Author Archives: Glynn Hargraves

Juan Kelly Cup

Juan Kelly Cup Winners 2017

David Proctor, Juan Kelly (sponsor), Glenn Boland

Marown Bowling Club held an end of season Floodlit competition, hosting the inaugural Juan Kelly Cup, with the format being an any competition doubles, played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. The pairs were given a handicap based on their rankings in the Men’s and Ladies game. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place, with a player from each team nominated to play the deciding end.

The competition in this format, attracted a bumper entry of 40 pairs, with some interesting pairings making use of the handicap system played over two qualifying nights, with four pairs qualifying from each night for the quarter finals.

The finals night was held on Wednesday evening, with a live re-draw taking place to determine who the pairings would play on the night.

The eventual winners were the pairing of David Proctor and Glenn Boland, who mastered the extremely wet conditions, defeating Bethany and John Kennish in the final to a 29-19 score line. Proctor and Boland were superb throughout the whole competition, winning all of their games to comfortable scores.

Losing out in the semi-finals were Clare Cooper and Rebecca Teare 20-22 to the runners up, along with Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly 19-27 to the winners.

Losing quarter finalists were Dave Pease and Steve Cook, Thomas Keggen and Dave McCabe, Jenny Moore and James Teare, Lil Smith and Maureen Payne.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by Phil Kelly, who thanked Juan Kelly for sponsoring the competition, the Ladies for the refreshments, the players for entering, and all those who stayed to support. Juan Kelly then presented the prizes. Spot prizes were also given for highest score in the first round, which also went to David Proctor and Glenn Boland, (37 points) with the biggest break being awarded to Fiona Kennish and Alan Moore (15 points) Credit must also be given to Marown for trying something different, with the excellent entry showing the support for the new format.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Getting the Job ‘Dunn’

Jim Senior Winners 2017

Tom Kelly, Colin Kelly, Paul Dunn & Neil Withers

South Ramsey held the Income Plus Group sponsored Jim Senior Fours on Sunday. There was a good entry of 10 teams of four taking part, with teams selecting their players to play a doubles game and two singles games to take on opposing teams, with teams rotating at least one player from the doubles matches in each round.

The eventual winners were the team named ‘Getting the Job Dunn’ which was made of Paul Dunn, Colin Kelly, Tom Kelly and Neil Withers, who defeated the South Ramsey team ‘The Chuckers’ in the final, with the team being made up of Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly, Stefan Kelly, Alan Moore and Steven Waters.

In the Doubles match Neil Withers and Tom Kelly defeated Steven Waters and Alan Moore 21-16, whilst in the singles Stefan Kelly beat Paul Dunn 21-12. In the other singles game Colin Kelly had a strong 21-8 win over Dido Kelly to ensure the team were in fact ‘Getting the Job Dunn’ to secure the title for his team.

Losing out in the semi-final to the runners were ‘The Teacaddies’ made up of Lynda & Derek Cadamy, and Philippa & Alec Taylor. Losing out in the other semi-final to the eventual winners were the North Ramsey team ‘Smarticus and the Gladiators’ made up of Tony Smart, Allan Callow, Steve Parker and Steve Walmsley.

The presentation was made by Chas Grills, who thanked the sponsors Income Plus Group, all those who entered the competition and braved the conditions, the Ladies for the refreshments and the club members who assisted throughout the afternoon.

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Champion of Champions

The Champion of Champions was held at the Waterloo over the weekend with the Men’s event taking place on Saturday.

South Ramsey’s John Kennish qualified through winning the Manx Championship earlier this year, however Kennish lost out in his first game to Gareth Herbert 21-12.

The eventual winner was Michael Beer who defeated teammate Callum Wraight 21-11 to secure his first Champion of Champions title.

In the semi-final Wraight ended the challenge of hot favourite Greg Smith 21-20 in a fascinating game that will live long in the memory, whilst Beer defeated the newly crowned Autumn Waterloo winner Wayne Ditchfield 21-16 to book his place in the final.

On Sunday in the Ladies event there was more South Ramsey representation, with Shelley Kennish (Manx Championship winner) and Jenny Moore (September Pre Festival winner) who managed to get a late entry due to another player double qualifying for the event.

Kennish won her first game with a 21-19 victory over Lisa Kerford, whilst Moore won by an even closer score line of 21-20 over Jo Webster.

Kennish just lost out 21-18 to the experienced Gay Cooper in the second round, whilst Moore booked her place in the quarter finals courtesy of a strong 21-12 win over Kellie Hill.

In her quarter final game Moore had the tough challenge of facing Emily Kernick, but battled well to only just lose out 21-17.

Losing out in the semi-finals were Nicola Boulton and Emily Kernick.

The eventual winner was Lynsey Gorman who beat Angela Gaut 21-9 in the final.

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Marown ‘Mix’ Things Up

Mixed Team Winners 2017 - Marown

Back: John Gelling, Mary Alderson, Shirley Whelan, Lil Smith, Philippa Taylor, Phil Kelly
Front: Colin Kelly, Neil Withers, Matthew Keggen Paul Dunn

The Ellan Vannin Fuels Mixed League was brought to a conclusion on Thursday evening.

The competition commenced in early May, with 14 teams entering the competition, the teams were split into four groups playing each team in their group home and away, earning two points for a win on chalks, one for a draw. The winners with the most points from each group then qualified for the semi-finals.

The four group winners were South Ramsey A, Port St Mary A, Marown A, and Onchan A. The draw for the semi-finals put South Ramsey A v Marown A and Port St Mary A v Onchan A. The semi-final fixtures were held on neutral greens. Last year’s winners South Ramsey were disposed of comfortably on Noble’s one by Marown, who had a convincing win by 39 points. The other semi-final was a lot closer with Port St Mary booking their place in the final winning by 10 points to book their place in the final.

The final was held on a fantastic Peel green, who were able to show off their new floodlights, against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.

The final got underway with Matthew Keggen first off for Marown, with a 21-18 win over Paul Skelly in a good quality and entertaining game to watch. Second game off was Phil Kelly who overcame the strong challenge of Chris Price to win 21-14 to extend Marown’s lead to 10 chalks. The third game off was Dan McCabe who had a comfortable 21-12 win over Mary Alderson, to reduce the deficit to one chalk for Port St Mary. This was swiftly followed by Neil Withers who won 21-8 defeating Margaret Tasker to extend Marown’s lead to 14 chalks. The last game of the first blocks on the green went to the wire, with Wayne Roberts just getting home with a 21-20 victory over Philippa Taylor, reducing the deficit to 13 chalks.

The second set of games all became vital, with Jayne Kneen leading 15-6 over Paul Dunn, with Dunn having to dig deep to get back into the game, however Kneen managed to get over the line with a 21-15 win to reduce the deficit to seven points for Port St Mary. Ewan Cooil put in a good performance for his team to turn the match on its head with a 21-5 win over Shirley Whelan to swing the match in favour of Port St Mary for the first time on the night by nine chalks. In the penultimate game, it was a blockbuster of a game with the men currently sat first and second in the division one merit facing off. After a slow start Colin Kelly built a commanding 15-6 lead over Trevor Quayle, with Kelly finishing the game off 21-13 to reduce the deficit to one chalk for Marown. At this point the last game of the evening was finely balanced between Lil Smith and Patricia Bull, with the match score being 4-4 on games only a win for Marown’s Lil Smith would do. The game could so easily have gone either way, however Smith wasn’t to be denied and became the hero of the night for her team, getting over the line 21-19 to secure a win by one chalk for Marown, who in doing so secured their first Mixed League title and are the only fifth team to take the title since its inception in 2005.

At the conclusion of play after what was a thrilling final, the presentation was made by the President of the Men’s Association Clare Cooper, who congratulated Marown on their win, thanked the sponsors Ellan Vannin Fuels for their continued support of the competition, Peel for hosting the final, and the spectators who came to support.

Mixed Team 2017 Runners Up – Port St Mary

Back: Paul Skelly, Ewan Cooil, Dan McCabe, Wayne Roberts, Trevor Quayle
Front: Trish Bull, Margret Tasker, Jayne Kneen, Chris Price

A beautiful sunset to go with the high quality action at the final of the Mixed Team competition. Photo taken by Gary Weightman

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Kennish at the Double

Mens & Ladies Manx Masters Winners 2017

Following the success of the Juniors, there was definitely a feel good factor around the green, with the Ladies and Men’s event immediately following the Juniors.

The Ladies event was an invitational 16, with the Men’s event being an invitational 32.

The eventual winner in the Ladies competition was the current Ladies Manx Champion Shelley Kennish, who overcame the challenge of teammate Lyn Bolton to win 21-20 after being 20-16 down.

Kennish came through her semi-final game with an assured win over last years winner Elaine Moore (South Ramsey), whilst Bolton had to dig deep with a 21-17 win over Chris Price (Port St Mary).

Kennish didn’t have it all her own way though, having to battle back from 19-10 down in her quarter final with Rebecca Teare (Nobles) to run out with a 21-19 victory. The other losing quarter finalists were Clare Cooper (Nobles), Philippa Taylor (Marown), and Gill Dixon (South Ramsey).

Glenn Boland carried his good form into the Men’s Manx Masters by winning his first game, demonstrating that he is one to watch out for in the Men’s game.

Not to be outdone by his daughter Shelley, John Kennish who is also the Men’s Manx Champion managed to retain the Men’s Manx Masters, with a resounding 21-6 victory over Neil Withers (Marown) in a good quality final.

In the semi-finals Kennish ended the challenge of Colin Kelly (Marown) with a 21-13 victory, whilst Withers booked his place in the final with a 21-15 win over Stuart Garrett.

Losing out in the quarter finals were Paul Skelly (Port St Mary), Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey), Nathan Cooil (Castletown) and Phil ‘Rambo’ Kelly (Marown).

At the conclusion of the competition thanks were given to Feltons for their continued sponsorship of the Ladies and Men’s competitions, the South Ramsey Ladies for the excellent refreshments provided throughout a long day, those who helped run the competition and prepare the green.

Finally good luck to Jenny Moore, Shelley Kennish and John Kennish who will all be representing the Island next weekend (23rd/24th September) in Blackpool at the Waterloo in the Champion of Champions by virtue of their success in other competitions.

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Boland Wins Junior Manx Masters

Junior Manx Masters Winner 2017

Glenn Boland

The Junior Manx Masters was held on Saturday morning at South Ramsey, with 15 juniors taking part, with Glenn Boland (Nobles) overcoming the challenge of current Junior Manx Champion Harry Barton (Marown) with a 11-5 victory in a good quality final.

It was an excellent morning of bowling, with the early stages split into three groups of five, with the three group winners automatically qualifying for the semi-final, along with a runner up from the three groups who had the best aggregate. Glenn didn’t have it all his own way, after a narrow defeat in the group stages against Bethany Kennish, Boland kept his cool to take the last spot in the semi-final courtesy of results in his other group games, showing he had not let his head drop despite the setback.

In the semi-final Glenn managed to end the challenge of last years winner Bethany Kennish, whilst Harry beat Austin Hart to book his place in the final.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by John Kennish, who thanked Stonemasons IOM Limited for the generous sponsorship, all those who were there to support the juniors.

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Wilfred Quayle Mixed Doubles

Wilfred Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2017

Trevor Quayle & Lyn Bolton

The Wilfred Quayle Mixed Doubles was held on Sunday at Castletown with 25 pairs taking part.

The eventual winners were Lyn Bolton South Ramsey) and Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary), who overcame the strong challenge of Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) with a 21-17 victory.

Losing out at the semi-final stage were Philippa & Alec Taylor, along with Margaret Tasker and Derek Allen.

Losing quarter finalists were Jenny Moore & James Teare, Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves, Heike Perry & Derek Lewney, along with Trish Bull and Sid Bolton.

The presentation was made by Hilary Kermode & Linda Richman, who thanked the sponsors Sure Media, along with anyone who helped throughout the day.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Hargraves and Kelly Retain Commissioners Cup

Onchan Commissioners Cup Winners 2017

Onchan Bowling Club held the Commissioners Cup on Sunday with 28 pairs taking part with the format being any combination doubles. The green was running well on the most improved surface on the Island over the past few years.

The eventual winners were the South Ramsey duo of Glynn Hargraves and Stefan Kelly, who retained the trophy by defeating Jordan Cain and Matthew Quirk 21-13 (Onchan) in a good final, with Kelly playing some great bowls at the back to keep the home greeners at arms length throughout the final.

Losing out in the semi-final to a 21-15 score line to the eventual winners, were James Teare and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey), along with Dave McCabe and Derek Allen (Port Erin), who just lost out 21-17.

The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk and Anthony Allen of Onchan Commissioners, with thanks given for the condition of the green, along with thanks to those who helped run the competition, and the Ladies for providing the refreshments.

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Marown Win Record Equalling Rayner Shield

Rayner Shield Winners 2017 - Marown A

Back: Ian Kissack, Paul Dunn, John Gelling, Phil Kelly
Front: Matthew Keggen, Colin Kelly, Neil Withers
Missing: Dean Kipling

The Canada Life International Rayner Shield final was held at Douglas Bowling Club on Friday evening, between South Ramsey A and Marown A in a match which was billed as ‘Thriller at the Villa’, with the current top two teams on the Island going head to head it certainly lived up to its billing. The green was in superb condition, especially considering the weather we have had this week.

First off the green for South Ramsey was John Kennish, who stormed to a 21-6 win over Dean Kipling with the score not really reflecting the game. Hitting straight back for Marown was Colin Kelly who had a resounding 21-5 win over Chas Grills. The third game off was David Bradford, who after being 14-5 up Ian Kissack managed to pull the score back to 14-10 down, before Bradford seen the game out 21-10. Next off was Glynn Hargraves who defeated Matthew Keggen 21-6 to give the Ramsey men a 3-1 lead at the half way point with a 25 advantage on chalks, it looked like the Shield would be heading North for a third consecutive year.

Marown had other ideas and hit back in the second half of the match, knowing unless they had a couple of big wins they would need to win the match 5-3 on games, as the chalks heavily favoured South Ramsey.

Fifth game off was Phil ‘Rambo’ Kelly v Alan Moore, who pulled out a superb bowl when 13-7 down with Moore lying two. From there Rambo came back from 17-12 and 19-14 down to see the game out 21-19 to give the Crosby men some hope. With the tension building around the green the next game off was John Gelling v Dido Kelly, with Gelling having a commanding 14-5 lead Kelly got himself back into the game with a good run to level the scores at 18-18, with Kelly lying two good bowls Gelling played a superb bowl to win the end and take a further two singles to win 21-18. In the penultimate game and one of three key games in the second half with the games being so finely balanced, it was Paul Dunn v Stefan Kelly, with Dunn behind all game at 13-7 and 17-13. With the score at 18-15 to Kelly, who had two bowls inside 18 inches Dunn played a superb bowl to win the end, and then finished the game on a longer length mark to see the game out with a vital 21-18 win. This left Marown needing only one more chalk to secure a great comeback and a famous victory with Neil Withers being 20-9 up over Peter Collister, Withers quickly took a 21-11 victory to secure the Rayner Shield for the Crosby men.

The presentation was made by Adrian Skinner on behalf of the competition committee, who thanked the sponsors for their continued support all those who helped and Douglas for preparing an excellent playing surface, he then introduced Marown captain Neil Withers, who offered his commiserations to South Ramsey and congratulated his team for their efforts on what was a great comeback.

Marown’s win sees them draw level with outright leaders Onchan on 15 Shield victories.

Post published by Glynn Hargraves

Sun Shines on Kennish in Kernan

Jim Kernan Winner 2017

John Kennish present by Bailey Hotchkiss grandson of sponsor George Brew

The first of the pre-festival opens The Jim Kernan Cup was held in glorious weather on a fantastic South Ramsey green that got quicker throughout the day. The competition attracted an entry of 48 bowlers, which was half price entry for Over 60’s and free for Juniors.

The winner was John Kennish, who mastered the green and made it a staggering 11th time that he has picked up the trophy on his home green.

Losing out at the quarter-final stage were home greeners Steven Waters, David Bradford and Glynn Hargraves, along with visiting bowler Keith Turton.

In the semi-final Kennish ended the challenge of visitor Roger Lunn.
In the other semi-final home greener Dido Kelly booked his place in the final by defeating Edward Carlyle (Onchan).

In a good quality final Kelly got off to a good start against Kennish, before Kennish turned the game round to go 16-12 up. Kelly then dug in to pull the score back to 15-16, before Kennish rallied to see the game out 21-16.

The presentation was made by Steve Moore, who thanked the sponsor George Brew and his family, those who helped run the competition and the Ladies for the excellent refreshments throughout the day. This was the first open that South Ramsey have held using their new clubhouse.

Action from the final of the Jim Kernan between John Kennish and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly

Thanks to Gary Weightman for the photos

Post published by Glynn Hargraves