News: Announcements
Moore and Teare Win Lilian Slinger Trophy
Lilian Slinger Trophy Winners 2025 - Jenny Moore & James Teare
Photo: Pat LentonDespite the poor weather conditions, gusty winds and occasional heavy downpours, a strong field of 31 mixed pairs battled it out to lift the Lilian Slinger Trophy.
The first round saw the departure of the fancied pairing of Kim and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) narrowly beaten by Glenn Boland (Marown) and home player Madison McMullan 20-21. A tight game in the second round saw home favourites Rob and Janet Monk pipped at the post 20–21 by Sue Gawne (Noble’s) and Andy Kennish (Peel).
In the quarter final Jayne Smith and Walter McCarthy overcame Marown clubmates Neil Withers and Debbie Leece 21-20 whilst the surprise scratch home pairing of Katie Johnson and Joe Kneale finally met their match against Clare Cooper and Sid Bolton losing 13–21.
The first semi-final saw James Teare and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) take a comfortable win against Clare Cooper and Sid Bolton 21–11 whilst the second semi-final saw Jayne Smith and Walter McCarthy tied at 16 each with Peter Jones and Lyn Bolton (Marown) after 16 ends. However, Peter and Lyn ran out 21–16 winners, winning the last five ends without reply.
The final between James Teare and Jenny Moore versus Peter Jones and Lyn Bolton was expected to be a cracker and did not disappoint. The latter pairing raced into a 17–10 lead after nine ends and the writing seemed to be on the wall for James and Jenny, however a run of 1, 1, 3, 1, and 2 shots on consecutive ends brought them back to lead 18–17 after 14 ends. One shot on the 15th end for Peter and Lyn brought the score back to 18 across before three shots on the next end for James and Jenny saw them home as worthy winners of the trophy 21-18.
The competition was sponsored by Lilian’s family and the trophy and prizes were presented by Paul Slinger.
McMullan Wins Junior Manx Championship – Krypner is 18-25 Qualifier
Junior Manx Champion 2025 - Bailey McMullan with IOMCCGBA President Hilary Kermode
Photo: Tracy MooreThe Canada Life International sponsored Manx Junior Championship took place on Saturday 24th May at Nobles Bowling club number one green. There was a field of 19 juniors who bowled fantastically.
The quarter finals were Freddie Palmer (Castletown), who had defeated Grace Cooper (Marown) and Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park) in previous rounds, against Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park). A third 21-up game proved too much for Freddie who tired and lost 21-6. The second quarter final saw Aalish Moore (Castletown) beat Kian Bradford (South Ramsey) who has a broken left arm. Luckily not his bowling arm.
The third quarter final saw the battle of the Colquitt brothers Sam and Alex (Nobles). It could not have been closer, but older brother Sam pipped Alex 21-20. The fourth quarter final saw Alex Hampson beat Lillie Barrett (Peel).
The first semi-final saw Bailey come from behind against Aalish to win 21-14. In the second semi-final and another 21-20 game for Sam against Alex Hampson, this time didn’t go in his favour.
So the final was between Bailey and Alex. Keeping the trophy in the McMullan household Bailey took the game 21-10. Congratulations Bailey and all juniors, you did yourselves proud. Bailey follows in the footsteps of sisters, Lacey and Shannon, who have all won the Junior Manx Championship. The trophy was presented by the Association President Hilary Kermode.
18-25 BCGBA Qualifier
On Saturday 24th May the newly introduced 18-25 qualifier was held on Nobles 2 Green. Six entrants battled it out to qualify to play in the BCGBA 18-25 Open Championship.
The two quarter finals were Kieran Krypner (Castletown) against Glenn Boland (Marown) and Toby Hart (South Ramsey) against Keri Hampson (Nobles). Kieran came from 8-16 behind to take the game 21-20. Toby proved too big a match against Keri on the longer marks.
Kieran took on Toby in the first semi-final with a very similar performance coming from behind to pip Toby 21-20. The second semi-final saw Rebekah Kelly (Marown) play Dylan Marsh (Breagle Glen). Another close game with Dylan winning 21-19.
The final was yet another battle for Kieran again coming from behind taking it to the wire and winning 21-20. He qualifies to play at Owley Wood in Northwich on Sunday 10th August.
‘As You Were’ At The Top
Noble’s A pictured at Marown recently
Photo: Arnie WithersIn Division One this week league leaders South Ramsey A retained their one-point lead at the top following a 1-9 away win over Castletown A. Four single figure wins from James Teare, David Bradford, Peter Collister and Dido Kelly kept the home team under 100 chalks. The lone winner for Town was Jordan Drewett, who fought back from a 7-14 deficit to lead 17-14, then held on for a 21-20 win over Jordan Cain to prevent the whitewash. The next highest score for Town was from Andy Clark who lost out 17-21 to Glynn Hargraves.
Marown A came away from their visit to Port Erin with a 1-9 win over Breagle Glen A. Winning for the home team was Wayne Roberts with a 21-15 victory over Phil Kelly, with captain Chris Lever just losing out 20-21 to Neil Withers, whilst Steve Durcan was held off 17-21 by Glenn Boland. Marown captain Paul Dunn was the only single figure winner inflicting a 21-3 defeat on Tim Williams.
Peel A continue to pick up most of their points away from home, this time winning 4-6 away to South Ramsey B. All of the wins for the Peel men were comfortable, with Stevie Kelly the best winner 21-6 against Christian Caley. For the home team three games were won 21-18 with Ben Dugdale, Toby Hart, and Tony Dugdale winning against Andy Mackie, Gary Smith, and George Gadsby respectively, whilst Lee Dawson beat Paul Quirk 21-11.
Onchan A emerged from the Mooragh Park with a 4-6 win over North Ramsey A. Paul Allison hung on to beat Steve Parker 21-20, whilst Tom Collins’ 21-18 win over Mike Alexander was slightly less nervy. Rob Monk was the only single figure winner for the home team with a 21-5 success over Kevin Quirk. For the visitors captain Matthew Quirk stunned Allan Callow with a 21-0 win with a masterclass in corner to crown bowling, with the other three wins from Will Penhallurick, Peter Slinger, and Jamie Clague never in doubt.
The closest match of the week was at Crosby between Marown B and Douglas A, with the home team securing a 6-4 win, as home advantage helped secure the aggregate by two chalks (135-133). For the Villa men Keith Rise used all his experience to hold off Kevin Kelly 21-18, whilst Andy Cannell beat Stevie Rundle 21-8. For Marown John Gelling beat Merv Sayle 21-7, whilst Juan Killip beat Nick Firth 21-8. Karl Parker ensured the aggregate wasn’t shared with his 21-20 win over Mark Kneen.
In Division Two Noble’s A (pictured) were the best winners of the week as they defeated Breagle Glen B 8-2. Stephen Corkill won 21-7 against Rod Swift, whilst Phil Salmon was pushed the hardest as he held off Dylan Marsh 21-18. For the visitors Nick Peterson won 21-14 against Mark Bradshaw. The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of 2001 Manx Champion Ewan Cooil after a seven-year break from the game, he proved he has still got it with a 21-15 win over Kevin Moore.
League leaders Ballaugh A could only win 6-4 at home to eighth placed Castletown B, with all four wins for the Town men being to 17, 18, 18, and 19 from Phil Cannon, George Foy, Peter Oates, and Juan Drinkwater. All the home team wins were never in doubt, with Mike Spooner and Patrick Grant winning 21-9 against John Holden and Patrick Cooper respectively.
Marown C missed an opportunity to make up some ground on the Ballaugh A, as they lost out 6-4 away to Peel B, in a game that finished with four 21-18 wins, with these being shared equally between the teams. Also shared were two single figure victories (21-9) with Sid Bolton beating Gordon Corrin for the visitors, whilst Colin Moore beat James Kelly for the home team. The home edged the aggregate by just three chalks (145-142).
Despite Noble’s B losing 3-5 on games to Douglas B on the Villa, they manged to secure a 5-5 draw sneaking the aggregate by three chalks (141-144), with the difference being Mike Caley seeing off David Pease 21-8 on a tricky green. In a week of close games, the home team picked up three of their wins 21-18 with Bob Callow, Geoff Mayles, and Dave Corkish seeing off Paul Moore, Dean Sowerby, and Andy Greggor respectively.
Onchan B slipped to a 4-6 defeat at home to Finch Hill A losing the aggregate by four chalks (129-133). For the Onchan men Mike Thomas beat Brian Murphy 21-8, with Neil Richmond winning 21-9 against Pat Maher. Stephen Oates responded for the Finch men with a 21-5 win over Neil Taylor.
Peel C clung on to top spot in Division Three despite suffering an 8-2 defeat away to Ballaugh B. For the home team Jamie Kelly and Andy Young won 21-8 against Matthew Venables and Charlie McMeiken respectively, with Gordie Moore and Richard Fisher made to work for their 21-18 victories. For the visitors new bowlers Nathan Jones and Stuart Morrison impressed with victories over Fred Waggett and Edgar Cowin respectively.
Noble’s C impressed with an 8-2 home win over South Ramsey C, with 21-17 wins from Roy Moore, Andrew Bell, and Alex Colquitt. For the visitors James Moore beat Sam Colquitt 21-20, whilst Greg Barlow’s 21-10 win over Charlie Bell was never in doubt.
Marown D lost out 3-7 at home to Noble’s D, however just 11 chalks separated the teams (130-141). Breagle Glen C occupy bottom spot in Division Three following their 3-7 home defeat to Ballaugh C, somewhat strangely Breagle Glen B are bottom of Division Two, whilst Breagle Glen A are bottom of Division One.
Onchan C continue to stretch their lead at the top despite having played a game less than the teams occupying second and third spot in Division Four following their 3-7 away win over Castletown C, with Freddie Palmer, Dominic Bowrey, and Ron Williams the winners for the Town men.
Second placed Finch Hill B slumped to a 4-6 defeat at home to North Ramsey C, losing the aggregate by just one chalk (140-141).
Noble’s E continue to improve in their second season, as they came away from South Ramsey D with a 3-7 victory, as both teams shared single figure victories.
Peel D won 7-3 at home to Douglas D, with the Villa men putting up a good fight losing out by 11 chalks (138-129) despite suffering a 21-0 defeat.
On Wednesday evening Finch A and Ballaugh A brought forward their match that was due to be played T.T. week with the visitors coming away with a solid 2-8 victory.
MOORE RETAINS TOP LADY
Top Lady Winner 2025 - Jenny Moore of South Ramsey
Photo: Kim HargravesThe Ladies Association Top Lady Invitational competition was held on Sunday at Onchan with a field of 30.
Going out at the quarter final stage were Michele Cubbon (Ballaugh) who lost to 19 against Stella Waterson (Castletown); Clare Cooper (Marown) who lost to 11 against Jenny Moore (South Ramsey); Helen Withers (Marown) who lost to 18 against Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey), and Paula Garrett (Douglas) who lost to 12 against Louise Tebay (Ballaugh).
The semi-finals saw Jenny playing Stella and Fiona playing Louise with both games being different affairs. First semi-final was fairly straight forward as despite Stella’s best effort, Jenny upped a gear to run out 21-8. The second semi-final was a much closer game with Fiona starting off strong to lead 17-7. However, with sheer determination Louise started to pull the deficit back and on the penultimate end trailed 17-19, but with two good bowls on the next end Fiona took the win 21-17.
This resulted in current holder Jenny playing stablemate and doubles partner, Fiona. Unfortunately for Fiona and despite playing some good bowls, Jenny was in superb form and not giving Fiona a look-in, ran out to win 21-4. Many congratulations to Jenny on her win and retaining her title. Presentation was made by Chris Holland, Ladies Competition Secretary, who thanked Onchan for holding the competition and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon, and to all the bowlers who took part.
IOM Juniors Enjoy Weekend Success
Isle of Man Junior Team May 2025
Photo: Tracy MooreOn Saturday 17th May, six of our island juniors represented the Isle of Man in the BCGBA 6-a-side competition held at The Grange Sports & Social Club in Warrington.
Aalish Moore (Castletown), Lacey and Bailey McMullan (North Ramsey), Alex Hampson (Nobles), Erin Quayle (Douglas) and Sam Quayle (Castletown).
The Isle of Man were drawn in Group A along with South Yorkshire B, Shropshire B and Greater Manchester B. The Isle of Man won all three matches, improving their scores with each match. 83-58 against South Yorkshire B, 88-48 against Shropshire B and 90-22 against Greater Manchester B.
Topping the group they play along with South Yorkshire B and Cheshire and Greater Manchester A from Group B in the final at Windle, St Helens on Sunday 29th June.
Thanks go to the Development Committee for organising, the BCGBA for hosting and the IOM Steam Packet for the supported travel.
Withers Takes Maiden Association Cup Win
Association Cup Winner 2025 - Neil Withers
Photo: Arnie WithersDouglas Bowling Club hosted the Association Cup on Sunday afternoon with the competition once again sponsored by Plumbmaster attracting 60 entries. The weather was glorious throughout the day on a tricky green.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Peel’s Andy Mackie 11-21 to South Ramsey’s David Bradford, with the latter scoring six doubles and keeping his opponent down to seven singles. Stevie Kelly (Peel) lost out 18-21 to Paul Dunn (Marown) with the former having led 17-8 a strong finish saw the Marown man prevail.
In the other half of the draw Dido Kelly (South Ramsey) faced an in form Neil Withers (Marown) with the Crosby man flying home with a 21-7 win. Sibling rivalry saw brothers Tom and Kevin Kelly (both Marown) face off with the younger brother once again taking bragging rights with a 21-19 win.
The semi-finals were two very different stories with Bradford and Dunn finely poised at 12-12 after 11 ends. The Marown man shifted up a gear to see the game out with a 21-13 win over Bradford. In the other semi-final Withers was trailing 12-17 to Kelly, however a turnaround in fortunes saw the former see the game out with a 21-17 win.
The final got underway between the Marown teammates, with Dunn intent on retaining the trophy he won for the first time last year, and Withers hoping to lift the famous trophy for the first time. After 10 ends there was little to choose between the two men, with Dunn trailing Withers by one chalk at 10-11. Two successive singles saw Dunn lead 14-11, however Withers turned a three point deficit into a two point lead at 17-15. Dunn rallied once more to win four chalks over the next five ends to lead 19-18. On the next end Dunn was unable to put up a good enough bowl to pile the pressure on which allowed Withers to score a single to level the game up at 19-19. A good lead on the next end from Withers went unbeaten despite Dunn’s first bowl just turning away. With the score now 20-19 a single would secure the trophy, as Withers put up a good lead, then went on to beat his first with an even better bowl. This left Dunn no option other than to strike in an attempt to kill the end, however this missed as Withers lifted the trophy for the first time.
The presentation was made by Competition Committee Officer Wayne Roberts, who thanked Plumbmaster for sponsoring the competition, Douglas Bowling Club for hosting, the club members for providing helpers and refreshments throughout the day.
Teare & Dunn Win KNR Construction Trophy
KNR Construction Trophy Winners 2025 - Rebecca Teare & Paul Dunn. Also pictured Competition Secretary Andy Cannell and Sponsor Neil Clarke
Photo: Arnie WithersDouglas Bowling Club hosted the KNR Construction on Saturday, with last years competition played in stormy conditions, this year the competitors were treated to a superb day, with 29 pairs vying for the trophy on a green that was in great condition, proving tricky throughout the day.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Angie Bennett and Keith Rise (Breagle Glen/Douglas) 8-21 to Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones, Ballaugh pair Julie Reilly and Mike Spooner lost out 16-21 to South Ramsey’s Jenny Moore and James Teare. In the other half of the draw Rebecca Teare and Paul Dunn (Marown) made light work of Grayse Blencoe and Trevor Quayle (Mooragh Park/Breagle Glen) with a 21-9 win, whilst Michele Cubbon and Paul Moore (Ballaugh/Noble’s) were defeated 12-21 by home greeners Emma and Merv Sayle.
At the semi-final stage both winning pairs progressed without too much trouble, with Bolton and Jones winning 21-11 against Moore and Teare, whilst Teare and Dunn took their place in the final with a 21-14 victory over the last home greeners Emma and Merv Sayle.
The final ended up being a fantastic tussle, despite after seven ends Teare and Dunn leading 18-8, just three chalks away from victory having scored three successive singles, with Bolton and Jones then scoring a two, only to concede three successive three’s in a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the trophy. Bolton and Jones made a huge comeback clawing the deficit back to just one chalk at 18-19, winning six of the next seven ends, proving having the jack on a tricky green was crucial. With the game finely poised Teare and Dunn kept their nerve to pick up the two points required to secure a 21-18 win.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Andy Cannell, who thanked everyone for entering, the sponsor for their continued support, the club members for their help on the day, the greenkeeper for preparing the green. The prizes were then presented by Neil Clarke of KNR Construction.
Marown A Whitewash Douglas A
North Ramsey A who faced Peel A & South Ramsey A
Photo: Phil CainIn Division One this week Marown A took on Douglas A at Crosby on a fine evening, resulting in the first 10-0 win of the season in the top division. The Villa men scored just 78 chalks, with captain Merv Sayle losing out 17-21 to Glenn Boland, whilst Gordy Wynne-Smythe just lost out 20-21 to Phil Kelly. Five of the home team won to singles figures, with just 30 chalks scored by the visitors over the five games.
The closest match of the week was between Breagle Glen A and South Ramsey B, with the Ramsey outfit the happier of the two teams on the night coming away with a 4-6 win taking the aggregate by six chalks (124-130) to boost their survival hopes. For the visitors the Hart brothers were in fine fettle as Austin Hart beat David Cain 21-8, whilst his younger brother Toby Hart won 21-3 against Tim Williams. Ben Dugdale won the battle of the captains 21-13 against Chris Lever, whilst his Dad Tony Dugdale inflicted another league defeat on Trevor Quayle 21-16. Hitting back for the home team Dan McCabe and Steve Durcan beat Ed Carlyle and Christian Caley 21-8 respectively, whilst Bernie Durcan made sure it wasn’t a Hart treble as he held off Tony Hart 21-18.
Onchan A continue to climb the table, now sitting in fourth place behind Castletown A following their 6-4 home win over the Town men. The Quirk’s led the way for the home team with Matthew beating Andy Clark 21-4, whilst Dad Kevin beat Ian Watson 21-7. Winning for the visitors were Dean Kinley, Nathan Hamilton, Aaron Richardson, and Jordan Drewett with the latter pushed the hardest 21-17 against Mike Alexander.
Peel A continue to struggle, as they slumped to bottom place following their 3-7 home defeat to North Ramsey A, with Tom Collins pulling off one of his best ever wins with a stunning 21-9 win over Peel stalwart Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly.
South Ramsey A remain in top spot, with just a one-point lead following their 9-1 home win over Marown B. The lone winner for the visitors was Kevin Kelly, who will no doubt be the hero in the Kelly household this week as he prevented the whitewash with a 21-17 win over James Teare. Karl Parker was next closest to picking up a win as he led 11-1 against South captain Glynn Hargraves, with the latter fighting back to eventually get over the line 21-19. Three single figure wins arrived from the home team for John Kennish, Peter Collister, and David Bradford.
In Division Two Ballaugh A came away from the Villa with a 4-6 win over Douglas B, as the visitors lost three close games to 17, 17, and 19. Richard Hainge was the only single figure winner with a 21-8 victory over Geoff Mayles.
Marown C hit top spot once again taking advantage of the Ballaugh men dropping four points with a 9-1 home win over Noble’s A, with the visitors losing four close games, Dave Naughton 17-21 to Conor Keenan, Stephen Corkill and Alex Yates lost out 19-21 to Walter McCarthy and Darren Kerruish respectively, whilst Phil Salmon was edged out 20-21 by Brian Kelly.
The three other games in Division Two finished to a 6-4 score, with Castletown B winning 6-4 at home to Onchan B (137-124), Noble’s B took the aggregate by three chalks (153-150) to secure their 6-4 home win over Breagle Glen B, whilst Finch Hill A win by 12 chalks at home to Peel B, this proving enough to secure the result in their favour.
In Division Three North Ramsey B lead by a solitary point, with the Mooragh men taking home a 3-7 away victory over Noble’s D.
Just one point behind North Ramsey, are Peel C on 38 points, who sacrificed top spot following their 6-4 away defeat to Ballaugh C.
Elsewhere South Ramsey C recorded a solid 8-2 home win over Ballaugh B, whilst Breagle Glen C lost out 4-6 at home to Marown D, with the Crosby men taking the aggregate by just one chalk (137-138).
In Division Four league leaders Onchan C extended their lead at the top to six points with a 9-1 home win over Douglas C.
Finch Hill B occupy second spot, with a hard earned 3-7 away win over Noble’s E, with a closer game than the score suggests as five chalks separated the teams (128-133).
South Ramsey D had a positive 4-6 away win to Peel D, with Junior bowler Kian Bradford winning 21-15 against Adam Prince.
Another close game took place between North Ramsey C and Castletown C at Mooragh Park, with the Town men earning a 3-7 victory, securing the aggregate by four chalks (130-134).
The Rayner Shield took place on Wednesday and Thursday evening with notable individuals results for Jordan Cain beating Rob Monk 21-8 on Mooragh Park, Joe Kneale losing out 18-21 to John Kennish in a 2-6 win for South Ramsey A against North Ramsey A .
Onchan A were pushed hard by South Ramsey B, with the home advantage proving crucial for Onchan with a 5-3 victory. Matthew Quirk had a tough game against Lee Dawson, with the latter losing out 18-21.
Second Division side Noble’s A hosted Marown A, the home team would have been delighted to win two games against a top team, with Martyn Hobson causing the upset of the season so far with a 21-19 win over seven-time Manx Champion Colin Kelly, whilst Kevin Moore demonstrated his rapid development as he upset Tom Kelly 21-14. Phil Salmon was the next closest to picking up a third win for the Noble’s men losing out 18-21 to Paul Kelly.
Breagle Glen A reached the quarter finals thanks to a 5-3 home win over Peel A, with three games going to the wire 21-20.
In the Rayner Plate Castletown B (+35) had to claw back 40 chalks at home to South Ramsey D (+75) doing this comfortably winning by 44 chalks (203-159), with Kian Bradford fighting back from a 5-17 and 8-20 deficit eventually losing out 16-21 to George Foy.
Ballaugh A (+25) hopes of another Rayner Plate success were ended at home to Onchan B (+40) despite winning 5-3 on games they couldn’t claw back the 15 chalks, losing out by just three chalks (172-175).
Castletown A (+30) flipped a 10 chalk deficit into a 10 chalk victory away to North Ramsey B (+40) winning 176-186, with Marown C (+25) doing the same with their 189-169 win over Finch Hill A (+45) overturning a 20 chalk deficit to win by 20 chalks.
Elsewhere Noble’ s D (+35) lost out by just five chalks (188-193) to Peel C (+60) despite winning 6-2 on games with the 25 chalk deficit proving too much to turnaround.
Withers & Leece Win Inaugural Breagle Glen Cup
Breagle Glen Cup 2025 - Seamus Whelan with Winners Neil Withers & Debbie Leece
Photo: Arnie WithersA superb entry of 40 pairs took part in the inaugural Breagle Glen Cup on Sunday. Following the merger of Port Erin & Port St Mary Bowling Clubs to form Breagle Glen Bowling Club the future is now certain; this allows the club to move forward together. The club members have put in a great deal of work over the winter to improve the bowling surface, which was running well, along with improvements made to the surrounds to paint the benches to the clubs’ new colours with flags also brightening the place up.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Jayne Smith and Walter McCarthy (Marown) to Ballaugh’s Louise and Nigel Tebay (19-21), the last of the home greeners Jean and Bernard Thackrah to Debbie Leece and Neil Withers (Marown) 8-21. In the other half of the draw Lyn Bolton and Peter Jones were defeated 13-21 by Jenny Moore and James Teare (South Ramsey), whilst another South Ramsey pair Kim & Glynn Hargraves beat Ros Cannon and James Drinkwater 21-9.
The first semi-final saw Leece and Wither the first pair to progress to the final with a 21-14 win over Louise and Nigel Tebay, whilst Moore and Teare recovered from a deficit to edge through to the final with a 21-20 over clubmates Kim & Glynn.
The final was a low scoring affair, with Leece and Withers taking the biggest lead of the game at 19-16. A double and a single levelled the game up for the fifth time in the game to show how tight the game was. On the following end Moore and Teare were counting two for game, Withers played a reaching bowling and slightly fortuitously came off a short bowl and managed to save one and the game to put the score at 20-19. On the following end Moore and Teare were counting one for game with Withers playing a superb round peg reaching bowl to hit the jack full onto the counting bowl which knocked it off the green to leave the Marown pair counting. With the score 20-20 it went to a deciding end
The presentation was made by Steve Durcan, who thanked the club members for their support on the day, all the work carried out over the winter, the greenkeeper Bernie Durcan and his team for preparing the green, competition secretary Angie Bennett assisted by Chris Holland, and David Inch for providing the refreshments throughout the day. The prizes were presented by Club President Seamus Whelan.
Bradford Retains Classic Title
Town Classic Winner 2025 - David Bradford
Photo: Bradford Parents Inset: Glynn HargravesWith 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.
