There was a small field of ten pairs for the IOM Ladies’ Pairs played at Ballaugh on Sunday 15 September. What the entry lacked in quantity it more than made up for in quality, as shown by the standard, and closeness, of many of the matches.

In the preliminary round the experience of Rosie Winckle and Lil Smith showed against their less experienced opponents, Pat Lenton and Maureen Hamilton, the Marown pair going through 21-8. In the other prelim, the new pairing of Lyn Bolton and Joyce Ogden took on the holders, Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore. Fiona and Jenny had the better of the early skirmishes to hold an 18-9 lead. With six points in the next five ends Lyn and Joyce pulled back to 14-18, but it was too little too late as the South Ramsey pair clinched a 21-15 win.

In the first of the quarter-finals Rosie and Lil came up against Fiona and Jenny, who won the first four ends to lead 10-6. The next three ends closed the score to 9-10. The ends were then shared, but two 3’s allowed the Marowm players to level the score at 15-15. A 4 by the holders was a killer blow as they went on to win 21-15.

Shannon McMullan and Janet Monk faced Elaine Moore and Gill Dixon, who had won the title three times in the past and, despite a sterling effort, after their opponents scored 7 in the first three ends, they were unable to make up the deficit.

Jean Radcliffe and Chris Price lost the first two ends against Lin Ruscoe and Paula Firth before winning the next six ends to lead 15-10. The Nobles’ combo pulled back to 15-15, but could only score one more point before Jean and Chris progressed to the semi-finals 21-16.

Judy Kelly and Helen Caley almost caused the upset of the afternoon against Mary Alderson and Lynda Cadamy, surging to a 15-9 lead. Seven in the next three ends gave Mary and Lynda a 16-15 lead, but this was countered by a pair of 2’s which brought the South Ramsey ladies to 19. A 3 followed by a 2 gave the match to Lynda and Mary 21-19.

The first semi-final was pretty even throughout with Jenny and Fiona leading 14-13 then Elaine and Gill taking the lead at 17-16. The scores were then level at 18-18, before a 2 and a single took Elaine and Gill through to the final 21-18.

The second semi-final was level at 12-12 before Mary and Lynda won the next four ends to lead 18-12. Despite a 2 and a1 on the next two ends Jean and Chris had to bow out 15-21.

A close start to the final saw the score at 11-11 after eight ends. Winning four of the next six ends, including a 4, saw Mary and Lynda in the driving seat 19-14. It was no fluke that Elaine and Gill were already three time winners of the trophy, as they then dug deep, winning the next six ends to take the title, for a fourth time, 21-19.

The presentation was made by Association vice-president, Heather Horsburgh, who thanked those who had entered, the Ballaugh club for the use of their facilities and all those who had helped in the smooth running of the event.

A small, but select field of sixteen ladies, gathered at Marown on Sunday 4^th. August to compete for Barbara Lee Memorial ladies’ IOM Merit competition. The weather was iffy for most of the afternoon the with sun eventually making an appearance during the final.

Looking at the entry some good bowling could be expected, and the players did not disappoint with some very close and exciting games. Even when the scores were not close there were few easy points with each end being strongly contested.

In the first round Philippa Taylor faced last year’s winner, Jenny Moore, and had the better of the early skirmishes to lead 15-8 after nineteen ends. After exchanging points to 17-11, Jenny produced five 2’s in a row to move into the quarter-finals 21-17.

The game between Margaret Tasker and Helen Martin was definitely a game of two halves, with Margaret in control initially, leading 14-7 after fourteen ends, and then Helen pulling back to 18-18 by end 25. Three singles saw Helen progress to the next round 21-18.

Two home greeners, Helen Withers and Lil Smith also had a tough battle with honours being even over the first 11 ends, before Helen edged into a 15-10 lead. Lil then wrested the initiative from her to eventually come through 21-18.

It was pleasing to see one of the Junior girls, Rebekah Kelly, taking part and putting up a creditable performance before losing out 11-21 to Fiona Kennish.

The first two quarter-finals saw Jenny Moore and Helen Martin being too strong for their opponents, reaching the semi-finals without too much difficulty but it was a different story in the bottom half of the draw.

Caroline Whitehead and Kim Hargraves could hardly be separated as they kept together for 29 ends with neither of them having a lead of more than 2 throughout. On the thirtieth end, despite Caroline having the jack, Kim scored a two to end their titanic battle 21-19.

It was another close game between Fiona Kennish and Tricia Bull, with Tricia maintaining a slight lead up to 14-10 before Fiona won four ends in a row to level at 14-14. Two 2’s eventually gave Tricia a 19-15 lead and sharing the last four ends saw her into the semis.

In the first semi-final Jenny was in imperious form, coming through 21-6 against Helen, but again it was more tricky for the protagonists in the other. Although Tricia had a slight edge from the beginning, Kim was only 2 points behind at 14-16. A single and a 2 for both players saw the score at 19-17 when two singles gave Tricia the game

In the final it was nip and tuck to 5-5 after nine ends. The ends were hotly contested and the final score of 21-9 to Jenny makes her victory sound easier than it was !

The Competition secretary thanked those who had taken part, Marown for the use of their green and their members for their help measuring and marking.

Jenny thanked the organisers of the competition and Marown for their help and for their providing refreshments

The ladies’ doubles open, sponsored by Ballapaws Boarding Kennels took place at Peel on Saturday 27 July, with an entry of fifteen pairs. The event started in overcast conditions which turned to rain for the later stages.

In the first round all the matches were won to double figures. Lyndas Cadamy and Lyn Bolton had a tough draw against last year’s winners, Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore, who seemed to be cruising at 19-13. A three and a single saw the possibility of a come- back from Lynda and Lyn, but it was too little too late as Kim and Jenny came through 21-17.In a similar vein, Celia Joughin and Lil Smith raced to an 18 -11 lead over Caroline Whitehead and Jan West, before their opponents scored seven over the next four ends to close to 18-19. A two from the Marown pair saw them progress to the next round 21-18. The Peel pairing of Lynda Wilson and Cath Parker also came from behind, trailing 14-18. They won the next five ends, including two 2’s to take the game 21-18.

In the quarter-finals Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt won their game against Sue Jones and newcomer Courtney Moore 21-7, while Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden got of to a flyer against Paula Firth and Lin Ruscoe, sprinting to a 16-7 lead, before winning 21-10. Cath Parker and Lynda Wilson were inspired in their match against Margaret Tasker and Tricia Bull taking the game 21-14, and in the other quarter-final Jenny Moore and Kim Hargraves experienced some dogged resistance from Lil Smith and Celia Joughin, who had the better start, leading 12-8 and holding on to the advantage to 13-12 when Jenny and Kim switched up a gear to reach the semi-finals 21-15.

Quarter-finals: Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt 21, Sue Jones and Courtney Moore 7; Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore 21, Celia Joughin and Lil Smith 15;  Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden 21, Paula Firth and Lin Ruscoe  10; Cath Parker and Lynda Wilson 21, Margaret Tasker and Tricia Bull 14.

In the first semi-final, Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt stayed with Kim and Jenny to 9 – 9, but their challenge collapsed when they could only manage one more point, while Cath and Lynda had shot their bolt in the previous round and could not find their mojo again, going down 21-9 to Philippa and Joyce

The rain, which had started during the semi-finals was also a factor in the final, with conditions becoming a little inclement.

In the final early exchanges saw the score level at 9-9, but Kim and Jenny were determined to hold on to their title, scoring twelve in five ends to take the trophy 21-9.

Heather Horsburgh thanked those who had entered and those who had helped during the afternoon. Particular thanks went to Ballapaws Boarding Kennels for their sponsorship of the event. Heather then asked club Vice-President, Mona Kerruish to present the prizes.

LADIES’ ASSOCIATION MILLENNIUM FOURS.

A total of forty-four ladies gathered at Castletown on Saturday 13^th. July to compete in the Ladies’ Association Millennium team fours.

Each “match” consisted of two singles games and a doubles, the players for each being drawn at random.

The first match pitted one of the three Castletown teams against South Ramsey. Although Ann Hollingworth won her game against Kim Hargraves, South Ramsey were convincing winners 40-21. It was nice to see some of our younger players taking part, including Grace Quayle in this match.

In match 2 Nobles faced another Castletown team and were denied a full house when Sue Peach came through 15-13 against Alison Keggen, the final score being 43-31 in Noble’s favour.

The third prelim. was the closest match of the afternoon, with Mooragh Park 1 facing a combined Port St Mary / Port Erin team. In the singles matches Tricia Bull’s 15-9 win over Madison McMullan, followed by Shannon McMullan’s 15-11 win over Margaret Tasker left the combined team two points ahead with the doubles to come. A 15-11 win by Janet Monk and Helen Martin over Mavis Franks and Voirrey Curphey saw the Ramsey team through by a margin of two points.

In the quarter-finals South Ramsey faced Nobles, the game of this match being a closely fought battle between Kim Hargraves and Debbie Leece, which was neck and neck all the way through, Debbie eventually taking it 15-14. to leave South Ramsey one short of a maximum score as they won 44-36.

Mooragh 1 faced their less experienced club mates, Mooragh 2, in a match containing four junior girls, and despite some dogged resistance from their opponents they came through 45-24.

It all came down to the doubles in the Castletown 2 v Port St Mary team as the singles were divided, Heike Perry winning 15-9 against Kellie Maddrell, balanced by Chris Price’s 15-8 win over Tracy Moore. Port St Mary were !5-10 winners in the doubles, going through to the semi-finals 39-33.

The last quarter-final saw two combos, Maureen Payne joining Lin Ruscoe, Paula Firth and Sylvia Kennaugh from Nobles, taking on Oggie’s Angels. The first singles saw Philippa Taylor get off to a flyer against Lin Ruscoe, but Lin dug deep to level at 14-14 before Phi;ippa took the game 15-14.  With the other two games going Oggie’s Angels way, they advanced 45-30.

In the semi-finals, South Ramsey scored the full 45 points against Mooragh 1, with Fiona Kennish, having been down 12-6 against Helen Martin, coming through to win 15-13. In the doubles Shannon and Madison McMullen played some very good bowls but were unable to get the better of their more experienced opponents, Elaine Moore and Kim Hargraves.

The other semi-final saw a convincing 15-5 win in the doubles for Chris Price and Kellie Maddrell, but Philippa Taylor and Lynda Cadamy each came through in the singles 15-4 to book their team’s place in the final.

Philippa and Jenny contested the first singles in the final, with there being little between the two protagonists up to 12-12, when three singles saw the game go to Philippa 15-12. Lynda Cadamy was in commanding form against Kim Hargraves, winning 15-3, while in the doubles Joyce Ogden and Lyn Bolton edged out Elaine Moore and Fiona Kennish 15-10 giving a final result  Oggie’s Angels 45, South Ramsey 25.

There was an entry of nine pairs for the Dorothy Piearce Ladies’ Doubles Qualifier played at Finch Hill on Sunday 23^rd. June. The fine weather of the previous days had departed, but the rain stayed away until the event was concluded.

There was one preliminary round game, and Finch Hill players Sue Collier and Norma Cowell found themselves facing the formidable pairing of Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish. The South Ramsey pair raced to 20-2 but their opponents did not give in scoring a 3, followed by a 2, in the next two ends to  finish with a score of 7.

The first quarter-final was a closer affair than the score might suggest with seventeen of its twenty-two ends being won by a single. However, on this occasion, Jenny and Fiona proved too strong for the Noble’s pairing of Clare Cooper and Rebecca Teare, moving through to the semi-finals 21-7.  Lynda Cadamy and Mary Alderson struggled to come to terms with either the green or their opponents. A powerful performance by Chris Price and Kellie Maddrell saw them progress 21-3.

Shannon McMullan, who had reached the final of the junior girls event the day before, was joined by her sister, Madison, to take on Iris Kermode and Pauline Cowley. Youth won out by a score of 21-7.

In contrast, the other quarter-final, which pitted Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden against Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore, was the match of the afternoon. Kim and Elaine sprinted to a 10-0 lead after just four ends, scoring a 4 and a 3.  From that point on Philippa and Joyce had the better of it scoring 18 points to their opponents 11, but unfortunately they had left themselves too high a mountain to climb and had to bow out 21-18.

In the first semi-final Jenny and Fiona played Chris and Kellie. The pairs won ten ends each, but with Jenny and Fiona having a four and a three, with only two singles they scored 21 to their opponents 13. Kim and Elaine faced Shannon and Madison, and were faced with quite a struggle in the first half, the younger pair being 9-8 up after nine ends. However experience told and Elaine and Kim did not relinquish the jack again, progressing to the final 21-9.

In the final, an all South Ramsey affair, Kim and Elaine shot out of the starting blocks to lead 14-5 after eleven ends. The pairs were evenly matched over the rest of the game, but Jenny and Fiona were unable to make any inroads into the lead.

Elaine and Kim took the match 21-12 and will be representing the island in the Dorothy Piearce Memorial Pairs competition at Ashton in Makerfield on Saturday 10^th. August.

Thanks go to Finch Hill for the use of their green and facilities, and also the help given by their members during the afternoon.

There was a magnificent entry of fifteen for the Junior Girls Merit Qualifier held at Marown on Saturday 22 June. The weather was beautiful and the standard of play during the morning confirmed that the future of ladies’ bowls on the island is in safe hands.

Several of the girls were competing for the first time and it is to be hoped they enjoyed themselves. Spectators were impressed by all the girls, and it was commented by one that they were a splendid advertisement for the game.

In the first round,  Grace Quayle and Emily Cooper had a ding-dong battle, keeping level to 17-17, when Grace won three ends on the trot to win 21-17. Another close game saw Grace Gawne get off to a flyer, leading 15-6 before Bailey McMullan pulled back to 12-16. Even at 20-14 Bailey persevered, before Grace eventually came through 21-16.

Grace Cooper, Melody Marsh and Lily Gawne did well to reach double figures against more experienced players, while, although falling just short with scores of 9, Aalish Moore and Megan Hargraves can feel pleased with their performances – the score doesn’t always tell the full story !

The star quarter-final match pitted Rebekah Kelly against Aalish Howarth. Rebekah had the better start, taking a 14-11 lead before Aalish pulled back to 15-15, then 17-17. Rebekah reached 20 first but we all know how elusive that last point can be, Aalish progressing to the semi-finals 21-20.

Grace Quayle faced Bethany Kennish, and put up a terrific performance against her more experienced opponent before losing out 21-15, While Shannon McMullan eased through 21-11 against Grace Gawne.

In the last quarter-final Victoria Johnson had a tussle with her younger team – mate, Lacey McMullan, before coming through 21-16.

The semi-finals saw the experience of Shannon and Bethany prevail as they each came through 21-7 to meet in the final.

Semi-finals: Bethany Kennish 21, Aalish Haworth 7; Shannon McMullan 21, Victoria Johnson 7

Bethany got off to the better start in the final, racing to an 18-9 lead, at which point Shannon started a come -back but had left herself too much to do, Bethany winning 21-15.

Bethany won the Wilson Trophy, and will be representing the island at Heswall. on the Wirral, on Saturday 7^th. September.

Thanks go to the parents and spectators for their support, and their help.

Thanks also go to the Marown Club for the use of their green and facilities.

There was an entry of thirty-three for the Pre-Festival ladies’ singles, sponsored by the family of Lilian Slinger, and played at Mooragh Park.

Although the event started in reasonable weather, it got worse as the day progressed and by mid afternoon was quite cold and very wet. It was to be hoped the weather would improve for the Festival taking place over the next five days.

The field consisted of local players and some old familiar faces over for the festival, many of whom had not visited the green before and were very impressed with its surroundings.

In the first round there were some close games, four of them finishing on 21-18, Jenny Moore, Karen Hill. Rachel Quirk and Sue Sinclair all coming through by that score against Lynsey Gorman, Sarah Edmondson, Eileen Pye and Fiona Kennish respectively.

In the second round Elaine Moore lost out 21-16 to Karen Hill while Lorraine Hirst came through against Joan Jolly by the same score.

In the quarter-finals, Madison McMullen, following wins against Mary Alderson and Linda Burns, reached a very creditable 16 before going out to Nicola Gilmore, while Jenny Moore and Lorraine Hirst had a real ding-dong battle. The game was even for the first six ends with Lorraine just ahead 12-11, when Jenny took control winning eight of the next nine ends to lie 20-13. Lorraine re-grouped winning the next five ends to close to 19-20, before Jenny took the next end, and the match.

Quarter-finals: Nicola Gilmore 21, Madison McMullen 16; Sharon Rigden 21, Janet Monk 8; Jenny Moore 21, Lorraine Hirst 19; Rachel Quirk 21, Karen Hill 9.

In the semi-finals, which were not so one sided as the scores suggest, Jenny and Sharon both came through 21-11 – jenny against Rachel and Sharon against Nicola.

Jenny made the better start , leading 14-9 after eight ends when six singles put Sharon ahead 15-14. The game was evenly poised at 17-17 when two 2’s gave Jenny the title 21-17.

Association vice-president,. Heather Horsburgh, thanked all those who had entered, those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the afternoon and the Slinger family for their continued sponsorship of the event, before introducing Mr Norman Slinger to make the presentations.