Author Archives: Pat Lenton

Tebay Triumps at Town Cup

Ladies Town Cup Finalists

Sue Gawne, Louise Tebay

The Ladies Ramsey Town Cup was held on Sunday 11th June at North Ramsey bowling club in glorious sunshine, after the Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy, which is a junior competition and took place in the morning.

A good entry of 29 bowlers enjoyed a lovely, relaxed setting in the beautiful Mooragh park. Most bowlers playing off 6.

Through to the quarter finals were Caroline Corlett and Maddison McMullan. After 13 ends Caroline was 17/13 up but Maddison managed to win the next 6 ends to finish 17/21.

The other winning quarter finalists were Sue Gawne against Caroline Parker 21/14. Tina Hampson against Joy Morris 21/20 and Louise Tebay against Janet Monk 21/17.

The semi-finals saw a convincing win for Louise Tebay against Tina Hampson 21/8 and Sue Gawne sealed her place in the final with a 21/19 win against Maddison McMullan in an exciting game that was to and fro from the start.

The final between Louise and Sue was always going to be a tough match for both of these talented players. Sue got off to a good start and established an early lead, but Louise took command of the green in the final stages, finding a mark across the crown and the game ended Louise 21 Sue 13.

The prizes were presented by Gary Merrill from North Ramsey. Louise thanked Sue for a great game and all the other competitors, along with the helpers from North Ramsey, who had made the competition such a success.

Post published by Pat Lenton

Stars of the Future Shine at Mooragh Park

Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy 2022 - Bailey McMullan winner of the Under 11's, Madison McMullan winner of the Senior Group. Also pictured Olivia Johnson who was runner up to Bailey

Photo: Katie Johnson

The Rheuben Thomas Memorial Junior Trophy was played for on Saturday in very hot conditions at North Ramsey Bowling Club. This is its second year of competition and attracted 28 junior bowlers.

The competitors were divided into seniors and juniors dependent on age. The juniors were then divided into two groups, A and B, who then played a round robin format of seven ends. The winner of Group A was Bailey McMullan and the winner of Group B was Olivia Johnson. Both girls then played a seven end final which was very close with Bailey McMullan just finishing in front to claim the under 11 round robin title.

The senior group of 17 bowlers played a knockout competition of 11 ends with some excellent bowling on display for the large number of spectators to watch. The early rounds left eight bowlers in the quarter finals. Grace Gawne beat Clark Kelly 10-6, Madison McMullan beat Shannon McMullan 13-3, Ryan Hargraves beat Alex Hampson 8-6, while Aalish Moore beat Alex Colquitt 7-6.

The semi-final between Ryan and Aalish was very close with Aalish winning 9-7 but a more convincing win in the other semi between Madison and Grace 13-3 took Madison through to the final.

The final was played over 13 ends and Madison managed to maintain the quality of bowling she had shown all morning winning 17-2 however the score does not reflect how well Aalish had played all morning in tough matches to reach the final.

At the end of the competition Rheubens wife Heidi presented the prizes along with a bronze medallion for each competitor to mark the occasion. Her daughter, Milli, thanked North Ramsey Club for running the event and all the competitors for taking part.

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Kelly Wins Centennial Ramsey Town Cup

Ramsey Town Cup Winner 2022 - Colin Kelly

Photo: Arnie Withers

There were 58 entrants at the Mooragh Park in Ramsey for the Centennial Ramsey Town Cup competition hosted by North Ramsey Bowling Club on Saturday. With the green looking better than it has in years and with it running well the scene was set for some good bowling. 

There was a good quality field with many of the islands top players entered. All games were 15 up off scratch. Some early round close games saw home greeners Geoff Porter & Robert Monk losing out by the odd chalk to Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey) & Tony Smart (North Ramsey) respectively. Steve Parker (Onchan) also beat Rob Middleton (Peel) by a single point. Last years winner Steven ’Geordie’ Waters dreams of retaining the cup evaporated with 10–15 defeat to South Ramsey club mate and Island Champion David Bradford.

In round three Bryan Corner (South Ramsey) played well to see off club mate Stefan Kelly 15-10, Peel man Peter Greeenlees was also playing well, putting an end to Edward Carlyle’s day. Former home greener Steve Parker inched past Brian Kelly from Marown 15-13 to make it to the quarter final stages.

In the quarter finals Bryan Corner quickly saw off Adrian Skinner (North Ramsey) 15-5. Paul Quirk (Peel) came back from 6-11 & 9-12 down to run out 15-12 to beat Peter Greenlees. Steve Parker’s 15 single points were enough to get him past Port St Mary’s Trevor Quayle 15-10. The last quarter final saw David Bradford & Colin Kelly (Marown) battling out a close encounter with Kelly eventually edging it 15-13.

In the first semi-final between Bryan Corner & Paul Quirk it was even at 6-6 until Paul put a run of seven together to eventually win 15-7. The second semi-final saw Parker with a 7-2 lead, however with Kelly getting six doubles, this was enough to end Parker’s run in the competition.

In the final Kelly got off to a good start with three doubles, before Quirk pulled it back to 7-6 by playing along the bottom edge in front of the pavilion. However it was the Marown man who won six of the next seven ends, eventually winning 15-8 to claim his first Ramsey Town Cup title in the centennial year.

The presentation was made by North Ramsey Club President & Competition Secretary Gary Merrill who thanked the competition sponsors Corkhill & Callow Ltd and Strix Ltd for supporting the competition. As well as thanking all who had entered and made the Centennial Town Cup such a special day.

Following the presentation Colin thanked all who helped in the running of the competition on the day and his opponents.

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Dunn and Withers Win Lilian Slinger Pairs

Mike Skelly of North Ramsey with the winners Neil Withers and Paul Dunn - With Lilian's daughter Janet

Photo: Pat Lenton

In glorious sunshine and on a much-improved green 31 any combination doubles bowlers played in the Lilian Slinger competition at Mooragh Park. It was lovely to see so many coming from so many clubs and getting to the green before the roads closed for a 12noon start. The competition was watched by members of Lillian’s family for most of the afternoon and they were able to witness some great games taking place.

The opening rounds saw some close games. Lilian’s daughter Janet Monk and Shannon McMullan (Mooragh Park) very nearly knocked out Marown Pair Neil Withers and Paul Dunn being 18-11 up at one point but just losing out 20-21. Last year’s winners Trevor Quayle and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) were seen off by Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly (Marown) 15-21. 

In the quarter finals a South Ramsey squad of Billy Blair and Bryan Corner played Sue Collier and Judy Kelly winning 21-15. Home greeners Brian Colquitt and Ray Skelly were seen off by Eddie Carlyle and James Teare (South Ramsey) 6-21. Home team Gary Merrill and Allan Callow ended Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly’s run 21-14 and Dunn and Withers won convincingly against Steve Waters (South Ramsey) and Steve Walmsley (North Ramsey) 21-7.

In the first semi-final we saw a very close game between the Corner and Blair pair who were pipped at the post by Carlyle and Teare 19-21, but the second semi-final was not so close with Merrill and Callow being seen off by Dunn and Withers 10-21.

With the sun still shining and a good crowd remaining the final was played. Dunn and Withers continued with their good form taking an early lead ahead of Carlyle and Teare who played very well but just could not retain the jack and lost 21-13.

The prizes were presented by Lilian’s daughter Janet who was thanked by one of the competition organisers, Mike Skelly, for sponsoring the event and providing the winners and runner ups with individual trophies to keep. Neil thanked the club for organising the event and his partner for a great competition and congratulated North Ramsey for the improvement of the green and everyone who had taken part in the competition.

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Parker Wins George Hawkins Trophy

George Hawkins Memorial Trophy Winner 2022 - Steve Parker

Photo: Janet Monk

Bowling conditions could not have been better last Wednesday 18th when thirty-five bowlers competed at Mooragh Park in the 2nd George Hawkins Memorial Trophy.

Watched by George’s family throughout the opening rounds we saw some tremendous bowling with lots of games going the full distance.

The losing quarter finalists were Philippa Taylor against Brian Colquitt 13-21. Janet Monk against Steve Parker 17-21. David Callow against Mike Skelly 6-21 and Geoff Porter against Ray Skelly 15-21.

The semi-finals saw Brian Colquitt and Steve Parker playing a very close game with Steve winning 21-17 and in the other semi-Mike Skelly and Ray Skelly played well against each other but Mike won 21-14.

In the final Steve and Mike both played well but Steve managed to get in front and left too big a gap for Mike to fill.

Congratulations Steve on your win 21-14.

The prizes were presented by the sponsors Beryl Hawkins and family members in memory of George. Steve recalled his own happy memories of George and thanked everyone at North Ramsey for hosting the event and in particular he praised everyone connected with the vast improvement of the green and its preparation for this competition.

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Caroline Parker Wins Ramsey Town Cup

Ramsey Town Cup Winner 2021 - Caroline Parker

Photo: Pat Lenton

A disappointing entry did not deter the spirit and friendliness of North Ramsey Bowling Club at this year’s Ladies Ramsey Town Cup played on Saturday 28th August at Mooragh Park. Conditions could not have been better with sunshine all afternoon.

Following great games in the opening rounds the first semi-final was played between Victoria Johnson and Anne Kean with a convincing win for Victoria 21-3. The second semi was between Caroline and Janet Monk. This was a much closer game with both players fighting for every point and lying 19 across in the final stages. On the last end Caroline secured the final point she needed to win her place in the final 21-19.

The final between Victoria and Caroline was a convincing win for Caroline who had been playing really well all day. The score does not reflect the standard of play with Victoria demonstrating her considerable talent but Caroline was so accurate and retained the jack for most of the match clinching her victory with a 21-1 win.

The prizes were presented by Peggy Freeman, who is Chair of North Ramsey, and she thanked all the members for helping on the day, especially the male members who had prepared the green and carried out all of the measuring as well as running the sheet. She also gave thanks to the anonymous local business who sponsored the event and made the considerable prize money possible.

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Ken Parker Cup Goes South

Ken Parker Cup Winners 2021 - Wayne Roberts & Trevor Quayle

Phot: Mary Bruce

Port St Mary pair Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle returned to North Ramsey to win another of this year’s Open pairs competitions.

Twenty-six sets of bowlers from all areas of the Island played a great afternoon of bowls at Mooragh Park.

Some good bowling took place in the opening rounds leading to the quarter finals and some very close games. Willie and Pauline Cowley (Douglas) just lost out to John Cannan and Tony Smart (North Ramsey) 17-21. Paul Dunn (Marown) and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) fought hard against home greeners Ray Skelly and Brian Colquitt but were pipped at the post 20-21. Paul Cowley and Bob Callow (Douglas) played well but lost against Roberts and Quayle 16-21. Derek Allen (Port Erin) and Bernard Thackrah (Port St Mary) had a real tussle against juniors Lily Gawne (Onchan) and Alex Hampson (Noble’s) who played brilliantly but just lost out 21-19.

The first semi-final was an all-North Ramsey game between Cannan and Smart against Skelly and Colquitt with each pair playing some fantastic shots to finish 19-21 winning Skelly and Colquitt a well-deserved place in the final. In the second semi Quayle and Roberts had a convincing win against Allen and Thackrah 21-9.

A robust crowd of supporters remained around the green and were rewarded with a thrilling final. As the cloud thickened and some light drizzle fell conditions on the green changed challenging the players, especially on pace. Both pairs played well in a very close match. The south team took an early lead, but the Ramsey duo caught up leaving them neck and neck in the final end 20-20. It could not have been a closer final, but Quayle and Roberts got the final point leaving them the winners of the Ken Parker Cup 2021.

Prizes were presented by Mike Skelly, President of North Ramsey and the Club secretary Pat Lenton. Mike thanked Steve Parker and his family for their generous sponsorship and everyone who worked so hard to make the day so enjoyable. Wayne and Trevor also thanked the sponsors, helpers and everyone who took part in the competition.

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Juniors Shine whilst Roberts & Quayle Win Lilian Slinger Memorial Trophy

Lilian Slinger Memorial Trophy Winners 2021 - Wayne Roberts & Trevor Quayle. Also pictured winner of Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy 2021 - Grace Gawne

Photos: Arnie Withers and Sue Gawne

It was a busy day for North Ramsey bowling club on Saturday when two events were held in the beautiful Mooragh Park. 

In the morning the inaugural Rheuben Thomas Memorial Trophy was held for with 23 juniors taking part. The under 11’s bowlers played a round robin format in two groups. The winners of each group were Katie Roberts and Bailey McMullan. They then played a final match with home greenerBailey coming out on top and Katie a very worthy runner-up. 

The over 11’s group had some great games with the semi-finals between Toby Hart (South Ramsey) losing out 15-21 to Luke Kenna (North Ramsey), whilst Alex Hampson (Noble’s) was defeated 20-21 by Grace Gawne (Onchan) with both being very exciting games. 

In the final Luke and Grace played some great bowls but Grace Gawne was the winner. 

Rheuben Thomas was a very popular member of North Ramsey and when he sadly died earlier this year his family wanted him to be remembered by promoting junior bowls. Prizes were awarded by his wife Heidi and daughter Millie.

The afternoon competition was the Lilian Slinger any combination doubles event. 36 pairs took to the green in the opening rounds. 

From the start the standard of bowling was superb with competition strong across the age groups and clubs. After many close games the semi-finals were played. Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle (Port St Mary) were up against Jenny Moore and James Teare (South Ramsey). Jenny and James were quickly 11-5 up but Wayne and Trevor gained control and after six ends were 17-11 up eventually winning 21-15. The other semi-final was between Lil Smith and Rosie Winkle (Marown) against Paul Dunn and Arnie Withers (Marown) with the girls on the back foot after five ends down 5-14 but 11 ends later they won 21-14.

After a long day the final was game set and match to the boys Roberts & Quayle, who were dominant from the start, but Lil and Rosie had some great bowls and thoroughly deserved their place in the final.

The prizes were awarded by Lilian’s great granddaughter Eva and thanks were given by North Ramsey to the family for their sponsorship and trophies. Thanks were also given by the winners to North Ramsey for organising and running such a successful event.

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Elaine Moore Wins George Hawkins Memorial Trophy

George Hawkins Memorial Trophy Winner 2021 - Elaine Moore pictured with George’s daughters Rachel & Lynnette

Photo: Pat Lenton

North Ramsey hosted the inaugural George Hawkins Trophy in beautiful sunshine and perfect conditions all day on Wednesday 12th May at Mooragh Park.

George was a member of North Ramsey for a long number of years and many of the competitors that took part remembered him with great fondness. North Ramsey Bowling Club are very proud to add this over 60’s competition to their programme at the request and sponsorship of George’s family who were present around the green, offering support for most of the day.

A large entry of 56 bowlers came from all over the Island and after some very close matches the final eight took to the green in the quarter finals. George Foy (Castletown) had a great game against Dougie Allan (Peel) alongside South Ramsey’s Lee Dawson and Bryan Corner with both games ending 21-14. Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) played well against Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) in a close match losing 17-21 and Craig Sims (North Ramsey) lost out to Andy Kennish (Peel) 8-21.

In the semi-finals Elaine Moore had a comfortable win against club mate Lee Dawson 21-8 alongside Andy Kennish who won against George Foy 21-10.

The final between brother and sister was predicted to be a good game and it didn’t disappoint. Elaine got off to a flying start playing some tremendous bowls, but Andy is a master at the game and was not going to give in without a fight and he quickly pulled back the score to leave them neck and neck going into the final few ends of the game. When they reached 19 across it was impossible to predict who would win but Elaine just managed to claim the last 2 points to be the first ever winner of the George Hawkins Memorial Trophy.

The prizes were presented by George’s family who thanked North Ramsey for organising such a great competition and everyone for taking part.

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Victory for Marown

JMS Shield Winners 2020 - Marown

The last remaining ladies over 60s bowls match was played on Thursday at Port St Mary in sunny but blustery conditions. For the past few weeks teams from across the Island have been competing for a place in the final of the JMS Veterans Shield and the successful teams were Marown and Finch Hill.

Both teams have players who are extremely talented and experienced so it was predicted to be a very close match. In the first half Margaret Scarffe for Marown played Moire Turner for Finch Hill with Moire taking an early lead in the first 4 ends but Margaret fighting back to take the jack scoring valuable points for Marown until Moire reclaimed the jack to pull ahead and at one point was 5-14 up. Margaret responded with true grit and determination to reduce the lead but the game ended with a win for Finch Hill 13-21.

Alongside them another game was in progress with Elaine Dewhurst for Marown up against Iris Kermode for Finch Hill. Elaine got off to a slow start but then dominated the game with some great shots scoring 2 points on several ends. Iris, trying her hardest, just couldn’t catch up once Elaine pulled ahead and the game finished 21-7. Also on the green were Shirley Whelan for Marown and Elaine Vincent for Finch Hill. Both players had a good game with each of them scoring maximum points on several ends but it was Shirley who pulled ahead after 10 ends having consistently won back the jack to maintain her lead and preventing Elaine from catching up. The game ended 21-12 and another win for Marown. At the halfway stage Marown led by 2-1 but its points that win prizes and Finch Hill were ahead by 5. (75-80).

The second half was crucial for Marown. Philippa Taylor and Rosemary Winkle knew they had to win to single figures and they didn’t disappoint any of their supporters. Both opposition players had some great shots and really played well to try to gain points but the experience of Philippa and Rosemary proved too much and both games gave Marown the single figure wins they needed.

The final game was between the team captains Celia Joughin and Jan Osborne and with the excitement mounting from supporters lining the green the players went end to end in a very close game that could have gone either way. Finch Hill had provided strong opposition for Marown from the start and this game was no exception. Each of the captains were a credit to their team and fully deserved the “all but across” cry from the markers. Final score 21-20.

The match ended with Marown the winners 138-130 and this years JMS Veterans Shield champions.
Presentations were made by Janet Latham who explained that the origins of the JMS are from her family initials and the trophy will be continue through her grandson who bears the same initials. Thanks were given to Port St Mary bowling club for hosting the match and all of the many supporters who came to watch.

This report concludes the summer fixtures for 2020 but bowls continues to be played throughout the winter in the Outdoor League which starts with a Round Robin on Saturday 3rd October.

Post published by Pat Lenton