News: Announcements
Bailey Bowls to Victory in Ballacashtal
Ballacashtal Cup Winner 2026 - Paul Bailey
Photo: Arnie WithersThe 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.
Photo – Arnie Withers
Kennish Claims 12th Win in Jim Kernan Cup
Jim Kernan 2026 - Runner Up Tom Boyd with Winner John Kennish
Photo: James TeareSouth Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a superb entry of 72 beating the 2025 entry of 62. The visiting bowlers were treated to improved weather on a good playing surface. The competition was sponsored by CEF Electrical for a second successive year.
Due to the number entered some bowlers would need to win four games just to reach the quarter final stage. At this stage Adam Hawker (Fairfield) got the better of regular visitor Kevan Shaw (Carleton) 21-13, whilst Tom Boyd (Cylinders) held off Peel man Gary Smith 21-20, with the latter trailing 17-20, three singles saw the game go to a deciding end at 20-20 with Boyd scoring the all-important chalk to get over the line.
In the other half of the draw the locals found their way through to the latter stages of the competition with home greener John Kennish holding off Marown captain Paul Dunn 21-17. Keeping the theme of keenly contested quarter finals matches going Neil Withers (Marown) held off the 2025 winner Alan Moore (21-19).
Kennish was the first man to book his place in the final with a dominant display in the semi-finals as he beat Withers 21-8. The second semi-final between Hawker and Boyd almost went to the wire, with the latter doing enough to secure a 21-18 win to progress to the final.
In what could be an early warning for the upcoming Festival week, the final was another dominant display by Kennish, who raced into a 16-6 lead over Boyd, winning the first three ends with doubles, followed by five singles. Boyd managed to get in with a single, however Kennish ensured there was to be no comeback scoring a further two doubles, and a single to secure a superb 21-7 victory to pick up his 12th win in this competition and his first since 2017, along with securing the first prize of £250.
The presentation was made by South Ramsey competition secretary James Teare, who thanked the ladies for providing a superb range of refreshments throughout the day, Steve Moore for assisting with running the sheet, the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. Thanks were also given to the sponsors CEF Electrical for their continued support. In his speech Kennish noted how well the running of the competition had been handled despite the boat being delayed, also praised the condition of the green.
Janet Monk Wins Ladies Pre-Festival
Ladies Pre-Festival Winner Janet Monk with Paula Gamon
Photo: Shannon McMullanThe 2026 Ladies Association Pre festival singles competition was held on Sunday 14th June at Peel Sunset Club in warm and sunny conditions, attracting an entry of 33 ladies including ten visiting lady bowlers from the UK. Getting through to the quarter finals were five visiting bowlers consisting of mother and daughter Louise and Catherine Cotton from Wrockwardine Wood; Lorraine Hirst and Sally Turner from New Mill, and Paula Gamon from Overton plus home bowlers Elaine Moore, and Kim Hargraves from South Ramsey, and Janet Monk from Mooragh Park.
First quarter final saw Lorraine Hirst in fine form winning 21-10 against Catherine Cotton; second and third quarter finals saw strong performances by Paula Gamon, and Janet Monk who both won 21-13 against Kim Hargraves and Elaine Moore respectively. Fourth quarter final was a nip and tuck game between Louise Cotton and Sally Turner with Louise eventually taking the win 21-18.
The semi-final pitted Paula against Lorraine and on the 11th end score was equal at 14 across. Lorraine took the next end scoring a two, but Paula hit back taking the following four ends to lead 20-16. Despite Lorraine scoring another two on the 17th end, it wasn’t quite enough as a single on end 18, saw Paula take the win 21-18. Second semi was between Janet and Louise. Although Louise started off well taking the first three ends, Janet got into her groove taking eleven of the following thirteen ends to lead 19-11. Louise hit back with two singles and a double, but like the first semi it wasn’t quite enough as Janet scored singles on the following two ends to win 21-15.
And so to the final between Paula and Janet. Paula started off strong leading 14-11 on the 12th end. Janet took the next end scoring a single and then playing a relatively straight mark over the crown of the green which she had played superbly all day, scored three doubles on the bounce to lead 18-14. Even though Paula hit back with a double and a single, Janet just had the edge scoring the three points needed to win 21-17 for a well deserved win. Both ladies played exceptionally well in the final treating the spectators to some outstanding bowling.
Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Caroline Whitehead, competition committee member, who thanked Peel for hosting the event and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon; all the lady competitors, especially thanking Janet and Paula for a great final.
Kennish & Moore win Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles
Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles Winners 2026 - Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore with Chris French of Fynoderee
Photo: Hannah DrewettThe Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles Competition, kindly sponsored by Fynoderee, went ahead at Castletown Bowling Club on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
A strong field of competitors took part in the popular round-robin format, with matches played over five ends throughout the group stages. The shorter format ensured plenty of closely contested games, with every end carrying added importance as pairs battled to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
The standard of bowling remained high throughout the day, with players producing some excellent performances and spectators treated to a number of exciting encounters.
After an impressive morning’s bowling, the four group winners progressing to the semi-finals were Rebecca Teare & Chris Price (Castletown), Voirrey Curphey & Jean Thackrah (Breagle Glen), Fiona Kennish & Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), and Lyn Bolton & Lynda Cadamy (Marown).
The closest battle for qualification came in the group won by Voirrey Curphey and Jean Thackrah, who finished level at the top of the standings with Gwen Tuck and Zoe Durcan. With a semi-final place on the line, the tie was settled by a thrilling one-end shootout, with Curphey and Thackrah holding their nerve to secure progression.
In the first semi-final, home favourites Rebecca Teare and Chris Price produced a strong display to defeat Voirrey Curphey and Jean Thackrah 7-1 and book their place in the final. The second semi-final was a closer affair, with Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore overcoming Lyn Bolton and Lynda Cadamy 5-2 to set up a meeting with the Castletown pairing.
The final began in closely fought fashion, with both pairs exchanging early blows in a competitive contest. However, as the match progressed, Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore found their rhythm and proved too strong, pulling away to secure victory and claim the 2026 Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles title.
Thanks must go to Castletown Bowling Club for hosting the event so efficiently. Special thanks also go to the ladies in the kitchen who kept players and spectators warm and well fed throughout the day, and to the club members who assisted with stewarding and measuring duties.
Finally, sincere thanks are extended to Fynoderee for their generous sponsorship and continued support of ladies’ bowls. Chris French was on hand to present the prizes and congratulate the competitors following another successful staging of this popular event.
Castletown Pair Triumph in Charity Cringle Fours
L-R is Dean Kinley, Rachel Reilly, and Nathan Hamilton.
Photo: Hannah DrewettCastletown 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.
£1,750 raised for Charity – Box, Boland, and Jones Win Chas Grills Memorial Trophy
Chas Grills Memorial Trophy Winners 2026 - Marown trio Jamie Box, Peter Jones, and Glenn Boland
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey Bowling Club held the Chas Grills Memorial Trophy for the fourth time on Sunday. The format of triples proved popular amongst the Islands bowlers as 32 teams – 96 bowlers took part. The competition was supported by Domino’s and Starbucks.
Losing out at the quarter final stage and the closest game of the round were the home team consisting of Lauren Groen, Elaine Moore, and Gill Dixon 20-21 to the Marown trio of Colin Kelly, Walter McCarthy, and Tom Kelly. John Kennish, Dido Kelly, (South Ramsey) and Nathan Cooil (Castletown) eased to a 21-7 win over the Breagle Glen trio of Wayne Roberts, Anita Roberts, and Ewan Cooil in just seven ends.
In the other half of the draw the current holders Jordan Cain, Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) also won in seven ends 21-9 against James Teare (South Ramsey), Alison Kearsley (Castletown), and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey), with the final game of the round seeing home greeners Dave Corkill, Richie Davies, and Paul Routledge losing out 11-21 to the Marown team of Jamie Box, Glenn Boland, and Peter Jones.
Both semi-finals were straightforward for the winners with Kelly, McCarthy, and Kelly losing out 8-21 to Kennish, Kelly, and Cooil. The other semi-final finished shortly after with the Marown men, Box, Boland, and Jones easing to a 21-10 victory over Cain, Hargraves, and Quirk.
In the final it was a tight affair early in the game with the home greeners trailing by a solitary chalk at 9-10 after six ends. The Marown men made their move over the next three ends, scoring a four, a single and a double to build a commanding 17-9 lead.
A response was expected, it duly arrived with two doubles, and a change in the playing order with Cooil going to the front and Kennish going to the back.
Just one end later the game was over as a four secured a deserved 21-13 victory for Box, Boland, and Jones to lift the trophy for the first time.
The presentation was made by competition secretary James Teare who thanked Darren Kerruish for providing prizes to the finalists on behalf of local businesses Domino’s Pizza, and Starbucks for a third consecutive year. Upon accepting the trophy Boland noted it was great to have so many people around the green, making for a great atmosphere, thanked his teammates, whilst also taking a moment to remember Chas who was a long serving and dedicated member of the club. Thanks were given to Steve Moore for running the sheet on the day, competition secretary James Teare, along with the work that had gone in by club members to prepare the green, the ladies for the superb choice of refreshments, also everyone who had supported the competition with their generous donations.
It was confirmed that Great North Air Ambulance Service were the charity supported this year, with a grand sum of £1,750 raised on the day, which included a superb donation of £500 made by Nathan Cooil, with the charity holding a special meaning to him.
Press Officer
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2026 Fixtures Are LIVE!
ChatGPT Image Mar 6, 2026, 08_22_28 PM
PLEASE NOTE – There could be an issue with the time shown for matches.
Please note: Open competition dates are still being finalised and will be published in the coming weeks.
Marown A Win Second Mixed Team Championship
Mixed Team Championship Winners 2025 - Marown A
Photo: Phil CainThe final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Championship, Plate, and the inaugural Bowl competitions took place simultaneously on both Noble’s greens on Thursday evening, with the Championship final seeing Castletown A taking on Marown A. The floodlights were required, in perfect conditions for a bowls final.
With the league season finished in August, the previous three weeks had been reserved for a new format in the Mixed Team competitions. With 20 teams entered, this allowed for a third competition to be introduced. The Plate competition was for teams knocked out of the Championship in the early rounds, whilst teams losing out in the Plate competition went into the newly introduced Bowl competition.
The finals of the Championship and Plate took place on Noble’s One green, while the final of the bowl was contested on Noble’s Two green.
The Championship saw Castletown A progress to the final thanks to a 19-chalk victory (165-146) over Ballaugh A on Monday evening, while Marown A coasted through with a 56-chalk victory over Breagle Glen A (178-122).
The final saw the Crosby team cruise to an 8-1 victory on games, winning the all-important chalks by a margin of 59 (181-122), with Marown securing just their second Mixed Team Championship title.
In the first four games Marown made a strong start with a single figure win for Clare Cooper over Kim Foy (21-9), with the next three wins also comfortable for Marown with Jayne Smith beating Alison Kearsley 21-12, Glenn Boland won 21-13 against Hilary Kermode, while Neil Withers eased to a 21-11 win over Jordan Drewett. This put Marown into a sizeable 39-chalk lead (84-45).
Marown A team night league captain Paul Dunn had a battle on his hands throughout his match with Town Men’s captain Nathan Hamilton, with Dunn winning 21-19, while Lyn Bolton was the second 21-9 winner of the night as she beat Dean Kinley. This sealed the victory with a 53-chalk lead and just three games left to come off the green.
Stella Watterson prevented the whitewash on games with a 21-13 win over Debbie Leece, while Paul Kelly breezed home with a 21-10 win over Kieran Krypner. Rounding off the night was Jamie Box, who was pushed hard by Nathan Cooil, with the Marown man getting over the line 21-18.
Association Competition Secretary Matthew Keggen thanked Noble’s for the use of the green over the past three weeks, with a busy schedule for the club following the September bowls festival. Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode was then introduced to present the Championship Shield to Marown captain Jayne Smith, who congratulated her team for their performance on the night.
Photo: Phil Cain
South Ramsey A Seal Mixed Team Plate
Mixed Team Plate Winners 2025 - South Ramsey A
Photo: Phil CainThe final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Plate competition took place at Noble’s One green on Thursday evening, with South Ramsey A taking on Marown B.
Both teams lost out in the Championship, with South Ramsey falling to Marown A, while Marown B were preliminary round losers to Ballaugh A. To reach the final of the Plate South Ramsey beat their B Team on Monday evening on Noble’s Two green by 47-chalks (178-131), while Marown beat Onchan by 59 chalks (173-114).
This final turned out to be the most keenly contested of all three mixed team finals with just four chalks separating the teams at end of the match, with the Northern team winning by just four chalks (166-162), despite losing 4-5 on games.
Gill Dixon had a tussle with Juan Killip, only to lose out 19-21, Glynn Hargraves just edged home 21-20 against Peter Greenlees, while Peter Collister ran out from 13-13 with Zoe Pearson to seal a 21-13 win to leave South Ramsey seven chalks ahead after three games (61-54).
The next three games went in favour of the Crosby team, with Philippa Taylor holding a lead against Jenny Moore, only for the latter to edge ahead 18-17, with Taylor rallying once more to see the game out 21-18. Matthew Keggen led 15-14 against Kim Hargraves, with the latter sending the block off, then counting for two, however Keggen killed the end and went on to runout with a 21-14 victory. The third consecutive win arrived from Peter Jones, who beat Jordan Cain 21-12 to put Marown 12-chalks ahead with just three games left (117-105).
The deficit was reduced to a solitary chalk (126-127) as Fiona Kennish won 21-10 against Rebekah Kelly, with James Teare winning 21-14 against Celia Joughin to put South ahead by six chalks (147-141). The last game on the green saw Toby Hart up against Walter McCarthy, while the latter won 21-19 the South Ramsey man had scored enough chalks to help the team get over the line.
Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode presented the Shield to South Ramsey captain Kim Hargraves.
Photo: Phil Cain
