The ever-popular Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday attracting an entry of 69, made up of local and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in excellent condition, with the green running as well as it has done for a long time, with the blustery conditions making for a tricky green.

At the quarter final stages six of the eight players were visitors, with some excellent bowling and the green still running well as the shade started to fall on the green. Losing out were Marown’s Neil Withers who was heavily defeated 9-21 by former Ballacashtal Cup winner Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central), with Brian Thompson (Crescent) also losing to the same score to Steven Barber (Chapel Park). Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) the self-styled ‘Beast’ led 16-8 against James Higgins (Meersbrook) with the latter going on to score 13 chalks over the last 11 ends to win 21-19, while Jamie King (Wrockwardine Wood) knocked out the last standing home greener Nathan Cooil with a convincing 21-12 win to progress to the next round.

The standard in the semi-finals shifted up another gear, with doubles partners Roberts and Barber facing off, with the latter getting the better of his opponent on this occasion as he booked his spot in the final with a 21-18 win, while Higgins and King were nip and tuck throughout the game with Higgins leading 20-17, he couldn’t get the one he needed with his opponent scoring two quick-fire doubles to sneak home 21-20. King’s four doubles to Higgin’s two doubles ultimately made the difference in the game.

Both players were making their first appearance in the final of this competition, the final got underway with King making the stronger start taking an early 12-7 lead, only for Barber to punish a poor second bowl from his opponent as he played out the counting bowl to score two to bring the score back to 12-9. King went on to score seven singles to lead 19-14, with Barber clawing his way back in to the game winning four consecutive ends with three singles and a double to level the game at 19-19. A good lead from Barber putting him in the driving seat, with his second bowl not counting, King had the option to strike at the counting bowl, however he opted to play in with a perfect bowl to lead 20-19. A good second bowl on the last end which wasn’t beaten secured a 21-19 victory to win the famous trophy as he made a fantastic start to his week with his family arriving in time to see him claim the win.

The presentation was made by competition secretary Kath Kinley, who thanked the sponsors ABS Solutions for their continued support of the competition. Upon accepting the trophy and £300 first prize Jamie thanked everyone who had helped on the day, stating he was delighted to win the trophy on his first visit to the green.

South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a fair entry of 46, on a superb playing surface and ideal conditions to play bowls.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), who just lost out 19-21 to Neil Withers (Marown), home greener Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly beat visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook) comfortably 21-13, with another home greener Peter Collister just losing out 20-21 to team mate James Teare. Peel man Tom Kelly had his run ended with a 16-21 defeat to Steve Barber (Chapel Park).

In the semi-finals Withers was quickest out of the traps against Kelly taking an early lead 10-7, with the latter responding to win nine of the next 10 ends scoring 14 points to run out with a 21-11 win to book his place in the final, while Teare was always in control against Barber with his 21-13 win taking him through to his first singles final.

The final started between the South Ramsey team mates with Teare winning the toss of the coin and heading for the mark that he had been playing throughout the day, however Kelly got in immediately and took a single on the following end. Over the next seven ends the player who won the end scored a double, with five of them being scored by Kelly he leapt into a commanding 16-8 lead playing his customary short length. Teare hit back with three singles, only to concede another two doubles to be staring down the barrel at 11-20. On the next end Kelly was lying game, with Teare taking the jack off the green to kill the end to hang in the game, he then picked up a single in the middle of the green, with no choice but to head into the corner, Kelly jumped in at the opportunity to win the game and secure the title with a 21-12 victory.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore who thanked George Brew for once again sponsoring the competition, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day. During his speech Kelly said he was delighted to pick up the trophy, with not entering many competitions over the past few years.

Marown Bowling Club hosted the Henry Kissack Memorial Trophy on Sunday attracting an entry of 44, which was one fewer than last year with a notable absentee with the holder from the last two years – Andy Kennish missing out on the opportunity to defend the title once again. The handicap and scoring system was a throw-back to the 1980’s/90’s with games played 15-up instead of the usual 21-up.

Losing out in the quarter finals were Tom Kelly (Peel) who had his challenge ended by Onchan man Bernie McPhee 14-15, with Kelly not able to get the last point needed after being 14-10 up, whilst Neil Withers got the better of new Marown team mate Peter Jones 15-6. Another home greener reached the semi-final courtesy of a hard fought 15-12 win over South Ramsey’s Glynn Hargraves, with Phil Kelly defeating his captain Paul Dunn, with the latter also holding a 14-10 lead and failing to secure the last chalk needed only to lose out 15-14.

The semi-finals had Colin Kelly lose out 9-15 to teammate Phil Kelly, while Withers had it all his own way as he managed to end the challenge of McPhee with a 15-6 to book his place in the final.

The final started with both players former Manx Champions, with Withers (-4) who won on his own green in 2009, while Kelly (-2) won the title in 1994 on Noble’s, with the latter managing to hold on to and extend his advantage to lead 7-0 after eight ends. A mini-revival from Withers pulled the deficit back to just one chalk at 7-8 only for Kelly to score a single, followed by a double before conceding a single to then finish strongly with two doubles to take a deserved 15-8 victory to put the gloss on a fine day as he rolled back the years to get over the line against three of his teammates from the quarter final stage onwards to ensure he won the trophy for a third time following on from his previous successes in 1996 and 2000.

The presentation was made by Brian Kelly, who thanked the Marown members for assisting throughout the day, the team in the kitchen for the refreshments and the green keepers for the preparing the green.

In Canada Life International Division One this week Onchan A inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Champions South Ramsey A, with the visitors tasting defeat for the first time since June last year as the Onchan men won 7-3 putting in a brilliant performance on a tricky green. For the home team Phil Kerruish rolled back the years to win 21-3 against James Teare, Matthew Quirk inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Dido Kelly 21-10, while Peter Slinger eventually got over the line 21-12 against Jordan Cain after leading 17-2. Peter Collister responded for the visitors with a 21-8 win over Mike Thomas. In the second half David Bradford clawed back another game with his 21-8 victory over Andy Kennish, with Bob Clark beating Neil Dunwell 21-14. Reg Temporaza led 17-5 against Glynn Hargraves before winning 21-14, while Will Penhallurick dug deep to beat Stefan Kelly 21-20 to secure the win by 13 chalks (135-122). Onchan fully deserved the win and now sit in third place, as they have quietly crept up the league, who remain top despite the defeat. Whilst South Ramsey have strengthened over the winter, it is far from a foregone conclusion that they will retain the league.

Marown A played their B Team on Monday evening with a lot of movement between the teams due to players missing or moving between the teams having a knock on effect. The higher ranked team still managed to come out on top with an 8-2 win, which could just as easily have been 9-1. Matthew Keggen stepped back in for the A, recorded a 21-4 win over John Kelly, which Neil Withers matched as he beat Kevin Kelly. Paul Dunn won 21-13 against Glenn Boland, while for the B Team Juan Killip just pipped Sam Clague at the post with a 21-20 win, while Peter Kelly picked up another point for the B as he beat Phil Kelly 21-17. The A Team now sit just a point behind the league leaders, while the B Team drop down to fourth place.

Port Erin A pipped Peel A 6-4 at Breagle Glen on Monday night, with the home team calling on three players from their B Team to field a full team. The players who came in did enough to secure the aggregate by a single chalk (146-145) with Peter Hulley losing out 15-21 to Dave Kelly, Ian Taylor lost out 11-21 to Peel captain Gary Smith, while Ed Benson stunned Tom Kelly 21-15. Seamus Whelan upset Dean Kinley with a 21-20 win, Bernie Durcan beat Dave Smith 21-13, while Derek Allen had a comfortable 21-13 win against Peter Greenlees. For the visitors Tommy McMeiken battled to a 21-17 win over Steve Durcan, while George Gadsby beat David Cain 21-19. The Breagle Glen men continue to close the gap on the teams above them as they are now just four points from safety.

Peel B had a better week, thanks to their 8-2 home win over Port St Mary A, with this just their third victory of the season as they are now just one point away from Onchan B, with their opponents on the night just three points ahead of them and not guaranteed to be safe from being dragged into a relegation scrap. Three of the home team wins were to 21-20 with Michael Kavanagh, Gordon Corrin and David Proctor all holding their nerve to beat Tim Williams, Tom Collins and Paul Skelly respectively. For the visitors Trevor Quayle got his revenge on Andy Mackie as he won 21-16, while Jordan Drewett will have been bouncing after picking up another victory with a solid 21-13 win over Dougie Allan.

Douglas A welcomed Onchan B to the Villa with the home team winning 8-2 to sit comfortably in the top half of the table. Winning for the visitors were Paul Clinton with a 21-13 victory over Ian Moore, while Mike Kelly beat Shaun Seal 21-18. For the home team Keith Rise won 21-8 against Mike Alexander, while Gordon Wynne-Smythe impressed as he beat Colin Spence 21-9.

North Ramsey A rounded off the action in Division One as they beat Castletown A 8-2 at Mooragh Park, with John Cannan beating Ron Williams 21-6, while Steve Walmsley beat Derek Lewney 21-8. For the visitors Willie Corkill beat Ray Skelly 21-13, captain Ian Watson won 21-16 against Paul Cannan, while Peter Oates just missed out 20-21 to Mike Skelly.

In Division Two Ballaugh A were up against their B Team with the higher ranked team taking the spoils 8-2. Winning for the B Team, were Dicky Watson who beat Patrick Grant 21-17, while John Looney won 21-7 against Steve Grant. The A team responded with big wins from John Keenan, who beat Percy Faragher 21-3, while Richard Hainge won 21-9 against Ray Parry. 

Noble’s A took four points off visitors Douglas B in their 4-6 home defeat with wins from Mark Bradshaw, Dave Naughton, Juan Qualtrough and Martyn Hobson. For the visitors Gary Conwell won comfortably 21-6 against Jay Elliott, while Stuey Garrett wasn’t far behind as he won 21-9 against Jim Collister.

Marown C had a tricky look away game against Peel C, so it proved as their promotion charge took a hit as they suffered an 8-2 defeat. The home team had three single figure wins from Paul Baker, Alan Cromwell and Tony Carroon. The two winners for the Crosby men were Conor Keenan who won 21-10 against David Allwood, Jamie Joughin beat Jimmy Corlett 21-7, while captain Stephen Rundle just missed out 20-21 to Phillip Clarke.

Port St Mary B took on Castletown B at Breagle Glen with the visitors coming away with a 2-8 win, with their cause helped by two 21-20 win from Billy Jones and Ross Moore, who beat Nicholas Peterson and Ken Karran respectively. Winning for the Port men were Colin Leece who beat Ray Harris 21-10 and Dave Saxon who beat Philip Taubman 21-18.

Finch Hill A paid a visit to the Park as they took on Onchan C, with the home team taking the spoils 7-3 in a high scoring contest with the chalks finishing 158-143. The three winners for the visitors were close with Dave Jones beating Brian Aspden 21-17, Les Brookes won 21-18 against Ken Clarke, while Tony Epifani won to the same score against Paul Callister. The result leaves Finch Hill in seventh, a long way off the hunt for promotion, while Onchan dragged themselves away from the danger zone to sit five points clear of the relegation spots.

League Leaders South Ramsey B had their match rearranged with their C Team from Monday to Friday evening, with those present raising a toast following the recent passing of a valued club member Martin Caley. The lower ranked side put in a good performance despite having to draft in three players to help out on the night with Franz ten Donkelaar impressing with a 21-20 win over Eddie Carlyle, Tony Hart recovered from a 2-13 deficit to beat Steven Waters 21-16. Dave Corkill was the best winner for the C Team as he won 21-13 against Sid Bolton who was previously undefeated, while Lee Dawson got home 21-18 against Chas Grills. The battle of the Hart brothers was won by Toby who beat older brother Austin 21-19, with Austin recovering from a 13-20 deficit before losing out. The B team managed to secure the aggregate by 21 chalks (149-128) thanks to three single figure wins from Alan Moore, Tony Dugdale and Bryan Corner over Ryan Hargraves, Robert Snape and Paul Routledge respectively to ensure they kept their unbeaten record for the season with a 5-5 draw.

In Division Three North Ramsey B won 9-1 at home to Ballaugh C as their charge for promotion stayed on course. Lee Christian was the best winner for the home team with his 21-9 win over Maurice O’Reilly, with three of their wins being keenly contested. Geoff Porter won 21-18 against Paul Cubbon, while Andrew Honour and Steve Kelly both won 21-20 against Brian Lace and Peter Corlett respectively. The lone winner for Ballaugh was Mark Dimsdale who is performing well in only his second season as he beat John Piekalns 21-10.

Marown D hosted Peel D at Crosby with the home team winning 7-3 to remain in second place. James Kelly won 21-20 against Andy Jackson, while single figures victories from Chris Williamson, Jay Waters and Alan Gault helped seal the win. For Peel Kevin Murray was their best winner 21-11 against Keith Watterson, Colin Moore beat Sam Colquitt 21-13, while Will Mitchell won 21-19 against Richard Bregazzi.

Douglas D faced off against their C Team at the Villa with the higher ranked team ensuring there was no upset on the cards as they took a 2-8 win. Nick Firth impressed with a 21-12 win over the experienced David Pease as he stays in the mix for the individual merit, William Cowley edged it 21-20 against Dave Corkish, while the D Team responded with their own 21-20 win with Greg Brew seeing off John Ferguson. Junior bowler Clark Kelly impressed with his 21-10 win over Ashley Halsall.

Noble’s B had a short trip down the road as they played Finch Hill B with the winners staying in touch at the top to remain in third place thanks to a 3-7 win. Home team winners were Sam Stannard-Duke and John Harris who both won comfortably, while Kevin Stannard who had to battle for his 21-19 win over Terry Bates. For Noble’s all five of their wins were comfortable with Michael Johnson the best winner as he won 21-6 against Peter Smith.

Castletown C took on Port Erin B at the Crofts, with both teams being short of players it resulted in the rather unusual score of 3-6 to the visitors, who had four single figure wins from Alan Crebbin, Mark Stockham, Christopher Dent and Nigel Haymes.

In Canada Life International Division One this week there were two maximums with league leaders South Ramsey A extending their lead to six points courtesy of their 10-0 win over Port Erin A on a tricky home green with the visitors a man short and reaching just 63 chalks on the night.

Marown B made up some ground on their A Team with their second 10-0 of the season as they beat Peel B with the visitors now sat in a precarious position five points from safety.

Marown A will have been pleased to come away from the sunset city with a hard fought 3-7 win over Peel A, which could have just as easily have been 5-5 on another night with George Gadsby losing out 19-21 to Harry Barton, while Tommy McMeiken lost 20-21 to Neil Withers. The two single figure wins from Colin Kelly and captain Paul Dunn went a long way towards securing the aggregate for the Crosby men as they won by 15 chalks (133-148).

Onchan B closed the gap on visitors Castletown A to just two points following their 7-3 home win with the Onchan men winning by 13 chalks (149-136). Colin Spence won 21-8 against Alan Phair, which Derek Lewney cancelled out with his win over Bernie McPhee.

Port St Mary A continue to adjust to their temporary home, they managed to beat Douglas A 7-3 at Breagle Glen. Jordan Drewett stormed to a 21-6 win over Tommy Collister who played on the Port Erin green for a number of years. Tom Collins will have been buoyed following his first league win of the season as he won 21-15 win over Ian Moore. For the visitors’ captain Merv Sayle won 21-14 against Tim Williams, Keith Rise continues to impress with a 21-17 win over Wayne Roberts, while Andy Cannell battled to a 21-18 win over Nathan Hamilton.

The closest match of the night was at Mooragh Park between North Ramsey A and Onchan A with the match ending 4-4, the visitors edging the aggregate by two chalks (146-148). For Onchan Phil Kerruish was the best winner as he beat Ray Skelly 21-12, while Will Penhallurick worked hard for his 21-19 victory over Gary Merrill. For the home team Paul Allison continued his fine form with a 21-8 win over Andy Kennish, Rob Monk beat Mike Thomas 21-19, while Allan Callow beat Reg Temporaza 21-20.

In division Two South Ramsey B show no signs of slipping up following their 1-9 away win over Finch Hill A. The lone winner for Finch was Mark Taylor who only took the game up last season, as he beat the previously undefeated Steven Waters 21-12. Impressing for the visitors were the evergreen Chas Grills with a 21-15 win over Dave McCabe, Austin Hart performed well as he beat Les Brookes 21-13, while four single wins from Ed Carlyle, Bryan Corner, Sid Bolton and Tony Dugdale kept the home team to under 100 chalks (97-159).

Ballaugh A sit in second, they had a good evening at home to Onchan C as they won 9-1 with the Ballaugh men looking to be playing for second in a battle with Marown C. Barry McDonald got over the line 21-20 against Roger Payne, while Phil Quayle and John Keenan both won to single figures.

Marown C stayed in touch thanks to their 8-2 home win over Ballaugh B, with Dan Smith just missing out on getting an extra point for his team as he lost 20-21 to Dicky Watson. The home team had three winners to single figures with Walter McCarthy ruthlessly winning 21-1 against Paul Davis.

South Ramsey C returned to winning ways with a 7-3 home win over Port St Mary B, with the visitors a man short this surely cost them the aggregate as they lost out by eight chalks (138-130).

Douglas B hosted Peel C at the Villa, with the home claiming a 7-3 home win. Gary Conwell continued his return as he recorded another win, while Stuey Garrett was the best winner for the home team.

In Division Three with league leaders North Ramsey B taking their turn to sit out Marown D closed the gap to a single point thanks to a 3-7 win over Douglas C. All games in the fixture reached double figures.

Noble’s B stayed in touch just five points off top spot following their 9-1 home win over Castletown C, while Peel D and Finch Hill B drew 4-4 on games in the Sunset city with the home team despite being a man short edging the chalks (134-130) to take a 6-4 win.

Elsewhere Ballaugh C won 7-3 at home to Douglas D and Port Erin B won 8-2 at home to South Ramsey D, with three of their wins being keenly contested games. For the home team Ed Benson won 21-2 against debutant Hakim Thomas, while Geoff Collier hit back for the visitors with a 21-8 win over Trevor Barker.

Rayner Shield

Division Two side South Ramsey B were the first team to go through to the quarter finals of the Rayner Shield, as they ruthlessly beat Division One side Peel B 8-0, with the visitors failing to score 100 chalks (168-94).

The tie of the round was between South Ramsey A and Onchan A, with the visitors missing some key players they still put in a good performance as they lost 5-3 to the current holders. Matthew Quirk was the best winner with his 21-16 win over James Teare, while Kevin Quirk and Andy Kennish both edged their games 21-20 against David Bradford and Dido Kelly respectively.

Marown A progressed to the next round courtesy of a 7-1 home win over Castletown A with Mark Moorley the lone winner as he won 21-9 against Phil Kelly. Marown officially welcomed Peter Jones to the club as he made his debut, with Jones doing enough to get over the line 21-18 against Ron Williams.

Onchan B were defeated 3-5 at home to Peel A with the winners for the home team Mike Kelly, Steve Parker and Jamie Clague who beat Dave Smith, Tommy McMeiken and Tom Kelly respectively.

Rayner Plate specialists Marown C reached the quarter finals of the Shield following their 2-6 away win over North Ramsey B, while Douglas A cruised home 8-0 against their B Team, a result matched by Port St Mary A who beat Finch Hill B.

The last match of the Rayner Shield had South Ramsey C hosting Marown B, with the visitors looking to be on the end of a huge upset as they trailed 3-1 at the half way stage, however the back four Marown men hit back to run out with a 3-5 victory.

Rayner Plate

In the Rayner Plate the favourites North Ramsey A (+15) came away from their trip South with a 33 chalk victory (140-173) over Castletown C (+50), whilst the handicap helped get the job done for Peel D (+50) who beat Castletown B (+25) by 16 chalks (194-178). Ballaugh B (+35) and Finch Hill A (+35) started off the same handicap with the visitors Finch coming away with a sizeable 42 chalk victory (141-183) as they booked their quarter final spot.

Port St Mary B (+35) were at home to Ballaugh A (+25) with the match ending 4-4 on games, however the home team held onto their 10 chalk start to win by 19 chalks (175-154). Douglas C (+40) hosted Marown D (+65) with the visitors not needing the handicap as they won by a huge 64 chalks (159-223). Onchan C (+40) welcomed Noble’s B at the Park and the visitors progressed to the quarter finals despite losing 5-3 on games as they won by 19 chalks (181-200). The final fixture of the night between third division Ballaugh C (+50) and second division side Peel C (+45) with the home team having a marginal five chalk this wasn’t anywhere near enough to hold off the visitors as the Peel men won by 42 chalks (141-183).

The last match of the round is scheduled for 7^th June with Port Erin A (+5) hosting Noble’s A (+45) at Breagle Glen.