The ever-popular pre-festival Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday, attracting an entry of 80 bowlers made up of locals and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was running true and well throughout the day, with the pace picking up as the competition progressed. JRH Plumbing and Heating continued their support of the event as sponsors.

At the quarter-final stage, John Kennish (South Ramsey) booked his place in the last four with a 21-18 victory over Ash Wellings (Castlefields). Paul Dunn (Marown) overcame fellow clubmate Peter Jones (Marown) 21-17 in a closely contested encounter.

In the other half of the draw, Paul Bailey (Belvedere BC) progressed with victory over Glenn Boland (Marown), whilst Stevie Kelly (Peel Sunset BC) secured his semi-final spot with a 21-15 win against Neil Withers (Marown).

The first semi-final saw John Kennish take on Paul Dunn in a high-quality contest. With both players performing well and giving little away, Kennish edged the game 21-19 to secure his place in the final.

The second semi-final saw Paul Bailey face Stevie Kelly. Bailey’s preference for a longer length proved decisive as he controlled much of the game to record a 21-16 victory and book his place in the day’s showpiece final.

The final paired Bailey against Kennish in what proved to be an excellent contest that could have gone either way. Both players produced some outstanding bowls throughout, with neither able to establish a commanding advantage. At key moments in the game Bailey’s striking prowess came to the fore, successfully converting four of five striking opportunities to gain the vital advantage. Despite a determined challenge from Kennish, Bailey held his nerve to come through 21-19 and claim the famous Ballacashtal Cup for the first time, along with the winner’s prize of £400.

The presentation was made by Castletown Bowling Club Competition Secretary Nathan Hamilton, who thanked everyone at the club for their assistance in staging the competition. Special thanks were given to Kath Kinley, Juan Kermode and all those in the kitchen for keeping players and spectators fed and watered throughout the day. Hamilton also thanked those who measured and marked during the competition, along with the greenkeeper for preparing a superb playing surface. He then invited sponsor Jamie Hinchliffe of JRH Plumbing and Heating to present the prizes.

In his winner’s speech, Bailey echoed Hamilton’s thanks to all those involved in making the competition such a success. In an emotional conclusion to the day’s proceedings, he dedicated his victory to his good friend James Kelly-Walley, who recently passed away.

Castletown Bowling Club hosted the Charity Cringle Fours men’s open competition on Saturday, attracting 18 pairs competing for the trophy in warm and enjoyable conditions.

The quarter-finals featured a strong mix of local and visiting talent. Home greeners Nathan Hamilton and Dean Kinley faced the Ballaugh duo of Andy Young and Chris Pedley, with home advantage proving decisive as Hamilton and Kinley progressed comfortably. Will Penhallurick (Onchan) and Richard Bregazzi (Marown) overcame South Ramsey’s father-and-son pairing, David and Kian Bradford, who had impressed throughout the day, to secure their semi-final place.

In another tie, Sam Quayle (Castletown) and Alex Hampson (Nobles) showed promise against the experienced Jamie Box (Marown) and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), but the latter pair’s experience saw them through. The final quarter-final saw Marown’s Colin Kelly and Juan Killip defeat Breagle Glen’s Wayne Roberts and Ewan Cooil to complete the semi-final line-up.

Hamilton and Kinley continued their strong form in the first semi-final, using their knowledge of the green to good effect in a 21-12 victory over Penhallurick and Bregazzi. The second semi-final proved more closely contested. Box and Hargraves made a strong start, but Kelly and Killip produced a determined comeback to win 21-17 and book their place in the final.

Played in glorious conditions, the final began with Kelly and Killip taking early control, scoring a three on the opening end followed by a series of singles. Hamilton and Kinley responded well, levelling the game at 11-11. A tactical change to a longer length then proved decisive, as the Castletown pair pulled away to lead 18-12. Despite a brief response from their opponents, Hamilton and Kinley closed out the match with a single and a double to secure a 21-14 victory.

The presentation was made by Club President Hilary Kermode, who invited Rachel Cringle, daughter of Murray Cringle, to present the prizes – marking the fourth generation of the Cringle family to do so. A total of £300 was raised for Sight Matters, with all prize winners generously donating their winnings back into the fund.

Hamilton and Kinley praised the excellent condition of the green and thanked the catering team for their efforts on a hot day. They also expressed appreciation to their opponents and acknowledged the continued support of the Cringle family.