Author Archives: Glynn Hargraves

Stevie Kelly Wins Maiden Peel Town Cup

Peel Town Cup 2026 - Stevie Kelly with sponsor Robert Scottie of Island Civils & Plant

Photo: Arnie Withers

Peel Sunset Bowling Club hosted the popular Peel Town Cup on Saturday afternoon, attracting an entry of 60 players. Despite blustery conditions throughout the day, competitors were greeted by a much-improved playing surface, which helped ensure an enjoyable and competitive afternoon of bowls.

The quarter-final line-up featured a strong mix of home greeners and visiting players. In an all-Peel clash, Stevie Kelly booked his place in the semi-finals with a convincing 21-13 victory over Tommy McMeiken. Another closely contested encounter saw Marown’s Neil Withers overcome teammate Jamie Box, with Withers pulling away late on to secure a 21-16 win.

The closest match of the round saw Nathan Jones (Peel) edge past Austin Hart (South Ramsey) in a thrilling contest, eventually prevailing 21-20. The final quarter-final saw Paul Dunn defeat fellow Marown clubmate Juan Killip by 21-13 to complete the semi-final line-up.

The first semi-final saw Kelly continue his impressive form with a solid 21-16 win over Withers. Kelly controlled much of the contest and gradually built an advantage before seeing the game out to reach the final.

In the second semi-final, Dunn produced a solid performance to defeat Jones, whose run was ended, with Dunn in good form taking a 21-10 win to secure his place in the final.

The final produced an excellent contest between two Island players, with Stevie Kelly overcoming Paul Dunn 21-20 to claim his maiden Peel Town Cup title. Dunn made the brighter start and looked in control during the early stages, opening up a commanding 18-13 lead, a couple of end later the Marown man was lying two for game with the score at 19-15 a superb reaching bowl from Kelly took both of Dunn’s bowls away from the jack and with it stunned the jack through for the Peel man to score two to leave the game finely poised at 17-19. A single for Dunn put him within touching distance of the trophy with the score now 20-17.

Kelly, however, refused to be beaten. Showing great composure under pressure, he dug deep to win the next two ends scoring two doubles, the four points he needed to finish the match. The comeback saw Kelly overturn a three-point deficit to complete a 21-20 victory.

It was a fitting conclusion to an entertaining day’s bowls, with Kelly producing a superb comeback to cap off an impressive run through the competition. His victories over David Bradford, Tommy McMeiken, Neil Withers and finally Paul Dunn proved to be a tough route to victory, earning him a deserved maiden Peel Town Cup success.

At the conclusion of play, the presentation was made by competition organiser Philip “Pip” Pemberton, who thanked all 60 competitors for their support, along with the club members who assisted throughout the day. He also acknowledged the efforts of the greenkeeping team for providing a much-improved playing surface that received positive feedback from those taking part. Thanks were also given to Lynda Wilson, and Vall Allwood for their work off the green.

Pemberton also thanked the competition sponsors, Island Civils & Plant, for their generous support of the event. Robert Cottier, representing the sponsors, who confirmed they will continue to sponsor the competition for another two years, then presented the prizes to the successful competitors, bringing another enjoyable Peel Town Cup to a close.

In his speech Kelly reiterated Pemberton’s comments, particularly those about the condition of the green, thanking everyone including his opponent for a good final. A special mention must also go to Pip for the smooth running of the competition.

Peel Town Cup 2026 – Sheet
Peel Town Cup 2026 – SF & Final

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Dunn Wins 2nd Manx Championship Title

Manx Championship Winner 2026 - Paul Dunn (Marown)

Photo: Neil Withers

The 2026 Manx Championship was brought to a conclusion on Wednesday evening at Douglas Bowling Club, in poor conditions for the bowlers which worsened throughout the evening.

The qualifying for the quarter finals had taken place on Sunday afternoon with Finch Hill and South Ramsey the two greens used to get through the earlier rounds. This method of qualifying has caused a lot of talk from local bowlers, it is certain there will be a change in 2027 to how the competition is played.

To ensure fairness in the latter rounds a re-draw took place for the quarter finals, due to the possibility of players qualifying from a venue that they are required to play on due to being one of the host clubs, however there were no qualifiers from either host club on this occasion.

The first quarter final saw Reg Temporaza (Onchan) take on Alex Yates (Nobles), with the former having three tough qualifying games on the Sunday, the Nobles man was level after 15 ends, went on a five end scoring run, taking eight chalks to build a commanding 17-9 lead. Temporaza fought back to get to within two chalks at 18-20, only for Yates to take a single to seal a 21-18 win to advance to the semi-finals for the first time.

The second semi-final was billed as a blockbuster, but in reality was anything but that with Peter Jones taking on his Marown teammate and captain Paul Dunn, with the latter building a 10-2 lead after nine ends. Jones reduced the deficit to three chalks winning five of the next seven ends, to put the score at 10-13, however Dunn finished the game strongly to score eight chalks over five ends to seal a convincing 21-10 win in just 21 ends.

In the bottom half of the draw the surprise package, Rob Middleton (Peel) who I previously reported as a man not to be written off, got off to a flier to lead 7-0 against Jamie Box (Marown) after just four ends. The Marown man responded by winning the next five ends to lead 8-7. From there Middleton was in control of the game, never losing two consecutive ends, whilst going on a five end scoring run on his way to a convincing 21-14 victory.

The last semi-final was between two big hitters, with the worsening conditions most would have expected this to play into Colin Kelly’s (Marown) hands, however Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly had other ideas as he led by four chalks after 19 ends with the score at 14-10. Colin managed to take the lead at 16-15, scoring three doubles to turn the game round, only for Barney to see the game out, with the Peel veteran sealing a 21-17 win.

The semi-finals were nicely set up with Dunn and Kelly the clear favourites to advance to the final, with Yates and Middleton undoubtedly the underdogs.

Dunn had to battle throughout his game with Yates, with the latter leading early on in the game at 8-6, then again at 14-13 after 18 ends. The Marown captain won five of the last ends, scoring three doubles, keeping Yates to singles to secure his place in the final with a 21-17 win.

With Dunn doing his part, it was now up to Kelly to set up the final that everyone wanted to see, however Middleton had other ideas. Despite trailing 1-7 early on Middleton responded positively to turn a deficit of six chalks into a five chalk lead by the 20th end, with the score at 14-9. Over the next four ends the Peel men exchanged three chalks for the gap to remain at five chalks, but putting Middleton four chalks from the final with the score at 17-12. A composed finish saw Middleton seal a 21-15 victory to advance to the final.

At the final stage the neutrals would undoubtedly and perhaps rightly have been hoping for a huge upset, however this didn’t look to be on the cards with Dunn starting the game strongly to build a solid lead of 9-1 after six ends. From there Middleton settled into the game to reduce the deficit to just three chalks after 14 ends, with the score now 8-11.

The Marown man found another gear to retake an eight chalk advantage after 19 ends with the score 17-9. Dunn got to within one end of victory, with the score now 19-12. Once again Middleton fought back to close the gap to three chalks (17-20) as he won four of the next five ends. Dunn secured the one chalk needed to pick up his second Manx Championship title in front of his Fiancée, and his two boys who got to see him lift the famous trophy.

The presentation was made by Association President Mark Kneen, who thanked all the host clubs for the preparations on the greens, providing refreshments, along with the Competition Committee for running the sheets.

There will be three representatives representing the Isle of Man in the British Senior Merit in Crosby, Liverpool on Saturday 25th July. Best of luck to all our representatives.

Manx Championship 2026 – QF Cards
Manx Championship 2026 – SF Cards
Manx Championship 2026 – Final Card
Manx Champion Paul Dunn with his two sons Archie and Arran
Photo: Neil Withers

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Manx Championship Finals Night Qualifiers

Manx Championship Qualifier Reg Temporaza (Onchan) who faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) on his way to qualifying

Photo: Gary Weightman/Vannin Photos

The Manx Championship got underway on Sunday afternoon with a healthy entry of 62, despite the competition being played in a split format over two greens for the first time ever.

With South Ramsey as one of the two qualifying greens, there weren’t too many shocks that took place, with perhaps the closest thing to a shock was Noble’s captain Alex Yates reaching the quarter finals with a solid 21-14 win over Marown B captain Juan Killip.

The second qualifier was Marown’s Peter Jones, who had a good tussle with Breagle man Wayne Roberts, with the latter fighting back from a 7-14 deficit to level the game up at 17-17, only for Jones to steady the ship and see the game out with four singles to progress with a 21-17 win.

The third spot in the quarters went to seven-time champion Colin Kelly (Marown), who had a battle on his hands with Onchan captain Matthew Quirk, with the latter leading 15-11, the game went to 20-20, with the Marown man winning the deciding end.

The final spot at South Ramsey went to Marown captain Paul Dunn, with a 21-8 win over Finch Hill’s Stephen Oates. Dunn rather unusually only had to play one game, as he had received a bye in the first game, then his opponent who also had a bye withdrew from the competition. This contrasted with the other qualifiers who had to win three games to qualify.

In the capital of the Island, Finch Hill hosted the remaining bowlers, with several big hitters clashing in the early rounds, with this there were high-profile casualties.

Peel’s Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly breezed through his qualifying game with a 21-9 win over Phil Kelly (Marown) to become the first Peel man to qualify for finals night.

Marown’s Jamie Box had to face teammate Tom Kelly in his qualifying game, with the game being well contested throughout, however Box had enough in the locker to see the game out with a battling 21-19 win.

12-time Manx Champion John Kennish (South Ramsey) lost out to Reg Temporaza (Onchan), in the second round, with the Onchan man recovering from a heavy deficit to progress. In his qualifying game Temporaza faced 2001 Manx Champion Ewan Cooil, with the Breagle man leading 17-11, Reg once again fought back to see the game out with a strong finish to qualify for finals night. Temporaza had a tough run, having faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) in the first round.

The last game on the green was between Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Rob Middleton (Peel), with the latter taking a 10-4 lead, Monk went on to lead 17-16 after 26 ends. Middleton secured two successive singles to lead 18-17, with the North Ramsey man doing likewise. With the game finely poised at 19-18, Middleton scored the three chalks required taking three singles to win 21-19.

Other casualties in the earlier rounds were the current holder and three-time Manx Champion David Bradford who went out to Ballaugh man Mike Spooner, two-time winner Neil Withers, who lost out to Alan Moore (South Ramsey), another two-time winner Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) went out to Tom Kelly, whilst recent Association Cup winner Stevie Kelly lost out to Ewan Cooil in the first round.

Due to players being unable to play on their home green, a redraw took place to decide who would play who in the last 8 of the competition.

The draw was done live on Facebook as follows:-

Reg Temporaza vs Alex Yates

Paul Dunn vs Peter Jones

Jamie Box vs Rob Middleton

Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly vs Colin Kelly

The competition will be played to a conclusion on Wednesday evening at Douglas Bowling club with play getting underway at 6:30, with BCGBA dress code required.

Preview

The Onchan man Temporaza starts as favourite in this tie, however Yates has been known to cause an upset having reached the quarter final stages of the September Festival a couple of years ago, so should be written off at your peril.

Marown teammates Paul Dunn and Peter Jones promises to be a blockbuster of a game, with Dunn having one Manx Championship title to his name, he will be looking to add number two. Jones on the other hand, has settled into Island life since his move four years ago, has won four singles open competitions, with the biggest win being the Manx Masters at the end of the first season he moved over in 2022. Jones also turns out regularly for the island team, is more than capable of upsetting his captain. A tough one to call.

Jamie Box is another Merseyside man, who is settling into Island life, having moved over in the latter part of the 2025 season, he is finding his feet in Marown A team. His opponent Rob Middleton plies his trade for Peel B, doesn’t enter a huge number of opens, but generally gets through a few rounds when he does, he has proven he can mix it with the better players in the past. Middleton is another man who will just keep plugging away, should not be written off.

The final matchup is between two stalwarts of the game, Peel man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly whose name is forever written into the History of the Bowling Festival having picked up a June festival title in June 2000, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) did the same in June 2008. The Marown man does have seven Manx Championship wins under his belt, and with it the ultimate prize in the game when he won the Champions of Champions title at the Waterloo Bowling Green in Blackpool in 2019. Whilst Colin starts as the favourite, Barney will be looking to pick up his first Manx Championship having suffered heartache in the final on four occasions to date, with the two most recent efforts being in 2020 and 2022.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Phil ‘Sooty’ Lee Sweeps Up IOM Festival Title

Men's IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Phil Lee (St Mary's)

Photo: Arnie Withers

One of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place last week, with the event attracting approximately 600 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve. The spectators were treated to a week of mixed conditions particularly later in the week and especially on finals day with heavy rain setting in for the morning, and early afternoon.

In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (St Mary’s), known on the bowls circuit as ‘Sooty’ who picked up his second June Isle of Man Festival win, having won this event in 2023, as he etched his name further into the history books.

Lee collected the £3,200 winner’s cheque and lifted the famous trophy after beating Crossgates man Simon Walder 21-11. Walder made a bright start by winning the first two ends, but Lee soon settled into the game, putting together short scoring runs while limiting Walder to just three further scoring ends. The St Mary’s player scored five doubles on his way to a convincing victory. The rain clearly affected conditions, with parts of the green saturated but not visibly so, making play difficult. Players had to navigate the heavier areas carefully, while the bowls ran more freely on the drier parts of the green.

Lee sealed victory with a double in the corners to score the two points needed to lift the June title once again and the sizeable cheque for £3,200.

Lee reached the final with what ended up being a comfortable win over the current holder Callum Wraight (Castlefields), who started off +3 due to his success in 2025, despite trailing 5-12 after just six ends Lee started to find his feet, with another six ends played in saturated conditions the Wirral man found himself ahead 13-12. Wraight was contained to just two more chalks, as a strong finish from Lee booked his place in the final 21-14. Crossgates man Simon Walder was up against the last of the locals Colin Kelly (Marown), with the visiting bowler always in control, remaining in the lead throughout the game to seal his place in the final with a 21-15 win. Kelly picked up the George Craine Trophy as the furthest local bowler, whilst he also took home a cheque for £650 for his efforts.

The quarter finals saw Lee start his day with what turned out to be his toughest game of finals day, with a hard fought 21-18 win over Jack Bowes (Pudsey Littlemoor), with the latter leading on three separate occasions by a solitary chalk at 8-7, 14-13, and 18-17, with the Wirral man seeing the game out with four consecutive singles. Wraight advanced to the next round in a match that swung one way, then the other, and back again with Neil Withers (Marown), as Wraight led 11-6, then trailed 11-17, with a seven-end losing streak, with the Castlefields man then going a seven-end winning streak to see the game out 21-17. In the other half of the draw Walder beat three-time June winner Graeme Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-17, whilst Kelly took a comfortable 21-11 win over Danny Barwise (St Mary’s).

Men’s Tourism 

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up the Tourism title with a solid 21-12 victory over Ryan Clark (Meersbrook), with neither player taking the early initiative, it was Wraight who led by two chalks after 10 ends. The Castlefields man went on to win seven of the following nine ends on his customary short length up to the crown and back to the corner to run out with a 21-12 win, and with it taking his fifth win in the June Tourism event.

In the semi-finals Wraight made light work of Robbie Ellis (Pudsey Littlemoor) with a 21-10 win to book his place in the final, whilst Clark had to work for his 21-17 victory over Matty Stewart (Netherfield BC).

In the quarter finals Wraight started his morning with a battle as he held off Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) 21-19, whilst Ellis beat Paul Bailey (Belvedere BC) 21-10. In the other half of the draw Clark beat Simon Walder (Crossgates) 21-17, whilst Stewart beat Mark Booth (Dodworth MW) with a single figure win 21-9.

Other Events 

The Men’s consolation was won by 18-year-old Lewis Pember (Spen Victoria) who enjoyed success in what was his first time entering the festival beating 1990 June winner Kevan Shaw (Carleton) who has won the biggest prizes in the game with an assured victory 21-14 in the final.

Pember beat Daniel Moores (Comberbach) 21-17 to book his spot in the final having trailed 17-18 before going on a three-end winning streak, scoring the four chalks needed. In the other semi-final, Shaw held off the challenge of Richard Bendrey (Wirral) 21-18, as he scored five doubles to the Wirral man’s solitary double, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

The Ladies consolation final was more straightforward for the winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) who beat Catherine Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-11 in the final, with the latter scoring five singles, whilst Lunn-Gadd scored five singles and six doubles on her way to victory. Lunn-Gadd reached the final courtesy of a 21-12 win over Sarah Boyd (Lune Road), whilst Wilson took her place in the final to the same score with a win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC).

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Sally Turner (New Mill), as she had a tussle with Matt Gilmore (Wirral), with the former having initially led 7-0 in a 9-up match. Gilmore fought back to level the match at 8-8 to ensure the match went to a deciding end. Having a great bowl Gilmore would have been certain he would win, however a superb last bowl from Turner sealed a 9-8 victory. Turner also had to work to reach the final, with another 9-8 win over Lorraine Hirst (New Mill), whilst Gilmore eased to a 9-3 victory over Kyle Chapman (Alford Hall BC).

The Last Chance Mixed Final was another close encounter with Nick Dawson (Parkfield) winning 21-19 over Maurice Edmonds (Dalton Cricket Club). Dawson reached the final with a solid 21-11 win over Steve Barber (Grapes Hotel), whilst Edmonds had to dig a little deeper to hold off Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) 21-17.

The Men’s doubles final saw a good battle in the final with visitors Callum Wraight (Castlefields) and Andrew Spragg (Hollingwood) who took an 11-9 victory over Marown’s Paul Dunn and Neil Withers in the final. Wraight and Spragg reached the final with an 11-8 win over two young and up coming bowlers in Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) and Jay Bailey (Belvedere BC). Dunn and Withers took a comfortable 11-5 win over Ben and Joshua Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood).

The Ladies doubles final saw Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Sharon Gadd (Cononley) ease to a 11-4 victory over Heather O’Hanlon and Debbie Gittins (Crosstown BC). The winning pair got through to the final with a 11-9 win over Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk, whilst O’Hanlon and Gittins took their spot as they held off Lynda Cadamy (Marown) and Sue Gawne (Nobles) to the same score. Winning the Mixed pairs were Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) and Ashley Walton (Meersbrook) with a hard fought 9-7 victory over Sue Sinclair (East End BC) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield), with the latter pair having led 7-5, a mini fightback sealed the win. Earlam and Walton reached the final with a 9-5 win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC) and Ryan Marks (Wirral), whilst Sinclair and Colebourne recorded a comfortable 9-3 win over Yvonne Hamilton (Meersbrook BC) and Craig Oddy (Carcroft).

Men’s Consolation Winner 18-year-old first time visitor Lewis Pember (Spen Victoria) with Sarah Maltby MHK – Department for Enterprise)
Photo: Arnie Withers
Men’s & Ladies IOM June Festival Winners 2026 – Phil Lee (St Mary’s) & Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park)
Photo: Arnie Withers
Men’s June Tourism Festival Winner 2026 – Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with Sarah Maltby MHK – Department for Enterprise)
Photo: Arnie Withers
Furthest Local 2026 – Colin Kelly (Marown) receiving the George Craine Trophy with Sarah Maltby MHK – Department for Enterprise
Photo: Arnie Withers

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Boyd Wins Maiden IOM June Festival Title

Ladies IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park)

Photo: Arnie Withers

In the Ladies main event it was school-teacher Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) who etched her name into the history books, picking up her first festival title.

Boyd had the task of facing Tracy Wraight (Castlefields) in the final, with the latter making a strong start taking the first four ends to lead 10-5. Boyd got in with a double, in what was the first of three consecutive doubles and six in total throughout the game playing round pegs to devastating effect to lead 19-11. Wraight finally got back in on the 13th end, however Boyd ensured there was to be no comeback, as she displayed nerves of steel to see the game out with two singles to seal a 21-11 victory. With Boyd receiving the £1,250 first prize, Wraight took home the runners up prize of £625.

In the semi-finals Boyd put paid to the challenge of Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) with an assured 21-12 win, whilst Wraight put paid to the hopes of Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates) of doing the double following her success on Thursday in the Tourism event with a hard fought 21-19 win to progress to the final.

Boyd started her day off with a solid 21-14 win over Paula Gamon (Overton), whilst Fox just edged home 21-20 against Carly Williams (Comberbach). In the other half of the draw Wraight was in fine fettle with a resounding 21-6 win over Josephine McGhee (Knutsford), whilst Wilcox held off Louise Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15 to advance to the next round.

In her speech Boyd said she hoped she would be able to return to the Island in 2027 to defend her title, having received special permission from the headmaster to take the week off from her role as a school-teacher, as to get the week off in the first place was a once in a lifetime thing.

For local interest Nobles bowler Sue Gawne received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady reaching the last 16 of the competition on Thursday afternoon, losing out 16-21 to be the highest scoring local in the round.

Ladies Tourism

The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, with former local bowler Rachel Wilcox, who now plies her trade for Crossgates comfortably seeing her way through the latter stages of the Tourism event, sealing the win in the final with a 21-9 win over Kathy Chadwick (Castle Sports & SC), with the latter winning just three ends, whilst Wilcox scored heavily with seven doubles, taking just 13 ends to win the final.

Wilcox reached the final with a solid display in the semi-final beating Louise Tebay (Marown) 21-16, in a contest that the Crossgates player was always in control of. In the other semi-final Chadwick had a battle to hold off clubmate Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) 21-18.

In the quarter finals Wilcox put paid to challenge of current holder Jenny Moore’s (South Ramsey) hopes of retaining the title with a 21-16 win, with Moore getting the score back to 15-16, only for a strong finish from Wilcox. Tebay advanced to the next round with a tense finish to the game, as she recovered from a 13-18 deficit to Denise Burchell (Castle Sports & SC) which went to a deciding end at 20-20, with the Marown bowler prevailing. In the other half of the draw Chadwick took a comfortable 21-12 win over Caroline Bushell (Lindal BC). whilst Earlam inflicted what would be the only defeat of the week on Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) with a 21-17 victory.

Men’s & Ladies IOM June Festival Winners 2026 – Phil Lee (St Mary’s) & Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park)
Photo: Arnie Withers
Ladies June Tourism Festival Winner 2026 – Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates)
Photo: James Wilcox
Sue Gawne received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady
Photo: Arnie Withers

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Kennish Claims 12th Win in Jim Kernan Cup

Jim Kernan 2026 - Runner Up Tom Boyd with Winner John Kennish

Photo: James Teare

South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a superb entry of 72 beating the 2025 entry of 62. The visiting bowlers were treated to improved weather on a good playing surface. The competition was sponsored by CEF Electrical for a second successive year.

Due to the number entered some bowlers would need to win four games just to reach the quarter final stage. At this stage Adam Hawker (Fairfield) got the better of regular visitor Kevan Shaw (Carleton) 21-13, whilst Tom Boyd (Cylinders) held off Peel man Gary Smith 21-20, with the latter trailing 17-20, three singles saw the game go to a deciding end at 20-20 with Boyd scoring the all-important chalk to get over the line.

In the other half of the draw the locals found their way through to the latter stages of the competition with home greener John Kennish holding off Marown captain Paul Dunn 21-17. Keeping the theme of keenly contested quarter finals matches going Neil Withers (Marown) held off the 2025 winner Alan Moore (21-19).

Kennish was the first man to book his place in the final with a dominant display in the semi-finals as he beat Withers 21-8. The second semi-final between Hawker and Boyd almost went to the wire, with the latter doing enough to secure a 21-18 win to progress to the final.

In what could be an early warning for the upcoming Festival week, the final was another dominant display by Kennish, who raced into a 16-6 lead over Boyd, winning the first three ends with doubles, followed by five singles. Boyd managed to get in with a single, however Kennish ensured there was to be no comeback scoring a further two doubles, and a single to secure a superb 21-7 victory to pick up his 12th win in this competition and his first since 2017, along with securing the first prize of £250.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey competition secretary James Teare, who thanked the ladies for providing a superb range of refreshments throughout the day, Steve Moore for assisting with running the sheet, the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. Thanks were also given to the sponsors CEF Electrical for their continued support. In his speech Kennish noted how well the running of the competition had been handled despite the boat being delayed, also praised the condition of the green.

Jim Kernan 2026 Sheet
Jim Kernan 2026 QF
Jim Kernan 2026 SF & Final

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

£1,750 raised for Charity – Box, Boland, and Jones Win Chas Grills Memorial Trophy

Chas Grills Memorial Trophy Winners 2026 - Marown trio Jamie Box, Peter Jones, and Glenn Boland

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

South Ramsey Bowling Club held the Chas Grills Memorial Trophy for the fourth time on Sunday. The format of triples proved popular amongst the Islands bowlers as 32 teams – 96 bowlers took part. The competition was supported by Domino’s and Starbucks.

Losing out at the quarter final stage and the closest game of the round were the home team consisting of Lauren Groen, Elaine Moore, and Gill Dixon 20-21 to the Marown trio of Colin Kelly, Walter McCarthy, and Tom Kelly. John Kennish, Dido Kelly, (South Ramsey) and Nathan Cooil (Castletown) eased to a 21-7 win over the Breagle Glen trio of Wayne Roberts, Anita Roberts, and Ewan Cooil in just seven ends.

In the other half of the draw the current holders Jordan Cain, Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) also won in seven ends 21-9 against James Teare (South Ramsey), Alison Kearsley (Castletown), and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), with the final game of the round seeing home greeners Dave Corkill, Richie Davies, and Paul Routledge losing out 11-21 to the Marown team of Jamie Box, Glenn Boland, and Peter Jones. 

Both semi-finals were straightforward for the winners with Kelly, McCarthy, and Kelly losing out 8-21 to Kennish, Kelly, and Cooil. The other semi-final finished shortly after with the Marown men, Box, Boland, and Jones easing to a 21-10 victory over Cain, Hargraves, and Quirk.

In the final it was a tight affair early in the game with the home greeners trailing by a solitary chalk at 9-10 after six ends. The Marown men made their move over the next three ends, scoring a four, a single and a double to build a commanding 17-9 lead.

A response was expected, it duly arrived with two doubles, and a change in the playing order with Cooil going to the front and Kennish going to the back. 

Just one end later the game was over as a four secured a deserved 21-13 victory for Box, Boland, and Jones to lift the trophy for the first time.

The presentation was made by competition secretary James Teare who thanked Darren Kerruish for providing prizes to the finalists on behalf of local businesses Domino’s Pizza, and Starbucks for a third consecutive year. Upon accepting the trophy Boland noted it was great to have so many people around the green, making for a great atmosphere, thanked his teammates, whilst also taking a moment to remember Chas who was a long serving and dedicated member of the club. Thanks were given to Steve Moore for running the sheet on the day, competition secretary James Teare, along with the work that had gone in by club members to prepare the green, the ladies for the superb choice of refreshments, also everyone who had supported the competition with their generous donations.

It was confirmed that Great North Air Ambulance Service were the charity supported this year, with a grand sum of £1,750 raised on the day, which included a superb donation of £500 made by Nathan Cooil, with the charity holding a special meaning to him.

Chas Grills Memorial 2026 – Sheet
Chas Grills Memorial 2026 – QF
Chas Grills Memorial 2026 – SF & Final

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Marown A Win Second Mixed Team Championship

Mixed Team Championship Winners 2025 - Marown A

Photo: Phil Cain

The final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Championship, Plate, and the inaugural Bowl competitions took place simultaneously on both Noble’s greens on Thursday evening, with the Championship final seeing Castletown A taking on Marown A. The floodlights were required, in perfect conditions for a bowls final.

With the league season finished in August, the previous three weeks had been reserved for a new format in the Mixed Team competitions. With 20 teams entered, this allowed for a third competition to be introduced. The Plate competition was for teams knocked out of the Championship in the early rounds, whilst teams losing out in the Plate competition went into the newly introduced Bowl competition.

The finals of the Championship and Plate took place on Noble’s One green, while the final of the bowl was contested on Noble’s Two green.

The Championship saw Castletown A progress to the final thanks to a 19-chalk victory (165-146) over Ballaugh A on Monday evening, while Marown A coasted through with a 56-chalk victory over Breagle Glen A (178-122).

The final saw the Crosby team cruise to an 8-1 victory on games, winning the all-important chalks by a margin of 59 (181-122), with Marown securing just their second Mixed Team Championship title.

In the first four games Marown made a strong start with a single figure win for Clare Cooper over Kim Foy (21-9), with the next three wins also comfortable for Marown with Jayne Smith beating Alison Kearsley 21-12, Glenn Boland won 21-13 against Hilary Kermode, while Neil Withers eased to a 21-11 win over Jordan Drewett. This put Marown into a sizeable 39-chalk lead (84-45).

Marown A team night league captain Paul Dunn had a battle on his hands throughout his match with Town Men’s captain Nathan Hamilton, with Dunn winning 21-19, while Lyn Bolton was the second 21-9 winner of the night as she beat Dean Kinley. This sealed the victory with a 53-chalk lead and just three games left to come off the green.

Stella Watterson prevented the whitewash on games with a 21-13 win over Debbie Leece, while Paul Kelly breezed home with a 21-10 win over Kieran Krypner. Rounding off the night was Jamie Box, who was pushed hard by Nathan Cooil, with the Marown man getting over the line 21-18.

Association Competition Secretary Matthew Keggen thanked Noble’s for the use of the green over the past three weeks, with a busy schedule for the club following the September bowls festival. Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode was then introduced to present the Championship Shield to Marown captain Jayne Smith, who congratulated her team for their performance on the night.

Mixed Team Championship Runners-Up 2025 – Castletown A
Photo: Phil Cain
Mixed Team Championship Final Results 2025

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

South Ramsey A Seal Mixed Team Plate

Mixed Team Plate Winners 2025 - South Ramsey A

Photo: Phil Cain

The final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Plate competition took place at Noble’s One green on Thursday evening, with South Ramsey A taking on Marown B.

Both teams lost out in the Championship, with South Ramsey falling to Marown A, while Marown B were preliminary round losers to Ballaugh A. To reach the final of the Plate South Ramsey beat their B Team on Monday evening on Noble’s Two green by 47-chalks (178-131), while Marown beat Onchan by 59 chalks (173-114).

This final turned out to be the most keenly contested of all three mixed team finals with just four chalks separating the teams at end of the match, with the Northern team winning by just four chalks (166-162), despite losing 4-5 on games.

Gill Dixon had a tussle with Juan Killip, only to lose out 19-21, Glynn Hargraves just edged home 21-20 against Peter Greenlees, while Peter Collister ran out from 13-13 with Zoe Pearson to seal a 21-13 win to leave South Ramsey seven chalks ahead after three games (61-54).

The next three games went in favour of the Crosby team, with Philippa Taylor holding a lead against Jenny Moore, only for the latter to edge ahead 18-17, with Taylor rallying once more to see the game out 21-18. Matthew Keggen led 15-14 against Kim Hargraves, with the latter sending the block off, then counting for two, however Keggen killed the end and went on to runout with a 21-14 victory. The third consecutive win arrived from Peter Jones, who beat Jordan Cain 21-12 to put Marown 12-chalks ahead with just three games left (117-105).

The deficit was reduced to a solitary chalk (126-127) as Fiona Kennish won 21-10 against Rebekah Kelly, with James Teare winning 21-14 against Celia Joughin to put South ahead by six chalks (147-141). The last game on the green saw Toby Hart up against Walter McCarthy, while the latter won 21-19 the South Ramsey man had scored enough chalks to help the team get over the line.

Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode presented the Shield to South Ramsey captain Kim Hargraves.

Mixed Team Plate Runners-Up 2025 – Marown B
Photo: Phil Cain
Mixed Team Plate Final Results 2025

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

North Ramsey A Secure Mixed Bowl Title

Mixed Team Bowl Winners 2025 - North Ramsey A

Photo: Phil Cain

The final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Inaugural Mixed Team Bowl competition took place at Noble’s Two green on Thursday evening, with North Ramsey A taking on Noble’s B.

With both teams taking an early bath in the Championship and Plate competitions, the teams were keen to become the first winners of the Bowl competition.

North Ramsey A reached the final courtesy of their Tuesday evening victory over fellow Northern team Ballaugh B by 35-chalks (171-136), while Noble’s B had to work for their nine chalk win (158-149) over Peel B, with the Noble’s team winning 5-4 on games, having won the first four games, they looked to be cruising only to lose the next four games, however Joanne Kelly’s 21-19 win over Shane Moss helped settled the Noble’s nerves.

In the final the first three games off saw North build a commanding 35-chalk lead, with Allan Callow beating Lisa Bradshaw 21-12, Janet Monk won 21-7 for the biggest win of the night against Martyn Hobson, while Rob Monk also won to single figures 21-9 against Keri Hampson.

Another three wins arrived for the Mooragh Park team, with two games going to the wire as Bailey McMullan won 21-20 against Joanne Kelly, while Tom Collins won to the same score against John Andrew. Paul Allison recorded a comfortable 21-13 win over Dave Naughton to put North Ramsey into an unassailable 45-chalk lead.

The next game off saw David Kinrade win 21-14 against Sylvia Kennaugh, with Lacey McMullan matching this win against Paul Clinton. Phil Salmon ensured it wasn’t a whitewash for Noble’s, as he beat Shannon McMullan 21-16. The matched finished 8-1 to North Ramsey A, winning the all-important chalks by 54 (184-130).

The Bowl was donated by Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode, this was presented to North Ramsey captain Janet Monk.

Mixed Team Bowl Runners-Up 2025 – Noble’s B
Photo: Phil Cain
Mixed Team Bowl Final Results 2025

Post published by Glynn Hargraves