South 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Inaugural Mixed Team Bowl competition took place at Noble’s Two green on Thursday evening, with North Ramsey A taking on Noble’s B.

With both teams taking an early bath in the Championship and Plate competitions, the teams were keen to become the first winners of the Bowl competition.

North Ramsey A reached the final courtesy of their Tuesday evening victory over fellow Northern team Ballaugh B by 35-chalks (171-136), while Noble’s B had to work for their nine chalk win (158-149) over Peel B, with the Noble’s team winning 5-4 on games, having won the first four games, they looked to be cruising only to lose the next four games, however Joanne Kelly’s 21-19 win over Shane Moss helped settled the Noble’s nerves.

In the final the first three games off saw North build a commanding 35-chalk lead, with Allan Callow beating Lisa Bradshaw 21-12, Janet Monk won 21-7 for the biggest win of the night against Martyn Hobson, while Rob Monk also won to single figures 21-9 against Keri Hampson.

Another three wins arrived for the Mooragh Park team, with two games going to the wire as Bailey McMullan won 21-20 against Joanne Kelly, while Tom Collins won to the same score against John Andrew. Paul Allison recorded a comfortable 21-13 win over Dave Naughton to put North Ramsey into an unassailable 45-chalk lead.

The next game off saw David Kinrade win 21-14 against Sylvia Kennaugh, with Lacey McMullan matching this win against Paul Clinton. Phil Salmon ensured it wasn’t a whitewash for Noble’s, as he beat Shannon McMullan 21-16. The matched finished 8-1 to North Ramsey A, winning the all-important chalks by 54 (184-130).

The Bowl was donated by Isle of Man County Crown Green President Hilary Kermode, this was presented to North Ramsey captain Janet Monk.

North vs South Charity Challenge: The stage was set for one of the most eagerly awaited community sporting events of the year, as the North and the South went head-to-head in the inaugural Charity Challenge, on Saturday, 20th September 2025, at Nobles Greens 1 & 2. With a start time of 10:00, spectators were treated to a full day of competition, camaraderie, and charity, all in support of Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The event was proudly sponsored by IQ EQ, Canada Life, and Ellan Vannin Fuels. Thanks to their generous support, every bowl sent on the day helped raise vital funds for the MNDA, an organisation providing essential care, research, and hope for those affected by the condition.

With team photos taken, the bowlers and spectators were treated to a superb performance by local singer Alexandra Slater who performed the U.K. National Anthem, followed by the Manx National Anthem. A roll up consisting of Junior Bowlers, over 70’s along with the Governor Sir John Lorimer and his Wife Lady Philippa Lorimer, who were upstaged by the Mayor Steven Crellin and his Wife Sarah with the Mayor taking bragging rights by winning the roll up.

The match format was set to ensure plenty of variety and excitement. Spectators were treated to a day of men’s doubles, Ladies doubles, mixed doubles, mixed triples, Junior bowls, and over 70’s in the mix and, to bring the day to a thrilling conclusion, men’s and Ladies singles on the main green. With such a mix of styles and formats, there was always entertainment for the spectators.

The rain held off for the majority of the day, which was a bonus given the forecast earlier in the week, even when the rain did start it was at the business end of the afternoon, did not dampen spirits in the slightest.

The categories played 11-up were Junior Singles, over 70’s Doubles and Junior Doubles, while the Mixed Triples, over 70’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, Ladies Doubles, and Men’s Doubles all 21-up off six. For each win by either team half a point was awarded, which set up the 18 singles Ladies and Men’s matches for a thrilling finish with the 18 singles with a whole point being awarded for each win.

The target was clear the first team to score 19.5 points would win the inaugural North versus South Charity Tournament. With a few last-minute tweaks to the lineup for both teams, the day got underway with North sporting Black Polo Shirts and South in White to make both teams easily identifiable.

On Green one Harrison Moore stepped in to the North Team for the Juniors and beat rising star Freddie Palmer 11-10 to get the North on the board. As the morning went on there was a common theme – the results coming in were heavily favouring the South with North losing two games 20-21 with Dougie Allan being edged out by Les Brookes, while Husband and Wife pairing Glynn and Kim Hargraves squandered a 20-9 lead to lose out 20-21 to Debbie Leece and Glenn Boland in the Mixed Doubles. A close game finally went in favour of the North as Joyce Kelly and Maureen Payne got home 11-10 to earn a rare half point for the North. Once the various categories were complete on Green One the South had scored three points more than North 6.5 to 3.5.

On Green two the North won the first triples game, however a six-game winning streak for South was responded to by North to see the match level 3-3 on Green two. A four-game winning streak from South in the over 70’s doubles, Junior doubles, Ladies, and Men’s doubles saw another two points go to South. The men’s doubles fared slightly better for North with 1.5 points scored to South’s 1 point, with Dan McCabe and Phil Salmon edging home 21-20 against James Teare and Stefan Kelly. Once the various categories were complete on Green Two the South had scored 1.5 points more than North (6 to 4.5).

With the 18 singles matches going on slightly ahead of schedule North were on 8 points, while South were sitting pretty on 12.5 points, knowing just seven wins (seven points) from 18 singles games would be enough to see them over the line.

The singles were well contested with 13 games finishing to 16 or more, things looked to be on course for South after the first six blocks with another three points acquired, with just four more wins needed. For South Lyn Bolton came back from a 15-17 deficit against Kim Hargraves to win 21-18, while Caroline Whitehead won to the same score against Junior bowler Bailey McMullan. Picking up a third win for South was Wayne Roberts with a 21-20 victory, with the latter picking up a double on the last end in a game that changed the lead several times.

Hitting back for South with three wins were Jordan Cain who stormed to a 21-11 win over Jamie Box, Kevin Quirk’s experience carried him over the line 21-19 against Glenn Boland, while Rob Monk finished his game strongly to beat Andy Cannell 21-17.

There was still no sign of a comeback from North, what happened next with the next six blocks flipped the match on its head, with the South team stunned by the North. Peter Collister made light work of Tom Kelly 21-12, while Madison McMullan had the finish of the day with her game with South’s Tracy Moore tied at 20-20, with Moore counting for two with two good bowls – a foot and 18 inches away only for McMullan to display nerves of steel to play her last bowl just nine inches away from the jack to seal a 21-20 win. The momentum continued to gather for North with Bob Clark bating Ewan Cooil 21-16, with Fiona Kennish putting North ahead for the first time in the match by half a point (16-15.5) getting over the line 21-17 against Jayne Smith. The next block off saw the lead extended to 1.5 points as Glynn Hargraves recovered from a slow start to beat Peter Jones 21-16.

With the tension and excitement building around the green, the rain was finally starting to set in, the South hit back with two points to retake the lead by half a point 17.5-17 as Paula Garrett breezed to a 21-12 win over Louise Tebay, while Neil Withers got over the line 21-19 against Barney Kelly with the score tied at 19-19 a two secured another point for South.

A grandstand finish awaited with eight top bowlers left on the green. North captain Jenny Moore sealed a superb 21-11 win over Debbie Leece as North edged ahead again, with Janet Monk putting North just one victory away from sealing the win with a 21-16 win over Clare Cooper.

Rather fittingly it was North Vice-Captain John Kennish, who sealed the win to pass the magical 19.5 points required for North as he faced Colin Kelly, with the two having dominated the sport for over 30 years. Kennish built up a 16-8 lead over his old adversary Kelly, playing from the edge to just over the crown. Conceding the jack nearly proved costly as Kelly levelled the game 16-16 in the corners, with Kennish getting back in at the right time to see the game out 21-16 with five singles.

If Kennish and Kelly have dominated the sport for over 30 years, then two bowlers widely considered to be the best on the island this year faced off for the umpteenth time this season, with Bradford the number one and current Manx Champion. The two have shared several top titles on the Island this year. A fascinating battle took place with the players well matched the game was level 14-14 after 11 ends, then level once more (16-16) after 14 ends, with the odd end killed off. Dunn edged ahead 17-16, it was around this time that word came through that North had sealed the title, with both players visibly relaxing and providing further entertainment for the crowd. Bradford went on to pick up a double and a single and was counting for two on the following end with Dunn killing the end. Two more singles followed for Bradford, who sealed a 21-17 victory, and somewhat spookily the match score finished 21 points to North with South on 17.5.

The day ran like clockwork thanks to the efforts of Mark Dimsdale and Joyce Ogden whose energy and enthusiasm over the Tannoy kept the crowd informed, with cheers each time a result came in.

The organisers of the event promised a close contest, which proved to be the case with bragging rights for the North, but always in the spirit of fundraising and togetherness.

Joyce Ogden thanked Noble’s Bowling Club for hosting the event, along with all the players for taking part. Roy Moore, a former Island Golf Champion went on to making a witty and entertaining speech, as he kept the crowd guessing as to who the winner was, before revealing North as the true winners.

Event Organiser Michele Cubbon (IOMCCGBA) Chairperson went on to present Christine Pain from Motor Neurone Disease Association, Isle of Man with donations of over £1,000. Thanks were also given to the sponsors IQ EQ, Canada Life, and Ellan Vannin Fuels for their valued support, South Captain Trevor Quayle, Vice-Captain Clare Cooper, North Captain Jenny Moore and Vice-Captain John Kennish, everyone who had contributed in any way and Elaine Moore for keeping everyone well fed. The idea was muted at the start of the year with nearly eight months of graft to get everything in place for what turned out to be a superb day.

North Captain Jenny Moore and Vice-Captain John Kennish were presented with the trophy, with the latter going on to say that the format and scoring had been set up in a Ryder Cup style format based on a concept of Lynn Pritchatt, whose partner Mel Evans MBE, a man who did so much for the sport over the years getting the game back onto National Television passed away with Motor Neurone disease several years ago. It was also mooted that the event could be held every other year going forward.

The Charity Challenge was so much more than a sporting fixture; it was a celebration of community spirit. The real victory on the day was in raising funds for such an important cause – with over £1,000 raised from player donations alone, along with a raffle. The final figure raised is expected to be considerably more for Motor Neurone Disease Association, Isle of Man.

With a welcome break in the monsoon like weather Finch Hill welcomed 26 pairs on Sunday at the Douglas Borough Council Challenge Cup.

The first half of the draw saw some close games with several strong pairings making their way into the second round, notably Mike Caley and Steve Cain (Nobles) and Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly (Marown). In the bottom half of the draw Jamie Box (Marown) and Jordan Cain (South Ramsey) together with Ed Carlyle (South Ramsey) and Les Brookes (Finch Hill) all starting off strong. In an all-ladies games Janet Monk and Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park) just pipped Lynda Cadamy and Philippa Taylor (Marown) 21-19. Sisters Shannon and Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) had a tough game against Peter Jones and Cherise Fialho (Marown) taking a 21-20 win.

Special mention to Castletown juniors Sam Quayle and Freddie Palmer who didn’t quite get the better of Brian Lindsay (Peel) and Kevin Airey (Noble’s) this time. Hard luck boys but possible stars of the future?

The second round saw several close games, Mark Bradshaw and Alex Yates (Nobles) just losing out 19-21 to Lindsay and Airey, then Carlyle and Brookes (South Ramsey/Finch Hill) taking a 21-18 win against home-greeners Taylor and Brookes.

Into the quarter finals defending champions Neil Withers and Paul Dunn (Marown) showed their dominance by beating Box and Cain 21-9. Castletown pairing Nathan Hamilton and Kieran Krypner lost out to Carlyle and Brookes 21-17. The closest game this round was between Keggen and Kelly who just won 21-20 against Pip Pemberton (Peel) and Peter Greenlees (Marown).

On to the first semi-final where Caley and Cain continued their challenge beating Keggen and Kelly 21-18. The second semi-final saw Withers and Dunn ending the charge of Carlyle and Brookes 21-14. Both these games saw some very close ends and skilful bowling.

On to the final. Caley and Cain who had played exceptionally well all afternoon, came up against the full might of Withers and Dunn. Every end was hard fought but Withers and Dunn proved just too much and ran out the eventually winners 21-8. Congratulations to Neil and Paul and well played Mike and Steve.

The presentation was made by Brian Murphy on behalf of Finch Hill and Douglas Borough Council. Thanks to the stewards, markers, measurers, the ladies providing the usual excellent refreshments and to Joyce Ogden for running the sheet.