Author Archives: Debbie Leece

Moore is Manx Champion

Ladies Manx Champion Winner 2020

Jenny Moore

The Ladies Manx Championship was held at Peel Sunset BC on Saturday 22nd August, a fitting venue as the competition was held in memory of Heather Horsburgh, who was a proud member of Peel and a key contributor to the ladies committee for many years. A raffle during the day raised £300 for the MSPCA, a charity which Heather held close to her heart.

With a strong entry of 51 women, the day looked to be a long one, with rain showers possibly adding time to the games. Competition committee members Gill Morgan and Tracy Moore kept the games running smoothly and the day was a brilliant success.

Losing in the quarter final stage were Nobles clubmates Beckie Teare and Clare Cooper. Beckie put up a fight against Philippa Taylor, but the former Peel player used her knowledge of the green brilliantly and managed to win the game 21-12. Clare came up against South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore, who had been playing brilliantly all day. Despite Clare’s best efforts, Jenny won comfortably with a score of 21-11. In the third quarter final game, Kim Hargraves played some great bowls to knock out Onchan’s Maureen Payne 21-10. The final match was the closest out of all the quarter finals, with Port Erin player Lynda Cadamy playing Mooragh Park’s Janet Monk. It really was a nip and tuck game, which could have gone either way, but Monk managed to shrug Lynda off and take the win with the final score of 21-18.

The first semi-final was Philippa Taylor against Jenny Moore, a close game with some great bowls. There was some impressive corner bowling, and Jenny managed to take the game with a 21-16 score. In the second semi-final Kim Hargraves took on Janet Monk, and despite having played well all day, Kim just struggled to shake off Janet, with Janet playing short round marks on the edges and leading exceptionally well. Final score was 21-10 to Janet.

The final between Jenny Moore and Janet Monk was another close game, closer than the score reflects. Jenny kept her incredible form and won the game 21-11. The presentation was made by Ladies President Sue Gawne, who thanked everyone for a wonderful day, with a special mention to Heather and how she would have loved the day. Special thanks went to Ann Gale, who has continued to support the Manx Championship with a cheque of £250.

Post published by Debbie Leece

Onchan Wins First Ladies Plate

Ladies Plate Winners 2020 - Onchan

The final of the Ladies Plate Competition was held on Friday (21st August) at Finch Hill Bowling Club, with Mooragh Park taking on Onchan who had a handicap of 15.

There was some fantastic bowling by both teams, and it was great to see supporters around the green. First game off was Libby Andrade v Maureen Hamilton, with the Onchan player comfortably winning to 9. Second game to come off was Joanne Kelly v Shannon McMullan, with the latter taking the win with a very close 19-21. Both players demonstrated some excellent bowling and it was definitely one of the matches of the night, with one of Onchans newer players Joanne really holding her own against the up and coming star of the future Shannon. North Ramsey players Chris Sims and Pat Lenton battled against Dee Lewis and Marilyn Ellison, managing to beat them with scores of 21-19 and 21-14 respectively. Final game of the first set of jacks was two junior girls, Grace Gawne v Aalish Howarth. Again, two players to watch in the future, with some exceptionally close ends, Grace managed to secure another win for Onchan with a score of 21-16. This left the scores after the first blocks off at 94 Onchan, 88 Mooragh Park before handicaps.

Caroline Corlett played Victoria Johnson and struggled to shrug the junior star off. Playing some brilliant bowls, North Ramsey player Victoria won the match 21-15. Maureen Payne fought against Janet Monk, but Janet played the green extremely well with some brilliant leads and beat Maureen to 9. Onchan players Jo Smith and Sue Gawne played Katie Johnson and Irene Goodall, keeping them to single figures with a 21-6 and a 21-5 win, which really secured Onchan’s victory as the first winners of this new competition. Final score was 175 Onchan and 141 Mooragh Park.

The presentation was made by Janet Latham, treasurer for the Ladies Committee, who thanked all involved for the running of the evening, and all the players who took part. Special mention was made to the juniors who all played exceptionally.

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Home Greeners win the Greeba Cup

Greeba Cup Winners 2020

Philippa Taylor & Joyce Ogden

The Ladies Greeba Cup was held at Marown last Sunday, with an impressive entry of 25 pairs it was brilliant to see so many people around the green.

There were a couple of junior girls playing in the competition, all playing remarkably well with brilliant attitudes on the green, Megan Hargraves played with her mother Kim, winning their first game and just losing out in the second to Caroline Corlett and Lily Gawne. Lily, another junior lady, played some cracking bowls all afternoon and lost out in the quarter final stage.

In the semi-finals Hilary Kermode and Ann Hollingworth, both from Castletown, lost out to home greeners Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden, with the latter securing some valuable 3s to win 21-15. In the other semi-final sister duo Debbie Leece and Beckie Teare lost to South Ramsey’s Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore, another score of 21-15.

In the final, Philippa and Joyce got off to a good start, winning the first few ends to give them an advantage. The South Ramsey pair managed to win two ends with an impressive 4, giving the home green pair a lot to do to make back the points. They fought back, eventually playing deep into the corners and playing some great bowls to finally win the game 21-18. A very close final which could have ended either way.

Competition secretary Rosie Winckle made the presentation and thanked everyone for the smooth running of the competition and to everyone who helped out and made the day a success.  Special thanks were made to Gary Cooper, for being everywhere and doing everything.

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Nobles Storm Their Way to The Final

Friday saw the two semi-finals of the Jean Kelly Knockout Competition, with Port St Mary A hosting Castletown A (+20), and Nobles played Douglas at their home green.

Friday saw the two semi-finals of the Jean Kelly Knockout Competition, with Port St Mary A hosting Castletown A (+20), and Nobles played Douglas at their home green.

In the first semi-final, Castletown A showed their strength, with 5 winners overall. Kim Foy of Castletown just lost out to 20 against Katy Williams, and in another close game Kath Kinley fought against Port St Mary’s Chris Price, to come back from 12-0 down, fighting back to 20 just to lose the final match point. New Port St Mary player Nicola Cain beat Castletown’s Sue Peach to 4, a low loss, but it didn’t affect the overall match score. Final score was 150 Port St Mary A and 187 Castletown A.

In the second semi-final, Nobles had a massive hurdle to overcome, with Douglas starting on a high handicap of 90. Knowing that they couldn’t let their opponents gain more than 99 points between them, every Nobles lady stepped on the green determined to be ruthless. Although Douglas only managed to score 66 points between them, this score does not reflect the matches. New Douglas player Jane Lothain scored 16 against Nobles Tina Hampson, and Pat Kelly racked up 13 against Paula Firth. The rest of the Nobles ladies kept their opponents to single figures, securing their place in the final.

The final will take place at Onchan green on Thursday 27th August, and as always supporters and spectators are greatly welcomed and encouraged. Castletown, having won the Jean Kelly 5 times, will be looking to bring the trophy home, but Nobles, who have won it twice, most recently in 2018, will be putting up a fierce battle. With both teams having strong players, the match is set to be very close.

Back: Jayne Smith, Joyce Ogden, Lisa Boland, Jan West, Clare Cooper, Alison Keggen, Lin Ruscoe

Front: Paula Firth, Debbie Leece, Rebecca Teare, Sylvia Kennuagh
Castletown Top Row L-R: Marie Ashurst, Barbra Young, Ann Hollingworth, Kim Foy, Hilary Kermode, Hannah Drewett, Kath Kinley
Front Row L-R: Anne Oates, Joy Stephens, Heike Perry, Sue Peach

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Moore Wins IOM Merit

The Ladies Association IOM Merit took place at Castletown last Sunday, and it really was a beautiful day for bowling. With 28 ladies all hoping to take the IOM Merit title, it was South Ramsey player Jenny Moore who became overall winner. Playing outstanding all day, she won the majority of her games to single figures, it was only Nobles player Alison Keggen who managed to score 13 against her in the semi-finals. In the other semi-final Port St Mary’s Chris Price racked up 19 against South Ramsey player Elaine Moore.

The mother and daughter final then saw Jenny comfortably beat Elaine, with a final score of 21-9. The presentation was made by Ladies President Sue Gawne, who thanked the competition committee for another fantastic day.

Post published by Debbie Leece

Onchan To Take on Mooragh in Ladies Plate

Last Friday was the semi-final round of the Ladies Plate competition, and in the first semi-final, Onchan had a close game against Port Erin, with Onchan just scraping through by 10 points, even despite Port Erin having 5 winners. With both teams off of scratch, it really was every point to play for, and Dee Lewis of Onchan managed to defeat Susan Inch to 6, which helped the away team with the final score of Port Erin 154 Onchan 164.

In the second semi-final Marown travelled up to Mooragh Park, where they unfortunately lost their place in the final. Once again the junior girls at Mooragh did themselves proud, with Aalish Haworth beating Elaine Dewhirst to 9, and Victoria Johnson beating Mary Alderson to 10. Final score, was Marown 160 and Mooragh Park 203, after the 55-point handicap for Mooragh.

The final will be held at Peel Sunset Bowling Club on Friday 21st August, Onchan will have a handicap of 15, and Mooragh Park will be off scratch.

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Onchan take no prisoners in Ladies Plate

The quarter final round of the Ladies Plate competition took place last Friday, with 4 teams securing their places in the semi-finals comfortably.

The first winners were Port Erin, who took on last year’s Jean Kelly winners South Ramsey. With a 90 – point handicap they had quite the advantage. Two winners for Port Erin were Carol Kaye and Jacqui Elliot, keeping South Ramsey from getting a full house. New Port Erin player Alison Stockham played her first game in the north of the Island and scored a very credible 10 against Sue Collier. Final match score was 199 to Port Erin, and 177 to South Ramsey.

Onchan played Castletown B who had a 60 – point handicap, but Onchan took no prisoners, with every Onchan lady winning their game, and managing to keep their opponents to low scores to ensure their place in the semi-final. Final score was Onchan 189 – Castletown B 146.

Peel Sunset travelled to Mooragh Park, but despite a 30 point start they couldn’t overcome the strong home team. Great to see the junior girls who play at Mooragh Park with some great wins, Aalish Haworth beat Peel player Joyce Kelly to 13, Victoria Johnson battled Shirley Corrin to win to 19, and the two McMullan sisters, undoubtedly two players to watch in the future, won both of their games to 10. Final score Mooragh Park 172, Peel Sunset 145.

In the final match, Marown beat Ballaugh 174 – 159. Despite the home team Ballaugh having 3 winners, the Marown ladies proved their strength, especially Joyce Ogden and Elaine Dewhurst who both won their matches to single figures.

This Friday, 7th August, the semi-finals will take place. Port Erin (scratch) v Onchan (scratch), and Marown (scratch) v Mooragh Park (+55).

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Dixon and Moore retain IOM Pairs title.

IOM Pairs Winners 2020

Elaine Moore & Gill Dixon

The Ladies Association IOM Pairs was held at Finch Hill on Saturday 1st August, and with an impressive entry of 22 pairs, it was nice to see the majority of the clubs across the Island being represented.

In the semi-final stage, the winners Gil Dixon (Ballaugh) and Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) had to battle against Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Sylvia Kennaugh (Nobles). The game was nip and tuck the entire way, with some outstanding bowling by all players. The final end of the game, at all-but across, saw Caroline play a great bowl, dodging all the shorter bowls to end up a foot away from the jack with a length bowl. Dixon then bowled the bowl of the day, missing everything and coming in beautifully to sit on the jack.

In the second semi-final, Tracy Moore and Kath Kinley (Castletown) took on Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey). Another very close game, with some great bowling and plenty of knocks. The Castletown pair managed to get the final two points at nineteen across, sealing their place in the final.

In the final, the Northern pair got off to a great start, until Kath managed to get the jack and the scores then evened out for a few ends. Gil Dixon was without a doubt the player of the final, coming in with some incredible bowls when needed and never far away from the jack. The final finished 21 – 14, and Elaine and Gil retained their IOM Pairs title for another year.

Next Sunday, 9th August, is the Ladies IOM Merit being held at Castletown, entries to [email protected].

Saturday 22nd August is the Ladies Manx Championship, being held at Peel Sunset Bowling Club. This year it is being held in memory of Heather Horsburgh, very fitting that it is at the club she was such an important part of. There will be a large raffle, all monies made being donated to the MSPCA. Entries once again to [email protected].

Post published by Debbie Leece

Jean Kelly continues to Semi Finals

The Ladies Jean Kelly competition really came down to a nail biter when Castletown A travelled to Marown last Friday, with both teams off of scratch, and both teams accumulating 155 points. Castletown A took the match due to winning on matches, 5–4. For the home team, two of the winners Helen Withers and Lil Smith defeated Kim Foy to 11 and Anne Oates to 9. Nice to see Stella Watterson back on the green after some time away from the game.

In the second quarter final Nobles took on Port Erin in the south of the island and managed to secure their place in the semi finals with a victory of 174-113. Port Erin players Lynda Cadamy and Caroline Whitehead used their home green knowledge to prevent Nobles from getting the full 189 chalks, beating Paula Garett and Sylvia Kennaugh respectively.

Onchan lost out to Douglas, despite getting full chalks for each game. With Douglas having a head start of 85 points, the team managed to gain enough points to win the match, finishing 189-214. Kay McKiernan lost just shy of 21, losing to 19 to Dee Lewis.

The final match of the quarter finals, Castletown B took on Port St Mary A, losing 121-186. Starting off a low handicap of 25, Castletown B had a lot to do to win the match, and even with Sonya Mercer defeating Jayne Kneen, and Joy Stephens defeating Port St Mary’s newest player Nicola Cain, it proved to be too much of a hurdle.

The draw for the semi final was done at Nobles on Saturday and are as follows:

  • Port St Mary A (scratch) v Castletown A (+20)
  • Nobles (scratch) v Douglas (+90)

In the Ladies Plate Competition starting this Friday 31st July, we see South Ramsey battling another 90-point handicap against Port Erin. Onchan host Castletown B, who have another high handicap of 60 points. Mooragh Park will take on Peel Sunset who have a 30-point handicap, and finally, Ballaugh play Marown, with the home team having a 30-point advantage.

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Every Point Counts in Jean Kelly Preliminary Round

The Jean Kelly Handicap Knockout competition started on Friday 17th July, with preliminary rounds being played across the island. With a new handicap system in place this year, it really is every point to play for, making for much more interesting matches, and a greater chance for an underdog to snatch the title.

Peel hosted the Onchan team, with the latter taking the win with a comfortable 192 -151 score. Interestingly, even without the 40 point handicap, Onchan would have taken the win by just one nail-biting point. There were a few close games, the longest of which took place between Peel’s captain Lynda Wilson, and Dee Lewis, with 30 ends, and Lewis running away with a 21-18 win.

Four-time winners of the Jean Kelly title Port St Mary defeated Ballaugh despite the 55 point handicap, with a very close score of 170-177, and seven games for Port St Mary. Two winners for Ballaugh were Christine MacDonald and Gill Dixon, beating Margaret Tasker and Jayne Kneen respectively. Newest member to Ballaugh Maria Holder, only having played twice before scored a very credible 10 against Katy Williams.

Mooragh Park travelled to Port Erin, only to lose out with a score of 179-144. Two games reached an incredible 33 ends, with Port Erin’s Lynda Cadamy beating Caroline Parker to 19, quite an achievement after being 12-1 down. North Ramsey’s Shannon McMullan, 2019 Junior Champion, had a lengthy game against Carol Kaye, finally beating her to the win with a 21-19 score.

Castletown B knocked last year’s winners South Ramsey out of the competition with a score of 201-189. Despite every Ramsey player winning their match, Castletown B managed to accumulate enough points to win the match. Two of the Castletown players came close to a win with some high double figure scores, with Sheila Preston getting to 20, and Sonya Mercer, who unfortunately tipped the jack to her opponent on the final end, racked up 18.

First round games will take place on Friday 24th July, with the following:

Port Erin (scratch) v Nobles (scratch)

Castletown B (+25) v Port St Mary (scratch)

Onchan (scratch) v Douglas (+85)

Marown (scratch) v Castletown A (scratch).

This year any teams losing out in the preliminary or first rounds are entered into the Ladies Plate Competition, which will take place on alternate dates to the Jean Kelly.

Post published by Debbie Leece