Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

With a free date in the Bowls Calendar Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly took the opportunity to hold a competition open to all with players paying £25 for the privilege, resulting in an £800 prize fund. The location of choice was Castletown Bowling Club, with the event last held at the Villa two years ago, this event was relabeled as the Town Classic,. The weather was excellent all day, with a good atmosphere around the green with 32 players taking part and plenty of spectators in attendance.

Losing out at the quarter final stage to earn themselves £50 each were Sam Clague (Marown) who lost out 14-21 to Colin Kelly (Marown), Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly eventually lost out 17-21 to Peter Jones (Marown), with the former having trailed 7-14 to level the game up at 17-17, only for Jones to finish the game off with two doubles. In the other half of the draw David Bradford was too good for South Ramsey teammate Glynn Hargraves sealing a 21-12 win, whilst Stevie Kelly (Peel) emerged victorious 21-18 against Marown captain Paul Dunn after a good battle

At the semi-final stage both payers who progressed to the final never gave their opponents a look in with 21-9 victories, as Jones seen off teammate Colin Kelly, whilst Bradford who made light work of Stevie Kelly, with both players losing out picking up £100 each for their efforts.

As is often the case in competitions it was Marown versus South Ramsey in the final. With a good crowd in attendance for the final on a tricky green, just two chalks could separate the pair after nine ends with Bradford leading 10-8. The South Ramsey man made his move winning four of the next five ends collecting six chalks to lead 16-9. The expected fightback came from Jones who picked up five consecutive ends playing a mark over the middle of the green to close the deficit to just chalks once more after 20 ends (14-16).

The South Ramsey man got in picking up a double, followed by another two to lead 20-15. Jones got in knowing it was the last throw of the dice, however there was just too much room which allow Bradford to get in to put up the one chalk needed to secure a 21-15 victory to retain his Classic title, with it the £250 first prize, whilst Jones could console himself with £150 for his efforts on the day.

The presentation was made by competition organiser Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly, who thanked Castletown Bowling Club for the use of the green and for the refreshments, with special thanks to George Foy for preparing thee green, along with Brian Kelly for the smooth running of competition and everyone who had entered.