On Saturday Ballaugh Bowling Club held the 33rd Keenan Fours which was first held in 1989. The weather forecast was horrendous with heavy showers of torrential rain. As I drove out from a wet Ramsey the sky brightened and it had almost stopped raining. For the most part the showers missed and it was mainly was light drizzle or dry for the duration of the competition.
In the first quarter Final James Teare & Steven Waters (South Ramsey) played last year’s winners Andy Kennish (Onchan) & Reg Temporaza (Onchan). Andy and Reg were always ahead winning 21-13. In the second quarter final father and son Colin & Tom Kelly (Marown/Peel) played South Ramsey’s Jordan Cain & John Kennish. The scores were equal at end five but then Colin & Tom scored two threes and a two to win 21-12. In the third quarter final James Kelly & Brian Kelly (Marown) played Phil Quayle (Ballaugh) & Paul Allison (North Ramsey). The scores were level at 11-11 and then James & Brian won the next three ends reaching 17, Phil & Paul got the jack back and scored a four, two singles & two doubles to win 21-17. In the fourth quarter final Peter Harvey and Ken Wale (Whitby Bowling Club) played Kevin Quirk & Steve Parker (Onchan). Peter & Ken were always ahead, Kevin & Steve got back to within three points of them but to no avail with Peter & Ken winning 21-16.
In the first semi-final, Colin & Tom Kelly played Andy Kennish & Reg Temporaza. Colin & Tom were well in control coming out winners 21-8. In the second semi-final, Phil Quayle & Paul Allison played Peter Harvey and Ken Wale. They were 12 across at end 9. Unfortunately Phil & Paul lost the jack and didn’t score again with the score 21-12 to Peter & Ken.
The final was between Marown’s Colin & Tom Kelly playing Whitby’s Peter Harvey & Ken Wale. At end nine they were 12 across, the next three ends went to the visiting bowlers taking them to 18-12. Colin & Tom pulled it back over the next four ends making the score 18 across. Finally Peter & Ken got a three giving them the win 21-18.
At the conclusion John Maddrell (Club Captain) introduced Sponsor and long-time member John Keenan. They thanked Pat & her helpers for running the kitchen, keeping us all fed and watered, and for Richard Faragher & Maurice O’Reilly for running the competition so efficiently. John then presented the prizes and in their speech the winners thanked everyone for a great day, and mentioned that Ballaugh Club was in a magnificent setting with good facilities and the green was the only one that they had played on lately that had grass on it.