Author Archives: Glynn Hargraves

Quirk Wins Ken Williamson Memorial

Kevin Quirk - Ken Williamson Memorial Winner 2019

Photo: Arnie Withers

An entry of 33 took part in the Ken Williamson Memorial Cup on what would have been the big man’s 90th Birthday. Ken was a popular player amongst the bowling community. The Onchan green was in superb condition with many visitors during festival week commenting on how brilliant the green was to play on. To match the green the sun shone throughout the day.

The winner was home greener Kevin Quirk who recovered from a 5-11 deficit against Marown’s Brian Kelly to win 21-12 to record his second open win of the season and his eighth win in this competition since the competition was first played in 1996.

Losing out at the semi-final stage were Mike Hargraves (Castletown) to Quirk 10-21, whilst Brian Kelly ended the hopes of home greener Mark Kelly with a 21-17 win to take his place in the final.

Falling at the quarter final stage were Stevie Kelly (Peel) to Hargraves, Neil Withers (Marown) lost to Quirk, Reg Temporaza (Noble’s) lost to Brian Kelly, whilst Harry Barton (Marown) lost to Mark Kelly.

The presentation was made by Mike Alexander with thanks given to everyone who had helped throughout the day and to the ladies for putting on refreshments. Ken Williamson’s niece Diane Crossley was then introduced to present the prizes.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Dyson Cleans Up

Lynsey Gorman & Jack Dyson June 2019 Festival Winners

Photo: Arnie Withers

The top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) winning the men’s event, whilst Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won the ladies event.

Popular Yorkshire man Dyson known throughout the bowling community as ‘Hoover’ – no explanation required, picked up his first June Festival win and the winners cheque for £3,000. Dyson had to overcome the challenge of Andy Spragg in a thrilling final on a tricky green. Dyson was quickest out of the blocks taking a 12-5 lead, then 14-9 and 16-11 to keep his opponent at arm’s length. Spragg responded with a double to sit just three points behind at 13-16, only for a determined Dyson to take two singles and a double to sit just one point away from glory. Spragg counted one next end and headed towards the corner, Spragg’s first bowl was about 18 inches off the jack, with Dyson putting his first bowl approximately 12 inches away to count one for game. Spragg made sure he reached with his second bowl, just tipping Dyson’s bowl, however it wasn’t enough to save game with Dyson taking a 21-14 victory. Dyson’s joy was clear for all to see with his second bowl still in his hand he threw it up in celebration. Spragg had the blow softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.

Dyson reached the final courtesy of a quick fire 21-7 win over Wayne Jevons (Wirral), whilst Spragg booked his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 victory over Andy Limbert (Brighouse).

In the quarter finals Dyson ended the challenge of Chris Bly (Hopwood) with a 21-13 win, whilst Jevons won 21-8 against David Halstead (Kirkham). The closest game of the quarter finals was between Mark Rose (Royal Oak BC) and Spragg, with Spragg having to dig deep to get over the line 21-20. Limbert ended the run of Robert Hopper (Brighouse) with a 21-16 win.

Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Stevie Kelly (Peel) who lost out agonisingly 20-21 in the last 16 to Wayne Jevons to just miss out on finals day.

In the ladies main competition Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won her first June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved 21-7 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park). Fox received £600 as runner up.

In the semi-finals Gorman ended the run of Bev Beeley (Houldsworth WMC) with a 21-13 victory, whilst Fox ended the hopes of two time June winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) with a 21-19 win in an entertaining game.

Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves who received the Visit IOM.com trophy to claim bragging rights in the Hargraves household. Hargraves would have been delighted with her weeks work and can now take confidence in her own ability going forward, however her challenge was ended by Fox who won 21-8. Lunn-Gadd ended the hopes of Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) with a hard fought 21-19 win, whilst Bev Beeley booked her place in the semi-finals with a 21-20 win over Caroline Bushell (Co-op) with Gorman taking a comfortable 21-14 win over Wendy Allen (Castle Private).

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Mark Hughes (Crossgates) taking the Tourism title defeating Chris Mordue (Pudsey) with a convincing 21-13 victory.

Losing semi-finalists were Martin Gilpin 15-21 (Kendal Vic) to Hughes, whilst Chris Ellis (Brighouse) just lost out 20-21 to Mordue.

The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with another entertaining final it was Rebecca Teare (Noble’s) who held her nerve to take a deserved 21-18 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) to pick up her first win in the Tourism event.

Teare earned her place in the final following a fairly comfortable 21-15 semi-final win over Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) with Gorman bouncing back in style the following day going on to win the main event. In the other semi-final Moore recorded a 21-16 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) to book her place in the final.

The Men’s consolation was won by Peter Jones (Wirral) who beat Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) 21-12. The Ladies consolation was won by Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) defeating Julie Green 21-13.

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry who wasted no time with his 9-0 win over Craig Ramell (Rishton), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Jack Bushell (Knutsford) who beat Katie Morgan 21-11.

The men’s Open doubles was won in style by Larry Wells (St Oswalds) & David Penketh (St Oswalds) who beat the top pairing of Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) and Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with a convincing 11-2 victory in the final.

The men’s pairs was won by Richard Hodgson (Pudsey) & Craig Shore (Burbage) beating Michael Andrews (Wirral) & Michael Upton (Myrtle Park) 11-9 in a close final.

The ladies pairs final was won 11-6 by Debi Davis (Brighouse) & Pam Nixon (Poynton Sports) who beat Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) and Eileen Pye (Acregate).

The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) & partner John Colebourne (Eastwood Park) losing out 4-9 to Eileen Pye (Acregate) and Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) in the final.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Callum Cashes In At PokerStars Super 32

PokerStars Super 32 2019 Winner - Callum Wraight with Event Organiser Glynn Hargraves

Photo: Arnie Withers

The PokerStars IOM Invitation took place on Friday evening with the event being hosted by South Ramsey Bowling Club at Noble’s Park immediately after the conclusion of the IOM bowls festival. The change in venue allowed the field to increase from last years format of 16 to go back up to 32.

It was a strong field taking part with every player in the field having played county bowls. The format was 21 up with 3 on the card.

There was plenty of local interest in the first round, however Peel favourite Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly was beaten 15-21 by Andy Sorsby (South Yorkshire), Jordan Cain (Onchan) lost 14-21 to Kev Shaw (North Lancs & Fylde), whilst Marown captain Paul Dunn lost 13-21 to Craig Gant (Yorkshire).

Faring better were South Ramsey’s David Bradford who won 21-13 against Dave Jackson (North Lancs & Fylde), Neil Withers made light work of Ian Nicholson (North Lancs & Fylde) with a 21-12 win, whilst Marown stalwart Colin Kelly seen off Richie Goddard (Shropshire) with a 21-10 win.

There were several close games in the first round with James Wilcox (Yorkshire) seeing off South Yorkshire rival Nick White 21-20, whilst another South Yorkshire man Paul Bailey got over the line 21-19 against Martin Gilpin (North Lancs & Fylde) after Gilpin recovered from a 12-19 deficit to level the game at 19-19, only for Bailey to take two singles to progress to the next round. Chris Barton (Merseyside) also lost out 19-21 to Jon Palmer (Shropshire), whilst another Merseyside man Danny Barwise lost 20-21 to 2018 British Merit Winner Chris Mordue (Yorkshire). Melvyn Byron (North Lancs & Fylde) recovered from a 14-19 deficit to win 21-20 against Nidge Hughes (Merseyside), whilst newly crowned June festival winner Jack Dyson (Yorkshire) held off Merseyside man Peter Jones 21-18.

In the second round Gareth Herbert (Warwick & Worcs) won a close game 21-18 against Sorsby to take his place in the quarter finals, whilst Bradford lost out 18-21 to Dan Jones (Wales) after recovering from a 10-16 deficit to go 18-16 ahead with eight singles before Jones got back in to finish the game. Paul Bailey came back from 11-19 to run out with a 21-19 victory over Jon Palmer. In an all Yorkshire clash Gant lost out 19-21 to Chris Mordue, whilst Byron lost 18-21 to Dyson.

At the quarter final stage it was all visiting bowlers who had progressed, in the top half of the draw Herbert lost 19-21 to Dan Jones, whilst Wilcox lost out for a second year running to Callum Wraight (Shropshire) 17-21. In the bottom half of the draw Paul Bailey ran out from 11-11 against Mordue to win 21-11 to take his place in the semi-finals, whilst Dyson won 21-13 against John Bailey (Wales).

Both semi-finals could not have been any close with Wraight taking a 11-3 lead against Jones, only for Jones to level the score at 13-13. Jones then scored better than Wraight over the next nine ends to lead 20-18, only for Wraight to hit back to see the game out 21-20 to book his place in the final. In the second semi-final Dyson took a 13-8 lead, with Paul Bailey recovering to level the score at 14-14. Dyson then went 20-15 ahead, however Bailey managed to find a bit more in the tank to run out with a 21-20 win.

In the final there was plenty of striking and dead ends with Wraight and Bailey up against each other. It was Wraight who was quickest out of the blocks taking a 13-3 lead against Bailey, then led 16-7 and 19-10 under the fading light the floodlights had to be put on. Bailey then took three singles before Wraight retained the trophy and in doing so secured the £1,000 first prize with a double to win 21-13. Bailey will no doubt have been cheered up with his cheque for £500, with the losing semi finalists each receiving £250, and the losing quarter finalists taking home £125. Those who lost out in the second round took home £75 each.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by event organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the sponsors PokerStars for their continued support, Noble’s Bowling club, the Department for Enterprise and Douglas Corporation, all the players for what made for an entertaining evening of bowls, the spectators for turning up to support along with anyone who had helped in the running of the event.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Dunn Wins Ballacashtal Cup

Ballacashtal Cup Winner 2019

Photo: Arnie Withers

The Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday which attracted an entry of 61, made up of local and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in excellent condition with the players in the early rounds producing some exciting bowling with great atmosphere and plenty of banter.

At the quarter finals seven of the eight players were local men, and again some excellent bowling, which entertained the spectators. Losing out were Port St Mary’s Paul Skelly to Paul Dunn (Marown) 13-21, with Glenn Boland (Noble’s) losing to the same score against Neil Withers (Marown). Also losing out in a close game was James Teare (South Ramsey) to another Marown man Manx Champion Colin Kelly 19-21, whilst the furthest visitor was Paul Bailey (Meersbrook) who also lost 19-21 to Peel favourite Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly.

The semi-finals produced some phenomenal bowling and the games could have gone either way, such was the standard with Dunn booking his place in the final with a 21-18 win, whilst Barney had to work hard to edge over the line 21-20 against Colin Kelly.

Both players were making their first appearance in the final of this competition, with Kelly starting as favourite having won a number of the games top prizes over the years, whilst Dunn who won his first open competition last season is the man in form.

The final started with Kelly taking a 10-7 lead, only for Dunn to respond by winning the next seven ends to take the lead 16-10. Barney kept chipping away to reduce the deficit, however it wasn’t enough with Dunn picking up five more singles to take a 21-17 victory to win the famous trophy to top off what he been a great weekend for local bowlers and send an ominous warning to the visiting bowlers who will be hoping to win the June Festival this week.

Many thanks go to sponsors Friends Provident International for their continued support of the competition. The presentation was made by Adam Drewett on behalf of the sponsors. Thanks were given to the greenkeeper and all who helped run the competition.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Bradford Retains Jim Kernan

Jim Kernan Winner 2019

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan on Saturday, the first of the pre-festival opens with a good entry of 50, which included nine visiting bowlers.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Steve Parker (Onchan), who lost out 14-21 to regular Island visitor Andy Mailer. Marown man Neil Withers just lost out 20-21 to home greener Stefan Kelly with Withers letting slip a 10-3 lead on Kelly, whilst Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) lost out 18-21 to home greener David Bradford in another close game. Marown captain Paul Dunn having earlier defeated Manx Champion Colin Kelly, then disposed of South Ramsey captain Glynn Hargraves 21-8 with relative ease to book his place in the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals Bradford then returned the favour to see off Dunn with a 21-9 win, with Bradford scoring 11 consecutive points to build a big lead which Dunn could not recover from. In the other semi-final Andy Mailer’s hopes were ended by Stefan Kelly with Mailer losing out 18-21.

The final started with Bradford favourite to win, however Kelly had other ideas performing well to take a 8-4 lead, then keeping Bradford at arms length to retain a four point lead at 13-9. Bradford hit back to level the game at 14-14 and his greater experience helped him get over the line to claim a 21-17 win to retain the title and take home £150 prize money.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore, who thanked those who had stayed to support, everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day. During his speech Bradford thanked the ladies for the brilliant refreshments provided, also commented on the improvement in the green since the start of the season, with credit being given to the team who have helped get the green into the condition it is now in.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

June Festival Preview

Martin Gilpin

IOM June Festival Winner 2018

The eagerly awaited Isle of Man June Festival takes place the week commencing 17th June with a good entry of over 314 in the Men’s competition.

On the first page of the draw Andy Duckett (Crossgates) will be hoping to go far in the competition, he takes on the bookmaker Graham Hirst in the first round. Local man Geoff Collier (South Ramsey) who only took up the game last year has the unenviable task of taking on Ben Gloag (Grapes Hotel) for his first time competing in the festival, whilst 2017 winner James Wilcox (Crossgates) will be looking to go far with some tricky fixtures along the way.

On the second page Callum Wraight (Castlefields) will once again be one of the hot favourites to take the title and his first festival win, having won the majority of the games biggest prizes and ended his week last June on a high winning the PokerStars Invitation at South Ramsey. Should Matthew Quirk (Onchan) make it through his first game he could well face Wraight in the second round, whilst Gareth Herbert (George BC) has a tough game against Joshua Mordue (Crossgates). Ian Hazlehurst has once again been handed a tough first round game taking on the ‘Hoover’ Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge).

On page three another regular visitor Mark Hughes (Crossgates) will be hoping to break his duck in the main event with several of his team mates having taken the trophy over the past few years, whilst 1998 winner David Jackson (Knutsford) will be keen to take his second June title. Current holder Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) starts three points back due to his 2018 win and will need to make a good start in his games to ensure he doesn’t fall too far behind. Mel Byron (Duki Central) takes on local man Steve Parker (North Ramsey).

On the next page Gaz Lally (Crossgates) takes on Craig Shore (Burbage) in the first round, with local player David Bradford keen to reach the latter stages of the June festival having won the September title at the tender age of 17, however should he get through his first round game Bradford could have to face the likes of Barry Booth (Kendal Vic) and Ryan Clark (Thongsbridge) if he is to progress.

On page five Nick White (Thongsbridge) will fancy his chances of getting through the top half of his page, whilst Kevan Shaw (West Houghton) will be favourite to make the latter stages in the bottom half of the page, however Phil Kerruish (Onchan) may well be one of his opponents who will be confident of performing well against Shaw.

Looking at page six Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge) will once again be looking to reach the latter stages of the festival, will have to beat the likes of Nidge Hughes (Wirral) & Billy Speed (Castlefields) to make it to finals day on Friday.

Over to page seven September 2018 festival winner John Kennish (South Ramsey) is another man to start three points back on his opponents due to his recent success in the festival, will be hoping to find some form to take him through the week. A man in form is Paul Dunn (Marown) who is unbeaten in the league this season, having switched bowls over the winter Dunn will be hoping this is his year. A game everyone will want to watch is two of the games top players with both having won a number of the top competitions, John Bailey (Castlefields) could take on Chris Mordue (Pudsey) on Wednesday morning.

On page eight regular visitor to the Island Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) won’t be missed on the green with his yellow bowls. Another local in form is Jordan Cain (Onchan), who could face one of the games entertainers Michael Leach (Kirkham) who is fascinating to watch on the green, whilst 2012 winner Rob Fitzpatrick (Wirral) could face Andy Mailer (Thongsbridge) or Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with Nicholson somewhat unbelievably having never won a June Festival with all his festival wins coming in September. Dan Jones (Castlefields) will be keen on making good progress having not visited the Island for a couple of years.

On page 9 it has been 19 years since local man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) took his only festival win beating Kev Shaw back in the ‘good old days’ when the finals used to be held on the Villa, whilst Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) could have a tasty second round game against Richie Goddard (Castlefields).

On the final page 2013 winner Neil Withers be looking to progress having recently lost in the final of the Big Smash, whilst Andrew Sorsby (Thongsbridge) could face off against Matthew Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey) in the second round. 2016 June winner and recent Big Smash winner Kez Smith (Crossgates) could face big hitter Paul Bailey (Meersbrook), whilst another big hitter Chris Barton (Wirral) will be hoping for a good week.

Whilst I can’t guarantee the weather what should shine through, however, is the quality of the field and the week of bowls we have in store for us, with the Tourism, Men’s Doubles, Open Doubles, various flyers and consolation competitions there is plenty of bowls to be played & enjoyed for all.

Best of luck to all visitors and locals who are taking part throughout the week.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

PokerStars Super 32

PokerStars Invitation Winner 2018 Callum Wraight

Friday evening sees some of the games top players taking part in the PokerStars Super 32 Invitation with the event being held at Noble’s Park it is sure to attract a good crowd on the night.

Last year’s winner Callum Wraight will be hoping to successfully defend his title, whilst Yorkshire man Chris Mordue won the British Senior Merit in 2018. There are too many winners of big competitions to call out, however the line-up includes Isle of Man festival, County Merit, British Senior Merit, Champion of Champions and Spring and Autumn Waterloo winners along with the winners of a host of big competitions held on the mainland to prove what a top field this is.

Six local men have been given the opportunity to compete this year with David Bradford (South Ramsey), Jordan Cain (Onchan), Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) and three Marown men taking part with Manx Champion Colin Kelly, Neil Withers and Paul Dunn all looking to cause an upset to the big guns.

A number of big hitters are taking part with Chris Barton, Paul Bailey and Wraight all capable of fireworks on the green with their renowned striking ability.

Whilst I would not like to predict a winner of this, what I can promise is a night of great entertainment that will be a fitting end to a week of bowls which is running morning, noon and night!

Line-up:

  1. Billy Speed
  2. Kev Shaw
  3. Chris Barton
  4. Nidge Hughes
  5. Peter Jones
  6. Robby Fitzpatrick
  7. Dave Jackson
  8. Ian Nicholson
  9. Martin Gilpin
  10. Melvyn Byron
  11. Callum Wraight
  12. Jon Palmer
  13. Richie Goddard
  14. Andy Sorsby
  15. Nick White
  16. Paul Bailey
  17. Gareth Herbert
  18. Stewart Meddings
  19. Dan Jones
  20. John Bailey
  21. Chris Mordue
  22. Craig Gant
  23. Jack Dyson
  24. James Wilcox
  25. Joshua Mordue
  26. Colin Kelly
  27. Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly
  28. David Bradford
  29. Jordan Cain
  30. Neil Withers
  31. Paul Dunn
  32. TBC

Prize money is over £3k, paid out as follows:-

Winner – £1,000

Runner Up – £500

Semi-Finals – 2 @ £250

Quarter Finals – 4 @ £125

Last 16 – 8 @ £75

The final spot available will be confirmed during festival week, the draw will also be made and announced next week.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Peel Edge It Over Port St Mary

In Ellan Vannin Fuels division one Peel A made the journey south to take on Port St Mary A securing a good 4-6 away win on the night. Winning big for the visitors were the experienced Andy Kennish and Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly with both men winning to single figures over Tim Williams and Glenn Hargraves respectively. Tom Kelly recorded a good 21-10 win over Dave McCabe whilst the ‘Admiral’ David Proctor performed brilliantly and will have been buoyed to see off home ‘captain’ Trevor Quayle 21-16. For the home team Juan Hargraves proved he has lost none of his natural ability dusting off his bowls for only the third time all season to defeat Stevie Kelly 21-19. Rob Cooil beat Peter Greenlees 21-11, with Wayne Roberts & Paul Russell seeing off Tommy McMeiken & Jerome Surridge respectively with both Peel men having been in good form so far this season.

Castletown A also slipped to a 4-6 home loss against Marown B with the visitors taking the two points for the aggregate thanks to Juan Killip’s 21-5 victory over David Quayle. Also winning for the Crosby men were the three Kelly’s – Peter, John and Brian. The four winners for the town men were Ian Watson, Peter Oates, Nathan Hamilton and Jordan Drewett.

Douglas A hosted Noble’s A at the Villa with the home team edging the match 6-4 (120-116) in a low scoring affair. Three single figures wins from Merv Sayle, Ian Moore and Keith Rise were the difference to the visitors two single figure wins from Glenn Boland & Tommy Collister.

Marown A edged another point away from the chasing pack with a good 9-1 home win over Castletown B who had star man Bob Clark missing. The sole winner for the visitors was Alan Phair who beat Darren Kerruish 21-8. For the home team Paul Dunn, Paul Kelly & Dean Kipling all recorded single figure wins.

Third placed Onchan A made the journey north to Mooragh Park to take on North Ramsey A with the visitors recording a 3-7 away win on the night. Home captain Allan Callow recorded a good 21-15 win over Kevin Quirk, Gary Merrill beat Frank Watson 21-17 whilst John Cannan beat the in form Jordan Cain 21-20. Winners for the away team were Peter Slinger, Rob Monk and Phil Kerruish, with Steve Parker and Matthew Quirk both winning to single figures.

South Ramsey A took on their B team, with the higher ranked team winning 8-2 to remain in second place. For the B team Austin Hart recorded a fine 21-17 win over the experienced Peter Collister, whilst Steven Waters performed well to beat Alan Moore 21-18. The winners for the A team were comfortable with Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly winning 21-2 over George Brew.

In division two top of the table Ballaugh A took on their B team who occupy bottom place in the table. The A team were in no mood to help out their club mates crushing them 10-0 on the night.

Second placed Onchan B kept up their quest for promotion following their 9-1 home win over North Ramsey B, whilst fourth placed Peel B went level on points with third placed Port St Mary B. The Peel men defeating the Port outfit 8-2 on the night. The two winners for Port St Mary were Tom Collins and Thomas Keggen.

Marown C recorded their first away league win of the season, winning 4-6 away to Peel C. Port Erin A could only draw 5-5 at home to Port St Mary C, they did win five games however their cause was not helped by having to give two walkovers to the opposition. This was disappointing as their lower ranked B team had put out a full team the night before.

Just four matches took place in division three with Finch Hill B recording a strong 9-1 win over Peel D. Junior player Ryan Tate prevented the whitewash with his 21-18 win over Guy Smith.

Douglas C drew 5-5 with visitors Onchan C. The Villa men had only three winners, however they won the two points for the aggregate on the night. It could well have been a 8-2 victory for the home side with James Teare and John Ferguson just losing out 20-21 to Denis Maxwell and Ken Clarke respectively, whilst Greg Brew lost 19-21 to Allan Kennaugh.

Noble’s B hosted their C team with the B team winning 7-3, winning for the lower ranked C team were Noel Ash, Jeff Crellin and Michael Cooper.

Castletown C won a tough home fixture 6-4 against Port Erin B with big single figure wins from John Matheson, Juan Drinkwater and Philip Smith enough to help secure the aggregate.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Shannon Crowned Junior Manx Champion

Junior Manx Champion 2019 - Shannon McMullan

14 year old Shannon McMullan realised an ambition watched on by her proud parents and younger sisters by winning the Ellan Vannin Fuels Junior Manx Championship for the first time.

A product of the Manx Youth Games which was in only its second year in 2014, Shannon first took up the game at the tender age of nine. Today was also a proud day for her team mates, some of who were her MYG coaches. Shannon is now a regular fixture in the Ladies night league team at Mooragh Park, who are finally starting to reap the rewards of the hours of effort they have put in to coaching their junior players. Shannon has put a great amount of time and effort into her bowls and her improvement over the past year is clear for everyone to see.

Shannon certainly did it the hard way seeing off the up and coming Patrick Grant (Ballaugh) in her first round game recovering from a 17-19 deficit to pick up four singles to take a 21-19 win.

In the quarter finals Shannon was up against 2017 winner Marown B team captain Harry Barton with this year’s competition being the last time Barton was eligible to enter. Shannon took a 14-3 lead before Barton started to chip away at the lead, however the deficit proved too big with Shannon winning 21-14.

In the semi-finals home greener Austin Hart was up against Victoria Johnson (Mooragh Park) with Hart performing well to book his spot in the final with a 21-8 win. In the second semi-final Shannon was up against the current champion Glenn Boland (Noble’s) with Shannon starting well taking the lead 11-4. Boland hit back to edge ahead 12-11, with Shannon once again going on a good run to go 18-15 ahead then 20-17 only for Boland to score two to lie just one point behind with the score at 20-19 to Shannon. Boland played along the edge of the green putting up a lead six inches away from the jack, with Shannon’s first bowl just 18 inches away Boland couldn’t quite get a second counting bowl in. With her last bowl Shannon played a great bowl under pressure to trail the jack to take a fantastic 21-19 victory to reach the final.

In the final Shannon started strongly taking a 7-2 lead over 16 year old Austin, then extended the lead further still to 16-8. Shannon kept her composure well and her level of concentration was beyond her years, which helped to see the game out with a 21-12 win to take the title in what was a stunning performance.

The presentation was made by Association press officer Glynn Hargraves who thanked all the juniors for taking part, Association Secretary Alan Moore for running the competition, South Ramsey for providing the refreshments and putting on a BBQ with meat provided by Ballakelly Farm. It was also commented on that it was great to see the winner was someone who prior to 2014 had no family link to crown green bowls, which really demonstrated the great work done by those involved when crown green bowls became part of the Manx Youth Games for the first time in 2013.

Both Shannon and Austin will go on to represent the IOM at Netherfield BC, Kendal, Cumbria on Saturday 17th August.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Top Teams Clash – Marown Extend Lead

It was another good week for Marown A in Ellan Vannin Fuels division one with the Crosby men making the short journey to take on Onchan A at the Park. The visitors put in a good performance to take a 3-7 away win, will perhaps have been a little disappointed to not come away with a 9-1 win. The match was closer than the result suggested with only 13 chalks separating the two teams (143-156)

Manx Champion Colin Kelly continued his good form to see off Rob Monk 21-13, whilst Paul Kelly won 21-17 against Jordan Cain with Cain recovering from a 12-18 deficit before Kelly got over the line. Marown captain Paul Dunn recovered from a slow start falling behind 1-6 before going on a good run to lead 13-6 against Kevin Quirk. Quirk got back to just one behind at 15-16, only for Dunn to run out with a 21-15 win. Frank Watson was the only winner for the home team in the first half to get home 21-20 against Dean Kipling. Watson recovered from a 2-10 deficit to go 17-15 ahead, then fell behind again at 19-20 to then pick up two vital points on the last two ends.

With the Onchan men trailing the match at the half way point things looked bleak with captain Peter Slinger missing, Mark Kelly stepped in on the night and performed brilliantly to see off Neil Withers with a 21-17 win, which was secured by leading a front toucher on the jack from corner to corner on the last end to record a memorable win. Also winning for the home team was Phil Kerruish fresh from his weekend exertions to see his beloved Manchester City lift the F.A. Cup, seeing off Matthew Keggen 21-14. Phil Kelly would have been pleased to win 21-16 against Matthew Quirk, with Quirk only winning nine ends throughout the game, but seven of those ends picking up a double. John Gelling got over the line 21-19 against Steve Parker, with Parker fighting back from 13-20 behind to 19-20 only for Gelling to get the all-important single for game.

This result sees the Marown men sit four points clear after eight games, having now faced the top four away from home, this puts them in a superb position.

Second placed South Ramsey A headed to the Sunset city to take on Peel A for what looked to be a fascinating encounter. The teams shared the spoils on the night with a 5-5 result, with Peel winning 5-3 on games, however South Ramsey took the aggregate by just six chalks (138-144).

For the visitors Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly put in arguably the best performance of anyone on the night with his 21-7 win over Gary Smith. Hitting back for Peel were Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly who beat James Teare 21-17, with Teare battling well against an experienced opponent after falling 9-14 behind. Tommy McMeiken led 9-1 to win 21-15 against Chas Grills, whilst Stevie Kelly led 14-4 against Stefan Kelly only for Stefan to pick up three successive doubles to drag himself back into the game at 10-14. Stevie pulled away once again to go 19-13 ahead, with Stefan hitting back once again to be just three points behind at 16-19 and with a good lead up Stevie was slightly fortunate to knock Stefan’s bowl out with his first bowl. Stevie got over the line 21-16.

At the halfway stage Peel led 3-1 on games and only had a one chalk advantage on the aggregate. South Ramsey would have fancied their chances to turn the match around. Alan Moore started the comeback seeing off David Proctor 21-10, whilst visiting captain Glynn Hargraves had to work hard for his 21-16 win against Tom Kelly with neither player able to build a lead over the other. The comeback was stopped in its tracks with Jerome Surridge defeating Peter Collister 21-13. The last match left on the green between David Bradford and Andy Kennish had all eyes on them with Bradford recovering from a 3-10 deficit to build a 20-15 lead and was lying game only for Kennish to play a good last bowl to get in. Kennish dug deep using all his experience to fight back and sneak over the line with a vital 21-20 win to ensure the match ended in a draw.

In the remaining matches North Ramsey A defeated local rivals South Ramsey B 8-2, with Douglas A & Port St Mary A matching that result with away wins over Castletown B & Marown B respectively, whilst Castletown A won 3-7 away to Noble’s A.

North Ramsey A hosted local rivals South Ramsey B at Mooragh Park with the home team winning 8-2. Winning to single figures for the home team were Geoff Porter and Tony Smart beating George Brew and Ian Moore respectively. The two winners for the visitors were Steven Waters who beat Steven Walmsley 21-17, whilst the ever reliable Tony Dugdale made it seven wins from eight games with his 21-15 win over Bryan Corner.

Marown B had a tough night at home to Port St Mary A with the Crosby men losing 2-8 with four games just losing out. Father and son Peter and John Kelly lost out 18-21 and 19-21 to Wayne Roberts and Bernard Thackrah respectively, whilst Juan Killip lost 20-21 to Dan McCabe with Harry Barton also suffering the same fate losing out to Trevor Quayle. The two winners for Marown were another father and son duo with Brian Kelly winning 21-14 against Rob Cooil, with son James winning 21-18 against Tim Williams.

Castletown B welcomed Douglas A to the Crofts with the visitors taking the spoils with an 2-8 away win. Winning for the home team were Ron Williams winning 21-4 over Gary Conwell, whilst Bob Clark continued his strong return to night league bowls with a hard fought 21-17 win over Merv Sayle. For the visitors Stuart Garrett made it seven wins from eight with his 21-11 win over Mark Saunders, whilst Shaun Seal just got over the line with a 21-20 victory over Nathan Cooil.

Noble’s A would have been hoping for a home win over Castletown A, however the town men came away with a 3-7 away win. Winning for the visitors were Juan Kermode, Aaron Richardson and Ian Watson with Nathan Hamilton and Sam Clague digging deep to both win 21-19 over Steve Cook and Steve Hall respectively. The three home team winners were Reginald Temporaza, Glenn Boland and Tommy Collister.

In division two Ballaugh A hit a bump in the road in their quest for promotion with a 3-7 home loss to Peel Sunset B, which could have been worse had Michael Kavanagh not lost 20-21 to Barry McDonald.

The result allowed Port St Mary B the opportunity to close the gap to eight points, thanks to a good 9-1 home win over Peel C with Jimmy Corlett just saving the whitewash with his 21-20 victory over Thomas Keggen.

Marown C pulled off a great 7-3 home win over Finch Hill A and look to have no worries over staying at this level having been promoted from division three last season. With another couple of years experience under their belt l can see the Crosby men pushing for promotion to the first division which would be a remarkable feat with having so many players who are all new to the game coming through together.

Port Erin A were the only away winners in division two with a 3-7 away win over Douglas A at the Villa. North Ramsey B hosted Ballaugh B at Mooragh Park with the home team winning 7-3, whilst Port St Mary C probably shocked themselves with their 7-3 win over a strong Onchan B team. William Cain picked up his first league win in only his sixth ever game with a 21-18 victory over Peter Wallis, whilst his father Derek Cain who himself only started league bowls last year wasn’t to be out done winning 21-11 over Bernard Galka.

In division three league leaders South Ramsey C took their turn to sit out a round of fixtures giving the teams below them the chance to close the gap.

Second place Ballaugh C could only struggle to a 5-5 home draw with Castletown C with the home team winning only three games, but picking up the two points for the aggregate (132-123) thanks to their three winners all recording single figure wins.

Peel D were the only home winners in division three winning 6-4 at home against Douglas C with junior Ryan Tate winning 21-12 over Michael Knowles.

Onchan C went home happy with their 3-7 away win over South Ramsey D, whilst Noble’s B visit to Breagle Glen resulted in a 3-7 win over Port Erin B. Finch Hill B gained the most on the teams around them with their 2-8 away win over Noble’s C.


Post published by Glynn Hargraves