Author Archives: Glynn Hargraves

EVF Mixed Final

The Ellan Vannin Fuels mixed team final takes place at Castletown on Wednesday evening with Port St Mary A looking to add to their three wins in this competition, whilst Marown A will be looking to claim their second win with their only victory in this competition arriving in 2017.

Port St Mary reached the final coming through the group stages with five wins and one defeat to top a group that included Onchan A, Douglas A and Finch Hill. In the semi-final they came up against Peel, reaching the final thanks to winning by a huge margin of 63 chalks (183-120) on Noble’s 1. Peel’s only two wins came from Mike Ashmole and Shirley Corrin with both players winning 21-18. Port St Mary did the damage to their opponents with three wins to single figures coming from Chris Price, Wayne Roberts and Dave McCabe.

Marown A came through a group that included Port Erin A, Marown B and Castletown A with six wins from six games played. In the semi-finals they had the formidable task of defeating the current holders South Ramsey A. The match was well competed with South Ramsey holding an 11 chalks lead after five games completed, thanks to single figure wins from Gill Dixon and Dido Kelly, however Neil Withers had the biggest win of the night with a 21-6 win over Elaine Moore to keep the northern teams lead down. In the second half of the match the Ladies Manx Champion Jenny Moore faced the Men’s Manx Champion Colin Kelly with Colin taking a 21-13 victory. Tony Dugdale claimed a 21-17 win over Lil Smith who battled well, whilst the turning point in the match came with Matthew Keggen performing well to see off James Teare 21-12. With the chalks now favouring the Crosby outfit by just two chalks and the games tied at 4-4 it left one game on the green between Lyn Bolton and Paul Kelly with Lyn performing brilliantly to recover from a 5-18 deficit to level the match at 19-19 playing a short mark under the floodlights on Nobles 2 green. Unfortunately Lyn didn’t send her block far enough to set a legal mark which allowed Paul to set the length of the jack and score the all important chalk needed to win the match and reach the final. Paul just got over the line 21-20 to seal the victory by three chalks 152-149 and the team winning 5-4.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Marown A Crowned Champions

Photo: Phil Dunn

League Winners Marown A who sealed their 13th League Title on Wednesday Evening at the Villa

Marown A sealed their first Ellan Vannin Fuels division one title since 2013 taking their tally to 13 overall. The Crosby men stormed to a 9-1 victory over Onchan A on Monday night and followed this up with a 3-7 away win against Douglas A at the Villa. Marown have been the team to beat this season going undefeated with 20 wins and one draw coming at home early in the second half of the season against South Ramsey A with the visitors winning five games, however Marown took the aggregate on the night to snatch a draw and preserve their unbeaten record. Marown have been relentless this season especially in the second half of the season with some big wins to ensure they never gave the chasing pack any hope.

Three time champions South Ramsey A had a good week and confirmed their runners up spot with two good wins over Peel A (9-1) and Onchan A (8-2) with both teams they faced missing key players. Whilst it was slightly disappointing to not take the title to the last match of the season, the South Ramsey men can be pleased to have taken the Rayner Shield this season defeating Marown A in a superb final.

Onchan A will have to go back to the drawing board if they are to build on their 22 league titles, will finish the season in third place having suffered two heavy defeats with a 1-9 away loss to Marown A, followed up by their 2-8 defeat to South Ramsey A. Matthew Quirk was the only Onchan player to win both matches last week, whilst a left handed Jordan Cain did brilliantly losing out 15-21 to Colin Kelly, then beat Chas Grills 21-17 with his weaker hand.

At the other end of the table Castletown B are destined for a return to division two, whilst South Ramsey B need a minor miracle after a mixed week following a 7-3 home win over North Ramsey A and a 4-6 away defeat to Port St Mary A. Next week South Ramsey B host Castletown A needing a big win, whilst hoping Marown can record a whitewash against Noble’s A.

In division two Ballaugh A are making hard work of their quest for a return to division playing their second game in hand away to Onchan B with the Ballaugh men suffering a 4-6 defeat. There was a first league defeat of the season for Mike Thomas by the finest of margins 20-21 to Edgar Cowin, however this defeat did not prevent Thomas from taking the second division merit.

Second placed Ballaugh need a big win over third placed Port Erin A who themselves need a big win over their opponents to stand any chance of promotion.

League leaders Peel B have a tricky looking away fixture against fourth placed Finch Hill A, so there could be a shock or two in the last round of fixtures.

At the bottom of division two it is all decided with North Ramsey B and Ballaugh B too far adrift to catch the teams above them.

In division three South Ramsey C won the league weeks ago in reality, could afford to give players up to their B team, paying the price for this with bottom of the league Douglas C taking full advantage to record a 6-4 home win over the league winners.

Individually Harry Minor capped a fine season by claiming the third division merit with 17 wins from 19 games, winning his last game of the season to ensure he couldn’t be caught. 11 year old South Ramsey D player Ryan Hargraves finished the season strongly with three wins from his last four games, whilst Peel D Junior Ryan Tate who isn’t much older improved on his previous seasons tally to win nine games from 16 played. Another Junior who plays for South Ramsey C is Toby Hart who is now ready for the step up to division two having won 12 games from 17 played. Other juniors who have started to feature in league games are Young Manx Masters Winner Alex Hampson, Harley Cowley and Clark Kelly. Leading the way for juniors in the top division are Glenn Boland whose first season in division one has gone well with a respectable 12 wins from 21 played , whilst Austin Hart improved considerably with eight wins from 19 played, following on from three wins from 21 in his first season at the top level. Sam Clague is another whose game has come along well winning nine games out of 17 for Castletown A.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Manx Masters 2019

Manx Masters Winners 2019

Photos: Tina Hampson & Glynn Hargraves

South Ramsey hosted the Manx Masters on Saturday, one of the highlights of the Manx bowls calendar with four separate competitions once again taking place.

Winner of the Young Manx Masters was Alex Hampson defeating Bailey McMullan 7-2 in the final. This competition was played in a round robin format with six players in each group playing five ends with the last end played as a ‘power’ end with points scored counting double. Alex won group A with 30 points, with 2018 winner Sam Colquitt the runner up on 24 points. Bailey won Group B with a staggering 39 points, with Alex Colquitt the runner up on 31 points.

The Junior Manx Masters was again played as a straight knockout for the older and more experienced players and the title was won for a third successive year by Glenn Boland (Noble’s) who beat Bethany Kennish (South Ramsey) 21-17 in the final, with Boland beating 11 year old Ryan Hargraves (South Ramsey) 21-13 to reach the final, whilst Kennish beat Austin Hart 21-16 to book her spot in the final.

The standard of play in both events was excellent and it was great to have a good crowd around the green supporting the future of the game with the numbers steadily increasing throughout, it made for a great morning.

The junior competitions were sponsored by Stonemasons IOM Limited for a third successive year with the presentation made by Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly. All those who took part received a prize, with the younger players also receiving a certificate.

Huge thanks must go to the six coaches – Colin Kelly, Brian Kelly, Debbie Leece, Clare Cooper, Chris Holland and Collin Holland, who helped the younger players with their games throughout the morning.

Once the Junior competitions came to a conclusion the Feltons sponsored men’s and ladies events got underway with the ladies event being an invitation of 16 players, whilst the men’s event had 32 taking part.

In the ladies losing out at the quarter final stages were Joyce Kelly (Peel), Mary Moffatt (Peel), Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey) and Paula Firth (Noble’s).

In the semi-finals Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) had enough to hold off Junior Manx Champion Shannon McMullan to claim a 21-18 win, whilst Alison Keggen (Noble’s) ended the challenge of team mate Clare Cooper with a 21-16 win to book her place in the final.

In the final Moore was quickest out of the blocks taking a 17-7 lead scoring six doubles on the way, before Keggen chipped away at the lead to cut the deficit to 12-17 only for Moore to take another double to take a commanding 19-12 lead. Keggen responded with a single, however Moore took the next two ends scoring singles to take a 21-13 win to retain the trophy to add to her Manx Championship & IOM Merit wins this year. Keggen can be pleased with her performance in reaching her second final on South Ramsey this season.

In the men’s event 10 of the 16 first round games were well contested with the player losing out scoring 15 or more to show there were some good contests taking place. This continued in the second round with four of the eight games being played going to 15 and above.

Losing out at the quarter final stage was former Manx Masters winner David Bradford (South Ramsey), who lost out 18-21 to Reginald Temporaza (Noble’s). The current holder Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) lost 12-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown). Dido Kelly booked his place in the next round with a hard fought 21-19 win over Neil Withers (Marown), whilst James Teare also progressed thanks to his 21-15 victory over Tom Kelly (Peel).

In the semi-final Reginald Temporaza had his run ended by Colin Kelly who claimed a comfortable 21-8 win. Dido Kelly took on team mate James Teare in the other semi-final with Dido also making light work of his opponent on his way to a 21-11 victory.

In the final Colin took the first two ends, only for Dido to respond by taking the next eight ends scoring two doubles on his way to taking a commanding 13-5 lead on his traditional short lengths up to the crown and back into the corner. Colin got back in to then take the next five ends with two singles and three doubles back on his preferred longer length to level things up at 13-13. Dido got back in once again to take three of the next four ends to go 18-14 ahead, however Colin dug deep to run out on his opponent scoring a two, then singles on the next five ends to claim his seventh win in this competition. This victory sees Colin hold the all the Associations biggest prizes having won the Manx Championship, Association Cup to go with his win in the Manx Masters. Colin is also on course to win the individual merit in division one with Marown, who are on course to claim their first league title since 2013, which would crown a fantastic season both individually and with his club.

At the end of the competition the prizes were presented by Chris Perry on behalf of the sponsors Feltons who continue to supported this event for a number of years.

During the presentation competition secretary Glynn Hargraves announced that the day had 89 matches played, 73 bowlers take part, more than 150 watch the event throughout the day. Thanks were also given to those who had helped prepare the green, with the remarkable improvement noted since the start of the season, along with those who had helped in any way towards the smooth running of the competitions throughout. A special mention to the ladies who once again put on a superb selection of hot dogs, bacon baps, pasties, sandwiches, cakes etc along with the hot and cold refreshments provided throughout the entire day. Thanks were also given to Neil Withers for his live streaming of the Junior and Senior events which have proved popular this season, typically receiving over 1,000 views.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

League Action Resumes

Port Erin B following their 8-2 home win over South Ramsey D

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

League fixtures resumed in Ellan Vannin Fuels division one with Marown A showing no signs of slipping up seeing off South Ramsey B with their 2-8 away win enough to restore their 14 point lead at the top. For the home Team Tony Dugdale inflicted a third league defeat of the season on Neil Withers with a 21-16 win, whilst Steven Waters beat Phil Kelly 21-18. Division one merit leader Colin Kelly made it 18 wins from 19 games with his 21-7 win over Christian Caley, whilst his father Martin Caley lost to the same score against Paul Kelly. Matthew Keggen was pushed hard before taking a 21-19 victory over Ben Dugdale, with the rest of the visitors wins being comfortable.

Marown B hosted South Ramsey A at Crosby with the home team picking up three good wins in their 3-7 home defeat. Winning for the home team were captain Harry Barton with a 21-8 win over Chas Grills, whilst Brian Kelly claimed an assured 21-13 victory against Alan Moore. Peter Kelly picked up the third win for the home team with his 21-17 win over George Brew. Four of the visitors wins were to single figures with Glynn Hargraves beating James Kelly 21-4, whilst David Bradford matched this with his win over Bobby Thorne. Stefan Kelly seen off Juan Killip 21-8, a result matched by Peter Collister with his victory over Luke Hyland.

Third placed Onchan A recorded a hard fought 7-3 win over Douglas A. Captain Peter Slinger lost 11-21 to Andy Cannell, Matthew Quirk lost 20-21 to Stuart Garrett, whilst Frank Watson suffered the same fate against Ian Moore. Three of the home team wins were to single figures with Rob Monk beating Shaun Seal 21-3, Phil Kerruish seeing off Keith Rise 21-5, whilst Kevin Quirk won 21-8 against Gary Conwell. The other two games were close with Steve Parker winning 21-19 against Mervin Sayle, whilst Mark Kelly also won to the same score against Jimmy Sansom.

Noble’s A are all but guaranteed another season in division one following their 8-2 home win over bottom of the table Castletown B. Steve Cook was ruthless with his 21-6 win over George Foy, whilst Steve Hall beat Ross Moore 21-18, as did David Pease with his victory over Mike Hargraves. Captain Kevin Firth recorded a 21-19 win over Aaron Richardson. For the visitors Ron Williams won 21-12 against John Ruscoe, whilst Bob Clark also won 21-12 against David Quayle.

Castletown A suffered a 3-7 home defeat against Port St Mary A, however their three wins came from their young guns. Jordan Drewett pulled off his finest win to date with a 21-12 victory over Trevor Quayle, Nathan Hamilton was in good form taking a 21-11 win over Tim Williams, whilst Dean Kinley edged home 21-20 against Bernard Thackrah. For the visitors Rob Cooil beat Ian Watson 21-10, Dan McCabe won 21-15 against Sam Clague, Paul Skelly took a 21-16 victory over Peter Oates, with Dave McCabe winning 21-18 against George Peach and Wayne Roberts battling hard to earn a 21-19 win over David Quayle.

In division two Ballaugh A needed a big home win over Peel C using one of their games in hand to close the gap on leaders Peel B. The home team could only take a 6-4 victory to sit 10 points behind the league leaders with one more game in hand.

Port Erin A recorded a 7-3 home win over Onchan B with merit leader Mike Thomas making it 17 wins from 17 games played. Douglas B held off visitors Marown C taking a 7-3 home win at the ‘Villa’. Finch Hill A will have been pleased to record a 3-7 away victory over Port St Mary B, whilst low lying Port St Mary C gave themselves some breathing space thanks to a 7-3 home win over Ballaugh B who look set for an immediate return to division three.

In division three league leaders South Ramsey C had another good week picking up a good 2-8 away win over Castletown C. Second placed Finch Hill B hosted Douglas C to take an 8-2 victory, third placed Noble’s B edged a tight game 4-6 away to Ballaugh C taking the aggregate by just two chalks (146-148), whilst Noble’s C edged the aggregate by a chalk (130-129) to help them to a 5-5 draw against Port St Mary B. South Ramsey D hosted Peel D with the home team taking a 6-4 win thanks to wins from Robert Snape, Billy Blair, Ryan Hargraves and Richard Davies.

On Thursday evening Port Erin B (pictured) brought forward their home match with South Ramsey D recording an 8-2 home win. For the visitors Richard Davies inflicted a second league defeat of the season on merit leader Harry Minor, who needs just one more win to claim the merit, whilst Ryan Hargraves recorded his second win of the week with a 21-14 victory over Stuart Garrett. Winning to single figures for the home team were Alan Crebbin with a 21-7 win over Frank ten Donkelaar, whilst Ken Horsley won 21-9 against Steve Kelly.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Simm & Bailey Take Festival Titles

Gill Simm & John Bailey - September 2019 Festival Winners

Photo: Arnie Withers

The top prizes in the Isle of Man September Bowls Festival went to two visitors.

In the Men’s competition it was John Bailey (Castlefields) who picked up his second September Festival following on from his 2017 victory taking the winners cheque for £3,000. Bailey had to overcome the challenge of Matty Worden (Broughton).

The final started with 2018 BCGBA Junior Champion Worden taking four of the first five ends to build a 12-6 lead on a shorter length. Bailey then took the next three ends favouring a longer length to sit one chalk behind at 11-12. Worden then scored a double and a single with Bailey taking a chalk in between for Worden to lead 15-13. Bailey then took control scoring five chalks in three ends to lead 18-15, only for a determined Worden to hit back once more to level the game at 18-18. With the final reaching a crucial point Worden led a good bowl approximately six inches from the jack, with Bailey responding by playing a front toucher which was not beaten. Bailey wisely chose not to play his second bowl with plenty of danger had he opted to play his bowl. With Bailey now leading 19-18 he played two good bowls to lie game. Worden played a reaching bowl to give himself a chance of saving game or playing a winner only to flick his first bowl onto one of Bailey’s bowls which connected with the jack but couldn’t prevent Bailey from taking the two chalks he needed to secure a 21-18 victory in a fantastic final.  Worden could take consolation in the runners up cheque for £1,000, with his reputation in the game growing with each performance.

Bailey reached the final courtesy of a comfortable 21-13 win over David Bradford (South Ramsey), whilst Worden booked his place in the final defeating the current holder John Kennish in a thrilling game with no more than three chalks between them throughout the entire game. With the score tied at 19-19 Worden played up to the crown and was lying one only for Kennish to play a great second bowl to lead 20-19. Kennish had no other option than to play into the corner from the middle of the green and led a bowl a foot past the jack, Worden played his first bowl slightly further away, with Kennish putting his second a foot short of the jack to leave Worden with no option other than to reach. Worden connected with Kennish’ short bowl which pushed it onto his first bowl to take both bowls out to secure chalks to secure a 21-20 victory with a bowl that was both brilliant and somewhat fortuitous. Kennish will have been cursing his luck and the handicap with having to give his opponent a two start due to his previous festival success.

The quarter finals had two games that were closely contested with Kennish seeing off Billy Speed (Alexander Park) with a hard fought 21-18 win. The closest game of the quarters was between Bradford and Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with Wraight still searching for his first festival title despite having won some of the biggest titles in the UK. Bradford fought back from a 10-14 deficit, and a 17-20 deficit, however Bradford had to rely on his striking ability to pull him through by taking the jack off three times in the final six ends to stay in the game, taking two doubles in between another dead end to secure a 21-20 victory. In the other two quarter finals Bailey ended the challenge of James Higgins (Meersbrook) with a 21-15 win, whilst Worden progressed thanks to a 21-10 win over Craig Richardson (Castlefields).

In the Ladies main event it was Gill Simm (Lune Road) who went one better than last year to win the Ladies title and the cheque for £1,000 with a hard fought 21-20 win over Molly Sullivan (St Georges). Simm was quickest out of the blocks taking the lead 11-7, before Sullivan took the next four ends to lead 13-11. It was nip and tuck from there, however Simm did manage to edge 19-18 ahead and was lying two for game with Sullivan getting a huge slice of luck sitting out her opponent’s furthest bowl to save game. On the next end Sullivan took a double to tie the score at 20-20, with Simm starting to wonder if she would suffer the same fate as last year. On the final end the left handed Sullivan perhaps trying to catch out her opponent played off the edge of the crown, however was unable to put up a good lead which Simm punished to play a good bowl. Sullivan was unable to beat the bowl of Simm, which ensured Simm picked up a chalk to secure a 21-20 victory in what was a great final.

In the semi-finals Simm booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over Sharon Gadd (Shipley), whilst Sullivan took a straightforward 21-14 over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey).

Simm started her day with a 21-15 win over Mary Alderson (Marown), whilst Gadd took a 21-19 victory over Carleen Doody-Millington (St Georges). Moore defeated Alison Cotton (St Georges) 21-14, whilst Sullivan ended the challenge of Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey) with a 21-12 win.

Local awards went to John Kennish who received the Chris Quayle trophy for the furthest Manx Man, whilst Jenny Moore received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) who performed well to see off Callum Wraight (Castlefields) to take the Tourism title with a 21-14 win, with it has to be noted Wraight not enjoying his usual success when striking.

Both semi-finals were well contested with Gilmore booking his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 win over Ben Phillips (Lloyd Hotel), whilst Wraight had to dig deep to see off Stuart Mort (Kirkham) 21-19.

The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green it was local success for Lyn Bolton (South Ramsey) who had a successful week taking a 21-14 victory over Alison Cotton (St Georges) in the final.

Bolton booked her placed in the final with a superb 21-12 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park), whilst Cotton ended the challenge of Tracy Ryan (St Georges) with a 21-11 win.

The Men’s consolation was won by Martin Gilpin (Kendal Victoria) who beat Gaz Lally (Crossgates) 21-11. The Ladies consolation was won by Veronica Lyon (Unison) defeating Lynn Bennett (Orrell Rovers) 21-16.

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Robert Whyatt (Packhouse) who had a 9-2 win over David Jackson (Knutsford), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Wayne Usher (Gaghills) who beat Peter Shallis (Lune Road) 21-20 in another close final.

In the doubles competitions the open doubles was won by the Kendal Victoria pairing Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicholson with a 11-10 win over Crossgates duo Joseph Cranston and Gaz Lally.

The Men’s doubles was won by Alan Davis (St Bernards) and David Platt (Levens) defeating Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) 11-7 in the final.

The Ladies pairs was won by Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) Amanda Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) defeating Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood) and Sharon Gadd (Shipley) 11-6 in the final.

The Mixed pairs was won by Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC) and Grace Hubbert (Stalmine BC) defeating Frank Jolly (Canberra) and Joan Moran (James North’s) 9-8.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles

Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2019

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

Castletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 36 pairs.

The eventual winners were Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) taking a comfortable 21-13 win over Helen Martin (Mooragh Park) and Nathan Hamilton (Castletown).

Losing out at the semi-final stage were two South Ramsey pairings Jenny Moore and James Teare 11-21 to the winning pair, whilst Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves lost out to the same score to the runners up.

Falling at the quarter final stage were Linda and Derek Cadamy (Port Erin), Tracy Moore (Castletown) and Alan Moore (South Ramsey), Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), along with Dee Lewis (Onchan) and Kevin Firth (Noble’s).

The presentation was made by Ron Williams who thanked everyone who had entered and all the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day. A special mention was also given to the green keeper for the fantastic condition of the green.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Dunn Takes Thurlwell Title

Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2019

Photo: Arnie Withers

Noble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 32 taking part after a long week of bowls.

The winner was Paul Dunn (Marown) who defeated the current holder Rob Monk (Onchan) 21-19 in a hard fought final. Both players performed well with Monk favouring playing 19 metre marks up, down and round the crown leading well, whilst Dunn went for lengthy round pegs. Dunn struck the jack off twice during the final, once when both players reached double figures and again at 14-17 down, saving two on both occasions. Monk managed to take a 19-14 lead, only for Dunn to respond in style playing the corners well to claim a double, a single and two more doubles to see the game out and claim the trophy.

In the semi-final Monk ended the challenge of Shirley Whelan (Marown) with a good display to book his place in the final with a 21-8 win, whilst Dunn was pushed hard by club mate Walter McCarthy with the latter losing out 17-21.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Nathan Hamilton (Castletown), Mike Alexander (Onchan), Derek Allen (Port Erin) along with home greener Reginald Temporaza.

The presentation was made by Noble’s Chairman Juan Qualtrough who thanked Rebecca Teare for running the sheet throughout the day and the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winner was awarded with a return booking of a car and two foot passengers generously provided by the sponsor IOM Steam Packet.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Stevie Wins First Open

Autumn Shield Winner 2019 - Stevie Kelly with Ian Davison of Davison’s

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

On Sunday Peel Bowling Club hosted the popular pre-festival Autumn Shield sponsored by Davison’s Ice Cream with a strong entry of 88 taking part £740 with prize money available.

Losing out in the quarter finals were Mike Hargraves (Castletown), Paul Dunn (Marown) along Matt Bradwell (Fairfield BC and Wayne Usher (Gaghills).

Losing semi-finalists were Jon Guess (Fairfield BC) to Paul Kissock (Kendal Victoria) and Tom Kelly (Peel) who lost to team mate Stevie Kelly.

The final between home greener Kelly and visitor Kissock was well contested with Kissock building a 19-13 lead playing a straight mark along the edge, however Kelly fought back on a longer length to edge ahead at 20-19 before playing a poor end which Kissock wasn’t able to fully punish. At 20-20 Kissock led a good bowl only for Kelly to play a superb bowl to sit his opponent out to take a deserved first open win.

The presentation was made by competition secretary Dave Kelly, who thanked Davison’s for their generous sponsorship and then introduced Ian Davison to present the prizes.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

September Festival Preview

September Festival Winners 2018

The Isle of Man September Bowling Festival takes place next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000. Entries are up on previous year’s with the highest September Men’s entry since 2009 and there is a good quality field entered.

On the first page of the draw 2010 winner Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) is rumoured to be a doubt to make it over for the week, whilst Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) will be hoping for a good run, this page carrying further names with festival history behind them. Neil Withers (Marown) won his title in June 2013, with the man he beat in the final Matthew Quirk (Onchan) a possible third round face off this time round. Two-time winner Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) could face former finalist Callum Wraight (Castlefields) should both players win two games for what could be an intriguing encounter half way through the week.

Page two also has three former winners with 2016 June winner Kez Smith (Crossgates), 2012 September winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and local David Bradford (South Ramsey) with his win as far back as 2002, whilst former finalist Craig Grant (Thongsbridge) also features and will be hoping to go one step further to take his first festival win.

Over to page three where another June 2000 winner Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel Sunset) has a tricky first round fixture against regular visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC), whilst John Bailey (Castlefields) will be keen to pick up his second September title having won his first title in 2017. 

On the next page it is 29 years since Kevan Shaw (Red Lion) picked up his only title, could come up against Stuart Mort (Kirkham) in round three, with a potential clash at the same stage between Steve Freer (Cradley Sports) and Jon Guess (Fairfield BC) should both players win their first two games.

On page five Onchan man Jordan Cain has suffered a blow having fractured a bone on his elbow after recently coming off his bike to put an early end to his season. This opens up a path for Mark Hughes (Crossgates) who lost out to John Bailey in 2017, however Port St Mary man Trevor Quayle will be confident of a good run himself.

Page six sees 1991 winner Phil Kerruish (Onchan) back from his travels in time to take part, whilst Matthew Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey) will be hoping for a good week as will Marown captain Paul Dunn who could go far and will not fear anyone if he carries on his good form.

On page seven 2003 winner Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) is another former winner, whilst the experienced Billy Speed (Alexander Park) will be hoping to go far with a potential last 16 clash this could be a great game to watch for the spectators.

On the next page this has a potential second game clash between two former winners Gaz Lally (Crossgates) who has one festival win to his name from 2015, whilst local John Kennish is the current title holder and has five festival wins to his name. Not to be discounted is Paul Skelly (Port St Mary) another man capable of beating anyone on his day.

On the final page this is heavily littered with previous winners and finalists with 2014 runner up Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) potentially facing three-time winner Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic), whilst regular visitor David Jackson (Knutsford) is another man looking for his second title. Paul Bailey (Meersbrook BC) is rumoured to missing out, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) has one title to his name from 2008 and will be keen to fly under the radar.

With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week there is plenty of bowls for everyone it should make for a great week of bowls.

Have a great week!

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Moore & Teare Go One Better

Sowerbutts Trophy Winners 2019

Photo: Glynn Hargraves

On Bank Holiday Monday Port Erin Bowling Club hosted the Sowerbutts Trophy mixed doubles. There were 20 pairs entered who enjoyed the glorious weather.

Losing out in the quarter finals were two South Ramsey pairs, Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves, Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly, Steph Swift (Port Erin) and Rod Swift (Port St Mary) along with home greeners Lynda & Derek Cadamy.

Losing semi-finalists were Joyce Ogden (Marown) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) along with Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) & Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey).

In the final South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore & James Teare went one better than the previous day, having lost in the final at Ballaugh to take a fairly comfortable 21-14 win over Chris Price (Port St Mary) & Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey).

The presentation was made by competition secretary and sponsor Janet Shilling, who thanked everyone who had entered, then went on to say that the trophy had been put up by her father. After being presented with the trophy James thanked Janet for sponsoring the competition.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves