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MOORE’ HISTORY MAKING
Manx Championship Winner 2026 - Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) who won her fifth consecutive championship and ninth overall
Photo: Arnie WithersThe IOM ladies Crown Green Bowling Manx Championship took place last Saturday at Breagle Glen Bowling Club attracting an entry of 32 lady bowlers. The competition was played 21up off scratch in sunny, but at times very windy conditions.
Making bowling history by winning the championship for the fifth consecutive year, and winning the title nine times in total since its inauguration in 1973, was Jenny Moore from South Ramsey.
Booking their place in the quarter-finals were Jenny who won 21-16 against Stella Watterson (Castletown); Jenny Saunders (Castletown) who won to 19 against Breagle’s Caroline Whitehead; Shannon McMullan (Mooragh Park) who won to 18 against Louise Tebay (Marown); Mavis Franks (Breagle) who won to single figures against Helen Withers (Marown); Kim Hargraves (South Ramsey) who won to 18 against Gwen Tuck (Breagle); Clare Cooper (Marown) who beat stablemate Jayne Smith to 13; Debbie Leece (Marown) who won to 14 against home-greener Linda Dawson and Margaret Tasker who won to 10 against Marown’s Lynda Cadamy.
First quarter final pitted the two ‘Jennys’ against each other. Unfortunately for Jenny Saunders, Jenny Moore, was too strong taking the game 21-6. The second quarter saw Shannon have a comfortable 21-10 win over Mavis. The third and fourth quarters were closer affairs with Clare winning to 15 against Kim and Margaret eventually crossing the line 21-19 having had a nip and tuck game against Debbie.
Semi-finals saw Jenny play Shannon and Clare taking on Margaret. In the first semi, Jenny got off to a flying start and not giving Shannon a chance ran out to win 21-10 after 21 ends. Second semi was slightly closer with Clare leading 17-7 on the 18th end. Despite a spirited comeback from Margaret taking singles in next seven ends, Clare ran out 21-13.
The final between Jenny and Clare did not disappoint as both ladies were on top form with the lead changing several times during the game with Clare having a one point advantage on the 20th end at 14-13. Never one to give up, Jenny responded with a double, a single and another double to lead 18-14 on 23rd end. Clare took the next end with a single, but it wasn’t quite enough to stop Jenny taking the next two ends to win 21-15.
Many congratulations to both ladies for treating the spectators to an excellent final, but especially to Jenny on her fifth consecutive win and ninth title – an awesome feat!
Presentation of trophy and prizes was made by Caroline Whitehead, competition committee member, who thanked Breagle Glen for hosting the championship, also thanking Clare, Jenny and James Teare for the smooth running of the competition with special thanks to Ann Gale for sponsoring the event.
IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM REACH THE FINAL IN WREXHAM
Ladies Vets Team that played in Llay, Wales last week
Photo: UnknownBCGBA LADIES VETERANS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
A nine player strong Isle of Man Over 60’s Ladies team plus Team Manager travelled to Wrexham in Wales on Monday 22 June to compete in the British Crown Green Bowling Association Ladies Veterans County Championship. All matches were played on the following day (Tuesday) in extremely hot and humid conditions – water and shade were certainly the order of the day!
The competition was played in four groups consisting of four counties with the winners of each group progressing to the semi-finals. Group A and Group B played at Llay Miners Welfare Bowling Club; Group C and D at Gresford Village, with the semi-finals and final being played at Brymbo Sports and Social Club. All games played 15 off scratch.
The Isle of Man Team consisted of Elaine Moore and Sue Collier (South Ramsey); Hilary Kermode (Castletown); Paula Garrett and Sue Gawne (Nobles); Joyce Kelly (Peel); Lynda Cadamy (Marown), plus Caroline Whitehead and Margaret Tasker (Breagle Glen). Elaine was Captain and Janet Latham was Team Manager.
The IOM ladies were drawn in Group B along with Wales plus Warwick and Worcester. The other county in the group, Shropshire, had to withdrawn due to health problems. Group A consisted of Staffordshire, North Shropshire, Merseyside and South Yorkshire. Group C consisted of the favourites to win the competition, Yorkshire; Mid-Warwickshire, Dudley & District and Burton & District. Group D consisted of South Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Our ladies first match was against Warwick and Worcester and although we drew four all, we took the honours on points (97-91). Wales was next on the green winning 6-2 (110-66) against Warwick and Worcester. With both the IOM ladies and Wales winning a match each, whoever won between ourselves and Wales would progress to the semi-finals. This match was a nail-biter with every point counting as we drew four all again winning by just three points, to seal our place in the semi-finals. Also going through to the semis were Merseyside from Group A; Yorkshire from Group C, and Greater Manchester from Group D.
The IOM ladies made their way to Brymbo Sports and Social Club for the semi-finals/final. Our semi was against Group A winners Merseyside. Our ladies were on excellent form winning this match 6-2 and by 40 points (113-73). Second semi was also a 6-2 win for Yorkshire against Greater Manchester (106-73).
And so to the final, the first time for the Isle of Man! Unfortunately for our ladies and despite playing exceptionally well in the final and during the day, Yorkshire were too strong winning the match 7-1 (113-73).
Results of the final:
| Isle of Man | Score | Score | Yorkshire |
| Paula Garrett | 14 | 15 | Lorraine Hirst |
| Sue Collier | 4 | 15 | Lynda Drury |
| Margaret Tasker | 8 | 15 | Linda Gledhill |
| Lynda Cadamy | 7 | 15 | Julie Best |
| Sue Gawne | 8 | 15 | Jean Witchcombe |
| Hilary Kermode | 12 | 15 | Sally Turner |
| Elaine Moore | 15 | 8 | Karen Hill |
| Caroline Whitehead | 5 | 15 | Debbie Davis |
| 73 | 113 |
Many congratulations to our ladies on an excellent performance; they certainly did the IOM bowling fraternity proud. Also thanks to our supporter, Jenny Saunders, for all her encouragement and to Janet for doing most of the running round especially in the hot conditions. WELL DONE IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM!
Manx Championship Finals Night Qualifiers
Manx Championship Qualifier Reg Temporaza (Onchan) who faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) on his way to qualifying
Photo: Gary Weightman/Vannin PhotosThe Manx Championship got underway on Sunday afternoon with a healthy entry of 62, despite the competition being played in a split format over two greens for the first time ever.
With South Ramsey as one of the two qualifying greens, there weren’t too many shocks that took place, with perhaps the closest thing to a shock was Noble’s captain Alex Yates reaching the quarter finals with a solid 21-14 win over Marown B captain Juan Killip.
The second qualifier was Marown’s Peter Jones, who had a good tussle with Breagle man Wayne Roberts, with the latter fighting back from a 7-14 deficit to level the game up at 17-17, only for Jones to steady the ship and see the game out with four singles to progress with a 21-17 win.
The third spot in the quarters went to seven-time champion Colin Kelly (Marown), who had a battle on his hands with Onchan captain Matthew Quirk, with the latter leading 15-11, the game went to 20-20, with the Marown man winning the deciding end.
The final spot at South Ramsey went to Marown captain Paul Dunn, with a 21-8 win over Finch Hill’s Stephen Oates. Dunn rather unusually only had to play one game, as he had received a bye in the first game, then his opponent who also had a bye withdrew from the competition. This contrasted with the other qualifiers who had to win three games to qualify.
In the capital of the Island, Finch Hill hosted the remaining bowlers, with several big hitters clashing in the early rounds, with this there were high-profile casualties.
Peel’s Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly breezed through his qualifying game with a 21-9 win over Phil Kelly (Marown) to become the first Peel man to qualify for finals night.
Marown’s Jamie Box had to face teammate Tom Kelly in his qualifying game, with the game being well contested throughout, however Box had enough in the locker to see the game out with a battling 21-19 win.
12-time Manx Champion John Kennish (South Ramsey) lost out to Reg Temporaza (Onchan), in the second round, with the Onchan man recovering from a heavy deficit to progress. In his qualifying game Temporaza faced 2001 Manx Champion Ewan Cooil, with the Breagle man leading 17-11, Reg once again fought back to see the game out with a strong finish to qualify for finals night. Temporaza had a tough run, having faced Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) in the first round.
The last game on the green was between Rob Monk (North Ramsey) and Rob Middleton (Peel), with the latter taking a 10-4 lead, Monk went on to lead 17-16 after 26 ends. Middleton secured two successive singles to lead 18-17, with the North Ramsey man doing likewise. With the game finely poised at 19-18, Middleton scored the three chalks required taking three singles to win 21-19.
Other casualties in the earlier rounds were the current holder and three-time Manx Champion David Bradford who went out to Ballaugh man Mike Spooner, two-time winner Neil Withers, who lost out to Alan Moore (South Ramsey), another two-time winner Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) went out to Tom Kelly, whilst recent Association Cup winner Stevie Kelly lost out to Ewan Cooil in the first round.
Due to players being unable to play on their home green, a redraw took place to decide who would play who in the last 8 of the competition.
The draw was done live on Facebook as follows:-
Reg Temporaza vs Alex Yates
Paul Dunn vs Peter Jones
Jamie Box vs Rob Middleton
Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly vs Colin Kelly
The competition will be played to a conclusion on Wednesday evening at Douglas Bowling club with play getting underway at 6:30, with BCGBA dress code required.
Preview
The Onchan man Temporaza starts as favourite in this tie, however Yates has been known to cause an upset having reached the quarter final stages of the September Festival a couple of years ago, so should be written off at your peril.
Marown teammates Paul Dunn and Peter Jones promises to be a blockbuster of a game, with Dunn having one Manx Championship title to his name, he will be looking to add number two. Jones on the other hand, has settled into Island life since his move four years ago, has won four singles open competitions, with the biggest win being the Manx Masters at the end of the first season he moved over in 2022. Jones also turns out regularly for the island team, is more than capable of upsetting his captain. A tough one to call.
Jamie Box is another Merseyside man, who is settling into Island life, having moved over in the latter part of the 2025 season, he is finding his feet in Marown A team. His opponent Rob Middleton plies his trade for Peel B, doesn’t enter a huge number of opens, but generally gets through a few rounds when he does, he has proven he can mix it with the better players in the past. Middleton is another man who will just keep plugging away, should not be written off.
The final matchup is between two stalwarts of the game, Peel man Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly whose name is forever written into the History of the Bowling Festival having picked up a June festival title in June 2000, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) did the same in June 2008. The Marown man does have seven Manx Championship wins under his belt, and with it the ultimate prize in the game when he won the Champions of Champions title at the Waterloo Bowling Green in Blackpool in 2019. Whilst Colin starts as the favourite, Barney will be looking to pick up his first Manx Championship having suffered heartache in the final on four occasions to date, with the two most recent efforts being in 2020 and 2022.
Phil ‘Sooty’ Lee Sweeps Up IOM Festival Title
Men's IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Phil Lee (St Mary's)
Photo: Arnie WithersOne of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place last week, with the event attracting approximately 600 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve. The spectators were treated to a week of mixed conditions particularly later in the week and especially on finals day with heavy rain setting in for the morning, and early afternoon.
In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (St Mary’s), known on the bowls circuit as ‘Sooty’ who picked up his second June Isle of Man Festival win, having won this event in 2023, as he etched his name further into the history books.
Lee collected the £3,200 winner’s cheque and lifted the famous trophy after beating Crossgates man Simon Walder 21-11. Walder made a bright start by winning the first two ends, but Lee soon settled into the game, putting together short scoring runs while limiting Walder to just three further scoring ends. The St Mary’s player scored five doubles on his way to a convincing victory. The rain clearly affected conditions, with parts of the green saturated but not visibly so, making play difficult. Players had to navigate the heavier areas carefully, while the bowls ran more freely on the drier parts of the green.
Lee sealed victory with a double in the corners to score the two points needed to lift the June title once again and the sizeable cheque for £3,200.
Lee reached the final with what ended up being a comfortable win over the current holder Callum Wraight (Castlefields), who started off +3 due to his success in 2025, despite trailing 5-12 after just six ends Lee started to find his feet, with another six ends played in saturated conditions the Wirral man found himself ahead 13-12. Wraight was contained to just two more chalks, as a strong finish from Lee booked his place in the final 21-14. Crossgates man Simon Walder was up against the last of the locals Colin Kelly (Marown), with the visiting bowler always in control, remaining in the lead throughout the game to seal his place in the final with a 21-15 win. Kelly picked up the George Craine Trophy as the furthest local bowler, whilst he also took home a cheque for £650 for his efforts.
The quarter finals saw Lee start his day with what turned out to be his toughest game of finals day, with a hard fought 21-18 win over Jack Bowes (Pudsey Littlemoor), with the latter leading on three separate occasions by a solitary chalk at 8-7, 14-13, and 18-17, with the Wirral man seeing the game out with four consecutive singles. Wraight advanced to the next round in a match that swung one way, then the other, and back again with Neil Withers (Marown), as Wraight led 11-6, then trailed 11-17, with a seven-end losing streak, with the Castlefields man then going a seven-end winning streak to see the game out 21-17. In the other half of the draw Walder beat three-time June winner Graeme Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-17, whilst Kelly took a comfortable 21-11 win over Danny Barwise (St Mary’s).
Men’s Tourism
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up the Tourism title with a solid 21-12 victory over Ryan Clark (Meersbrook), with neither player taking the early initiative, it was Wraight who led by two chalks after 10 ends. The Castlefields man went on to win seven of the following nine ends on his customary short length up to the crown and back to the corner to run out with a 21-12 win, and with it taking his fifth win in the June Tourism event.
In the semi-finals Wraight made light work of Robbie Ellis (Pudsey Littlemoor) with a 21-10 win to book his place in the final, whilst Clark had to work for his 21-17 victory over Matty Stewart (Netherfield BC).
In the quarter finals Wraight started his morning with a battle as he held off Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) 21-19, whilst Ellis beat Paul Bailey (Belvedere BC) 21-10. In the other half of the draw Clark beat Simon Walder (Crossgates) 21-17, whilst Stewart beat Mark Booth (Dodworth MW) with a single figure win 21-9.
Other Events
The Men’s consolation was won by 18-year-old Lewis Pember (Spen Victoria) who enjoyed success in what was his first time entering the festival beating 1990 June winner Kevan Shaw (Carleton) who has won the biggest prizes in the game with an assured victory 21-14 in the final.
Pember beat Daniel Moores (Comberbach) 21-17 to book his spot in the final having trailed 17-18 before going on a three-end winning streak, scoring the four chalks needed. In the other semi-final, Shaw held off the challenge of Richard Bendrey (Wirral) 21-18, as he scored five doubles to the Wirral man’s solitary double, which ultimately proved to be the difference.
The Ladies consolation final was more straightforward for the winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) who beat Catherine Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-11 in the final, with the latter scoring five singles, whilst Lunn-Gadd scored five singles and six doubles on her way to victory. Lunn-Gadd reached the final courtesy of a 21-12 win over Sarah Boyd (Lune Road), whilst Wilson took her place in the final to the same score with a win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC).
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Sally Turner (New Mill), as she had a tussle with Matt Gilmore (Wirral), with the former having initially led 7-0 in a 9-up match. Gilmore fought back to level the match at 8-8 to ensure the match went to a deciding end. Having a great bowl Gilmore would have been certain he would win, however a superb last bowl from Turner sealed a 9-8 victory. Turner also had to work to reach the final, with another 9-8 win over Lorraine Hirst (New Mill), whilst Gilmore eased to a 9-3 victory over Kyle Chapman (Alford Hall BC).
The Last Chance Mixed Final was another close encounter with Nick Dawson (Parkfield) winning 21-19 over Maurice Edmonds (Dalton Cricket Club). Dawson reached the final with a solid 21-11 win over Steve Barber (Grapes Hotel), whilst Edmonds had to dig a little deeper to hold off Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) 21-17.
The Men’s doubles final saw a good battle in the final with visitors Callum Wraight (Castlefields) and Andrew Spragg (Hollingwood) who took an 11-9 victory over Marown’s Paul Dunn and Neil Withers in the final. Wraight and Spragg reached the final with an 11-8 win over two young and up coming bowlers in Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) and Jay Bailey (Belvedere BC). Dunn and Withers took a comfortable 11-5 win over Ben and Joshua Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood).
The Ladies doubles final saw Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Sharon Gadd (Cononley) ease to a 11-4 victory over Heather O’Hanlon and Debbie Gittins (Crosstown BC). The winning pair got through to the final with a 11-9 win over Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk, whilst O’Hanlon and Gittins took their spot as they held off Lynda Cadamy (Marown) and Sue Gawne (Nobles) to the same score. Winning the Mixed pairs were Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) and Ashley Walton (Meersbrook) with a hard fought 9-7 victory over Sue Sinclair (East End BC) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield), with the latter pair having led 7-5, a mini fightback sealed the win. Earlam and Walton reached the final with a 9-5 win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC) and Ryan Marks (Wirral), whilst Sinclair and Colebourne recorded a comfortable 9-3 win over Yvonne Hamilton (Meersbrook BC) and Craig Oddy (Carcroft).
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: Arnie Withers
Boyd Wins Maiden IOM June Festival Title
Ladies IOM June Festival Winner 2026 - Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park)
Photo: Arnie WithersIn the Ladies main event it was school-teacher Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) who etched her name into the history books, picking up her first festival title.
Boyd had the task of facing Tracy Wraight (Castlefields) in the final, with the latter making a strong start taking the first four ends to lead 10-5. Boyd got in with a double, in what was the first of three consecutive doubles and six in total throughout the game playing round pegs to devastating effect to lead 19-11. Wraight finally got back in on the 13th end, however Boyd ensured there was to be no comeback, as she displayed nerves of steel to see the game out with two singles to seal a 21-11 victory. With Boyd receiving the £1,250 first prize, Wraight took home the runners up prize of £625.
In the semi-finals Boyd put paid to the challenge of Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) with an assured 21-12 win, whilst Wraight put paid to the hopes of Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates) of doing the double following her success on Thursday in the Tourism event with a hard fought 21-19 win to progress to the final.
Boyd started her day off with a solid 21-14 win over Paula Gamon (Overton), whilst Fox just edged home 21-20 against Carly Williams (Comberbach). In the other half of the draw Wraight was in fine fettle with a resounding 21-6 win over Josephine McGhee (Knutsford), whilst Wilcox held off Louise Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-15 to advance to the next round.
In her speech Boyd said she hoped she would be able to return to the Island in 2027 to defend her title, having received special permission from the headmaster to take the week off from her role as a school-teacher, as to get the week off in the first place was a once in a lifetime thing.
For local interest Nobles bowler Sue Gawne received the visitiom.com trophy for being the furthest local lady reaching the last 16 of the competition on Thursday afternoon, losing out 16-21 to be the highest scoring local in the round.
Ladies Tourism
The Ladies Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green, with former local bowler Rachel Wilcox, who now plies her trade for Crossgates comfortably seeing her way through the latter stages of the Tourism event, sealing the win in the final with a 21-9 win over Kathy Chadwick (Castle Sports & SC), with the latter winning just three ends, whilst Wilcox scored heavily with seven doubles, taking just 13 ends to win the final.
Wilcox reached the final with a solid display in the semi-final beating Louise Tebay (Marown) 21-16, in a contest that the Crossgates player was always in control of. In the other semi-final Chadwick had a battle to hold off clubmate Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) 21-18.
In the quarter finals Wilcox put paid to challenge of current holder Jenny Moore’s (South Ramsey) hopes of retaining the title with a 21-16 win, with Moore getting the score back to 15-16, only for a strong finish from Wilcox. Tebay advanced to the next round with a tense finish to the game, as she recovered from a 13-18 deficit to Denise Burchell (Castle Sports & SC) which went to a deciding end at 20-20, with the Marown bowler prevailing. In the other half of the draw Chadwick took a comfortable 21-12 win over Caroline Bushell (Lindal BC). whilst Earlam inflicted what would be the only defeat of the week on Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park) with a 21-17 victory.
Photo: Arnie Withers
Photo: James Wilcox
Photo: Arnie Withers
Dunn Wins Zambrero Invitational
Zambrero Friday Night Invitational Winner 2026 - Paul Dunn
Photo: Glynn HargravesFestival week came to a wet and windy climax on Friday night with the invitational at Nobles Park. The event was very generously sponsored by Zambrero, a New Mexican restaurant coming to Douglas in the next few months, a huge thank you to them. On what was one of the wettest finals days in a long time, Green Zambrero ponchos were on show for supporters around the green to help stay dry during the day, a thoughtful donation from them.
A massive thankyou to everyone who accepted the invite, some of the games finest players showcasing their talents on the Nobles Park greens which were immaculate all week. A huge thank you also to members of Nobles Park bowling club for the use of their facilities throughout the evening, your support was very much appreciated. A special thanks also to Brian Kelly for running the sheet smoothly and keeping the comp ticking over.
Now for the slightly embarrassing bit…. When I assembled this field, I was really happy with the quality of players that would be on show and knew whoever would come out on top would have to come through 5 tough games to be crowned the winner…. And so it proved! I’ll let the results sheet tell you the rest….
I’d just like to say a personal thanks to Jon Palmer who made my life easier by not having to present myself with the winners prize and who was very kind in saying a few words in thanking all competitors and those that had stayed to support, cheers mate.
I need a week off now after that week. Great to see some friends again, old and new. We look forward to welcoming you all back soon.
Results below
Report by Paul Dunn
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.