Monday night saw the halfway stage reached of Canada Life International League Division One, following lasts weeks blustery conditions this was extended to included heavy rain showers.

Marown A didn’t let the conditions affect them, as they secured their second 10-0 home win of the season against Peel A, as they claimed two 21-20 victories, with Paul Dunn holding off Gary Smith, whilst Peter Jones also edged home to the same score against Stevie Kelly. The next highest score for Peel was a 17-21 defeat for Pip Pemberton against Phil Kelly. Neil Withers and Glenn Boland won to single figures against Paul Quirk and Andy Mackie respectively. The result saw Marown A hit top spot having sacrificed it after game four in the season in their only league defeat of the season.

South Ramsey A took on their B team, despite winning all nine games of the season they surrendered top spot, as the A team claimed a 9-1 victory, with Tony Dugdale preventing the whitewash as he clawed back from a 14-20 deficit to run out with a 21-20 win over Glynn Hargraves. Ben Dugdale came next closest to picking up a second win for the B team, only to lose out 18-21 to Dido Kelly. Three single figure wins were claimed by Bob Clark, Peter Collister, and Jordan Cain.

Onchan A came away from Breagle Glen A with a solid 1-9 success, however the home team put up a good fight with their lowest defeat beat to 14. David Cain lost out 17-21 to Phil Kerruish, Steve Durcan lost to the same score to Matthew Quirk, Ewan Cooil was defeated 18-21 by Jamie Clague, whilst Breagle captain Chris Lever just fell short 19-21 against Mike Alexander. Wayne Roberts was the lone winner for the home team as he beat Will Penhallurick 21-11.

Castletown A will have been disappointed to draw 5-5 at home to Marown B, despite winning five of the eight games played. Of three defeats suffered, two were to single figures that ultimately cost them the aggregate by eight chalks (129-137). Andy Clark had a tough night losing 1-21 to Matthew Keggen, Kieran Krypner lost 6-21 against Peter Greenlees. The third winner for the Crosby men was John Gelling who held off Aaron Richardson 21-17. For Town Nathan Cooil just got over the line 21-20 against Brian Kelly, Dean Kinley impressed with a 21-11 win over Karl Parker, whilst Town captain Nathan Hamilton won 21-9 against Kevin Kelly.

North Ramsey A impressed with their 8-2 home win over Douglas A, with Joe Kneale beating Shaun Seal 21-5, whilst John Piekalns went one better with his 21-4 win over Mark Kneen. John Cannan had to battle for his 21-20 victory over Gordy Wynne-Smythe. For the visitors Ian Moore beat Allan Callow 21-14, whilst Andy Cannell beat Steve Walmsley 21-11.

In Division Two Ballaugh A made it nine consecutive wins in a row, as they beat their nearest rivals Marown C 7-3 at home, with just eight chalks separating the teams (146-138). The only game that was close was between Tony Quine and Steve Wilson as the Ballaugh man won 21-19. Three games were won to 13, a further three finished at 14, with Mike Spooner beating John Kelly 21-16.

Noble’s A just about hung onto third place, following their hard fought 3-7 win away to Peel B, as they claimed the aggregate by six chalks (150-156) in a high scoring contest, as four of their five wins were close. Captain Alex Yates got over the line 21-20 against Colin Moore, Martyn Hobson beat Rob Middleton 21-19, whilst Mark Bradshaw and Phil Salmon won 21-18 against Jimmy Corlett and Harry Kelly respectively. For Peel Andrew Cover beat Kevin Moore 21-20, with teammate Gordon Corrin beating Dave Naughton 21-17.

Noble’s B will have been disappointed to slip to a 4-6 defeat at home to Castletown B, as they lost the all-important aggregate by eight chalks (131-139). For the Town men Phil Cannon’s 21-8 win over Steve Brennan will have gone a long way to help secure the bonus two points available for the aggregate. Junior bowler Sam Quayle managed to hold off Dean Sowerby 21-17. All four of the home wins were comfortable with captain Steve Cain continuing to impress with a 21-13 win over Peter Oates.

Finch Hill A came away from the Villa with a 2-8 victory over Douglas B, as they won three games to 18, 19, and 20 with Mark Taylor, Paul Dougherty, and Sam Stannard all winning. Making a big difference on the chalks were big wins for Stephen Oates and Shay Waterworth, who won to single figures against Geoff Mayles, and David Pease respectively.

Onchan B were the biggest winners in Division Two as they won 9-1 at home to Breagle Glen B, with the visitors a man short as they missed out on scoring over 100 chalks (166-93). Onchan couldn’t quite get a 10-0, with Alan Crebbin the hero of the night in the visitors’ eyes, as he beat former clubmate Derek Allen 21-19.

In Division Three league leaders North Ramsey B were just two chalks shy of a full house, as they won 9-1 at home to their nearest rivals in the table Peel C. Marown D claimed a 7-3 home win over South Ramsey C by seven chalks (148-141), whilst the closest match of the night was between Ballaugh C and Noble’s D, with the Noble’s men taking a 4-6 victory by five chalks (145-150).

In Division Four Onchan C show no signs of slipping as they won 2-8 away to South Ramsey D, with three single figure winners, whilst South Ramsey captain Frank Feeney impressed with a 21-8 win over James McNee.

Douglas C came away from the Crofts with a 3-7 victory over Castletown C, with Junior bowlers from both teams continuing to impress on a weekly basis, as five of the games finished to 17 or above, showing a keenly contested fixture.

Douglas D won 7-3 at home to Noble’s E, with another Junior impressing as Clark Kelly won 21-6 against Ross Pulman.

North Ramsey C remained in second place thanks to their 3-7 away win over Peel D, as three single figure wins ensured they won the aggregate by 39 chalks (106-145).

Plumbmaster Rayner Shield

All four Rayner Shield fixture took place on Wednesday evening, with all four favourites progressing through to the semi-finals.

Marown A had a tricky looking fixture away to Onchan A, however they won 6-2 on the night, with Tom Kelly having to battle for his 21-20 win over Peter Slinger. Father and son were the two Onchan winners as Kevin Quirk beat Sam Clague 21-10, whilst Matthew won to the same score against Neil Withers.

South Ramsey A were drawn away to Douglas A, with Stefan Kelly stepping in following his return from his travels as he played his first game of the 2025 season. The South Ramsey men had to battle for three of the six wins, as Jordan Cain had a game on his hands with Nick Firth (21-17), Dido Kelly finished the game strongly scoring a good two to win 21-20, whilst James Teare recovered from a 15-19 deficit against Mark Kneen to win 21-19.

Breagle Glen A didn’t have it all their own way against second division side Noble’s B, as they had to earn their 5-3 home win. For the visitors Mike Caley caused the biggest upset of the night as he beat Trevor Quayle 21-19, whilst Mark Moorley made a guest appearance for the Breagle men, showing he has still got it as he beat Paul Moore 21-11.

Marown B progressed despite drawing 4-4 away to Peel B, however the chalks were never in doubt as they won by 22 chalks (127-149). Two single figure wins from Kevin Kelly and Marown captain Juan Killip over Paul Baker and Dougie Allan respectively ensured safe passage to the next round.

Plumbmaster Rayner Plate

The highest ranked side left in the competition Castletown A (+30) had to clawback 20 chalks against low lying third division side Ballaugh C (+50), who were not to be underestimated given home advantage. The result was looking precarious for the Town men at one stage, however Kieran Krypner stepped up to the plate in the second half of the match as he won 21-7 against Simon Clarke, as he held his nerve brilliantly to ensure the visitors edged home by six chalks (173-179). Ballaugh can be proud at their efforts as they took three wins from a team two divisions, and 23 places higher than their opponents, as Stephen Swift, Dicky Watson, and Richard Green all won.

Peel C (+45) vs Onchan B (+40)

Douglas C (+60) vs Castletown B (+50)

Onchan C (+60) vs Marown C (+40)

Marown Bowling Club hosted the Henry Kissack Memorial Trophy on Sunday afternoon with the competition sponsored by Glenn Boland Plumbing & Heating attracting 61 entries. After the recent wet weather the rain held off for the majority of the day.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Tom Kelly (Marown) 15-21 to South Ramsey’s David Bradford, with the latter recovering from a 5-9 deficit. Onchan’s Will Penhallurick got the better of home greener Darren Kerruish 21-19.

In other half of the draw Peter Jones progressed to the semi-final with a 21-16 win over Peel man Paul Quirk. The last quarter final resulted in a big win for Glenn Boland who beat Marown teammate Colin Kelly for the first time doing it in style with a 21-8 victory.

Penhallurick had the unenviable task of taking on Bradford at the semi-final stage, the Onchan man didn’t get off to a great start as Bradford took a 11-5 lead. Penhallurick hit back losing just three more ends, scoring five doubles on his way to a 21-16 win to book his place in his first singles final.

The other semi-final saw Boland carry on his good form from his earlier rounds to defeat his doubles partner and teammate Peter Jones comfortably 21-10.

The final started with a huge upset looking to be on the cards as Penhallurick stormed into a 14-7 lead with 10 ends played, playing superbly. On the 11th end Boland played a good second bowl to get hold of the jack which he never forfeited from there scoring three singles, five consecutive doubles and finished the game with three singles to take a deserved 21-14 victory to lift the Henry Kissack Memorial Trophy for the first time.

The presentation was made by Marown President Brian Kelly who thanked Glenn Boland Plumbing and Heating for sponsoring the competition for the first time, everyone who had helped with the running of the competition and the ladies for providing refreshments throughout the day.

Men’s night league action took place on Monday evening, with the windy conditions ensuring no T.T. racing took place, however this made for difficult conditions for bowlers, with the top teams coming through unscathed.

Onchan A consolidated third place in Canada Life International Division One following their 9-1 home win over South Ramsey B, with the visitors scoring just 73 chalks. The lone winner for South was Tony Hart who ambled to a 21-10 win over Mike Alexander, with just two more of the visitors reaching double figures as Christian Caley lost out 10-21 to Neil Dunwell, whilst George Brew scored 11 against Will Penhallurick. Five single figure wins for the home team saw just 31 chalks scored by the visitors. After a difficult start to the season Onchan are now in a spot they are more accustomed to.

Marown A had a potential banana skin as they took on their B Team, whilst the lower ranked team lost 9-1, they put up a good fight with the chalks 157-125. Preventing the whitewash was Karl Parker whose 21-10 win over Tom Kelly was never in doubt. Marown captain Paul Dunn was given a fright as he edged home 21-20 against Stevie Rundle, whilst Peter Greenlees lost out 19-21 to Peter Jones. The only single figure winner on the night was Colin Kelly who beat Brian Kelly 21-9.

Like the Marown derby another tricky fixture was in store for South Ramsey A who faced local rivals North Ramsey A. Bob Clark was the only single figure winner as he beat Allan Callow 21-4 in blustery conditions to help his team to a 9-1 victory. Toby Hart stepped up from the B team to make his first team debut, putting in a solid performance as he held off Tom Collins 21-18. The only other win that was in doubt was Dido Kelly, who faced Mooragh captain Rob Monk, with the South man leading 11-4 and 17-9, a fightback from Monk saw the game go to the wire with the score tied at 19-19 Kelly knocked Monk in who went into the lead for only the second time in the game – since the first end to lead 20-19. Kelly drew on all his experience to see the game out picking up two singles to get over the line 21-20.

Peel A won 8-2 at home to Breagle Glen A, with the visitors putting up a good fight as they scored highly (151-135). A much-changed line up for Breagle saw three changes as Ewan Cooil stepped up from the B Team as he lost out 20-21 to Andy Mackie, Dave Saxon faced a fully fit Peel captain George Gadsby only to suffer a 7-21 defeat, whilst Chris Oates beat Gary Smith 21-8. Other close games saw Dan McCabe lose 18-21 to Pip Pemberton, whilst Wayne Roberts lost to the same score against Paul Quirk. Tommy McMeiken continues to go well in the individual merit having suffered just one league defeat all season, as he held off Trevor Quayle 21-15, with Steve Durcan picking up a second point for the visitors with a 21-17 win over Charlie McMeiken.

The closest game in the top division on Monday night was between Douglas A and Castletown A at the Villa, with the home team winning 7-3, taking the aggregate by nine chalks (144-135). Stuart Garrett stepped in and impressed with a 21-6 win over Jordan Drewett, whilst three home wins were close as Merv Sayle faced opposing captain Nathan Hamilton, with the former winning 21-18. Ian Moore held off Kieran Krypner 21-19, whilst Keith Rise beat Andy Clark to the same score. Winning for the visitors were Dean Kinley, Nathan Cooil, and a visiting Mikey Collister, who won the kitty as he beat Shaun Seal 21-11.

With the undefeated Ballaugh A having already played their T.T. fixture it was an opportunity for second placed Marown C to close the gap on the league leaders in Division Two as they faced Onchan B at home. With a 7-3 home win the gap was closed to three points, with Colin Spence, Derek Allen, and Mike Thomas ensuring the visitors took three points off the Crosby men. For the home team Sid Bolton got over the line 21-20 against Neil Richmond, whilst single figure wins were secured by James Kelly and John Kelly over Neil Taylor and Bernie McPhee respectively.

With fixtures creatively done to ensure as little travel as possible Noble’s A faced off against their B Team on number two green, as they extended the gap over the ever improving lower ranked side to 10 points, following their 8-2 win, with 12 chalks separating the teams to show it was a good match (150-138). Winning close games for the A Team were Stephen Corkill, Jim Callister, and captain Alex Yates over Steve Brennan, Steve Cain, and Lee Greggor respectively. Winning for the B team were Lee Price 21-11 against Martyn Hobson, whilst Dean Sowerby beat Mark Bradshaw 21-13.

Home advantage ensured it was a better week for Breagle Glen B as they faced Peel B, with the home team securing a vital 6-4 win, taking the win on the aggregate (145-134)

In Division Three it couldn’t have been much closer for South Ramsey C who won 6-4 at home to North Ramsey B, snatching the aggregate by just one chalk (131-130), with Paul Routledge the biggest winner for the home team as he beat Paul Cannan 21-6. Not to be outdone on single figure wins Ray Skelly beat Anthony Kelly 21-7, whilst Bryan Corner returned to his old stomping ground with a 21-4 win over James Moore. The two single figure wins for the visitors couldn’t prevent the defeat for the visitors.

Ballaugh C held off their B Team B 7-3 in another keenly contested game as the higher ranked team took the aggregate by eight chalks (144-136).

Peel C won 7-3 at home to Noble’s C, with three games finishing to a 21-20 scoreline all of which involved three members of the same family, as two went in favour of the home team, with Kevin Mort and Andy Jackson holding off Steve Colquitt and Sam Colquitt, whilst the youngest member of the family Alex Colquitt went home with his 21-20 win over Ross Menton.

Just two fixtures went ahead in Division Four with both games finishing with 9-1 wins. The ever-improving Noble’s E won at home to Peel D, with the visitors being kept under 100 chalks (161-89), with this also the case as Douglas C beat Douglas D (164-88).

Several fixtures had been moved due to the T.T. racing as agreed by both team captains.

In 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.

Douglas 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.