which they came through with 74, exactly the same total as the last time these two met back in week one.

Also in action were the bottom two and this went true to their positions as Bits n Bobs came out on top against Spare Parts who ended this clash a further 14 points adrift.
RBM battled to 67 when they took on Spare Parts, but slipped down a position on averages below Parkers, mainly due to not having enough players on the day and with just one outing left could well find it tough to get that place back.
Current champions Incredabowls then passed their target with victory over Bits n Bobs and head into the final six fixtures with a slender 10 point advantage; both them and Seven-Up having an equal tally against.

There was no midweek round robin and a lack of action on Saturday, both due to the wet conditions. No confirmation of a new date for the league fixtures, but they have been provisionally pencilled in for Sunday 9 March. As mentioned earlier, a set of matches postponed last month, will be on the agenda this weekend.

One other item is that a measure has gone missing from No. 3 green, so can all members please have a search in their bags, the return of which would be much appreciated.

Post published by Competition Secretary

Fixtures avoid wet conditions

There was just one session of bowls last weekend in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club and thankfully for all those concerned it took place on a dry but breezy Sunday rather than 24 hours earlier when it was extremely wet.
Three of the participating teams improved their averages, but even though RBM moved to within 40 points of third place, theirs fell slightly and I feel with just four fixtures remaining they will have to settle for fourth position.
Erin Porters were RBMs first opponents and they missed out by just two points; Parkers meanwhile remain squeezed in between those two in fifth spot and overcame Bits n Bobs by a margin of 17.
Porters then recorded the highest score of the day, notching up an 80 points to 65 victory over Bits n Bobs and to conclude the action, Parkers just fell short as RBM had another close win, so all stay as they were in the table.

As the club moves into the last two months of the season this seems an appropriate time to feature the leading 20 players in the battles for the Derek Killey memorial trophy, awarded to the individual merit winner and Geoff Osborn trophy for the top woman competitor.
Out in front for the main honours, are Jordan Cain (Seven-Up) and Glynn Hargraves (Incredabowls), both with maximum points; leading lady is Margaret Tasker (Louie’s Angels) in third spot, just ahead of team-mate Tricia Bull who is fifth.
There are four junior members competing this winter and heading this section is Stefan Kelly (Incredabowls) holding onto 39th overall.

An entry of 34 took part in the midweek round robin and black jack triples winners were decided after a roll-up which went in favour of Bernie McPhee, Derek Allen and Derek Cadamy, just missing out were Edwina Reid, Voirrey Curphey and Alan Cromwell, and in third it was Peter Hughes, Doug Allan and Alec Taylor.
Viv Rush and Les Halsall led home the doubles section, with second going to Louis and Rita Callister. A roll-up also took place in this group as third spot went to Philippa Taylor and Derek Anscomb.

Post published by Competition Secretary