News: Announcements
Hargraves Wins Sheila Freeman Memorial 32 Invitational
SHEILA FREEMAN MEMORIAL 32 INVITATIONAL 2025 WINNER - GLYNN HARGRAVES WITH SPONSOR DEREK HALSALL
Photo: Tash FenlonFriday evening saw the return of the post festival invitational competition, with the competition organised by local bowler Paul Dunn, with Douglas Bowling Club hosting the event and 32 bowlers accepting the invitation to play. The competition featured 16 local bowlers, and 16 visitors who had taken part in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival.
The competition was put in place in memory of the late Sheila Freeman, who visited the Island for a number of years with her partner Derek Halsall who sponsored the competition.
The format was 21 up with 3 on the card, with the draw taking place earlier in the afternoon from two pots with visiting bowlers playing local players in the first round.
With a strong field taking part, it proved tough for the local bowlers, with just five of the 16 locals winning their first round games, with Jamie Box (Marown), Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey, John Kennish (South Ramsey), Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel) and Stevie Kelly (Peel) going into the second round.
Box won 21-14 against Ryan Clark, Hargraves beat Gareth Hughes 21-17, Kennish held off Mark Hughes 21-17, Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly breezed through 21-9 against Joe Cranston, whilst Stevie Kelly impressed with a 21-19 win against Chris Mordue.
Other notable first round results were Castletown’s Nathan Hamilton losing out to Conor Chamberlain 19-21, Paul Dunn (Marown) was pipped to the post 20-21 by Josh Mordue, Gaz Lally got over the line 21-19 against Phil Kelly (Marown), whilst Jack Dyson just edged home 21-20 against Tom Kelly (Marown).
At the quarter final stage Conor Chamberlain lost out 18-21 to Reece Farr, Glynn Hargraves won 21-16 against Gaz Lally. In the bottom half of the draw the current holder John Kennish had an epic battle with Callum Wraight, with the spectators treated to some fine bowling, with the pair clashing at the same stage as they did in last year’s competition, it was Kennish who prevailed again with a 21-19 victory to progress to the semi-final, whilst Stevie was up against it with John Bailey losing out 8-21.
The first semi-final saw Hargraves up against Farr, after exchanging ends in the early part of the game, Hargraves got a run with the jack with the score at 13-11 to lead 20-11 playing a sweeping round peg off the edge of the crown. Farr got in to take a single, however a good first bowl from the South Ramsey man was enough to book his spot in the final with a 21-12 win.
The other semi-final saw Bailey take a 13-7 lead over Kennish, however the local man stepped up a couple of gears to see the game out with a 21-15 victory playing the edge in front of the kitchen on a falling mark.
The final got underway with the floodlights coming into play, with the green still proving tricky. For a second consecutive year it was two locals vying for the title, with Kennish the current holder starting as favourite. A two on the first end saw Kennish head for the edge that had served him well in the semi-final, however Hargraves got in immediately to win three ends on the bounce as he headed for the mark that had won him the semi-final.
Kennish got in with a single and headed for the crown, was counting for two with Hargraves playing a rambler in an effort to save, he somewhat fortuitously counted one, went on to win four ends on the spin to lead 10-6. Two quick fire doubles from Kennish saw the game level at 10-10 after 11 ends.
With both players throwing the jack off the green on consecutive ends it was Hargraves who pressed ahead 17-13 having won five of the next seven ends returning to a mark played in the earlier rounds over the middle of the green. Kennish hit back once again to close the deficit to a solitary chalk at 16-17. With Kennish in the corners and counting for two, there was room to get in, with the last bowl of the end just getting in between two short bowls to count.
A single on the next end put Hargraves within touching distance of the title and £500 first prize, and he duly obliged putting up two good bowls on the final end to win the game 21-16, whilst Kennish took home £250.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by competition organiser Paul Dunn who thanked everyone had had accepted the invitation to play, Douglas Bowling Club for hosting the event, providing a superb playing surface, all the club members who had helped, along with competition sponsor Derek Halsall who was introduced to present the prizes.
Taylor wins Julia North Trophy
Winner of 2025 Julia North Trophy - Philippa Taylor with Sponsor Debbie Leece
Photo: Arnie WithersAfter a few years hiatus, on a warm and sometimes wet afternoon, Marown Bowling club held the Julia North Ladies Singles competition. With an entry of 20 bowlers there were some great games that were all played in lovely spirits, with the competition sponsored by Debbie Does Nails. All of the home green Ladies started off 5 with everyone else off 6.
The quarter final stage was a bit of ballaugh versus Marown, which saw Rose Waterworth 21 ended Lisa Pugh 15 of progressing any further. Lyn Bolton 21 made sure the sponsor Debbie Leece 18 wasn’t taking home any winnings. Jayne Smith 21 and Maria Dimsdale 16 had a close battle, and the final quarter winner Philippa Taylor 21 ended Michele Cubbon 12 good run.
The two finalists were on top form at the semi-final stage with Philippa winning 21-14 against Jayne and Rose 21-10 against Lyn.
The Final started with some top bowling from both players, after five ends Rose was leading 10-7. Philippa picked up a two and changed the length of play to win herself a few two’s and take the lead. After 14 ends the game was at 16-15 where Philippa found her mark and didn’t look back. Taking the win 21-15.
The presentation was made by Lisa Pugh and Debbie Leece our sponsor Debbie Does Nails, who thanked everyone who supported and helped on the day.
Report by Lisa Pugh
AND THERE’S MOORE
Ladies Pre-Festival Singles Winner 2025 - Jenny Moore
Photo: Kim HargravesThe 2025 Ladies Association Pre festival singles competition was held on Sunday at Marown Bowling Club attracting an entry of 27 ladies including seven visiting lady bowlers from the UK.
Getting through to the quarter finals were Karen Hill (New Mill BC) who beat Michele Cubbon (Ballaugh BC|) 21-17; Ronnie Lyon (Unison BC) who beat Zoe Bolton (Marown BC) 21-17; Chelsie Walne (Donnington Wood BC) who beat Elaine Hawkins (Breagle BC) 21-8; Jenny Moore South Ramsey BC) who beat Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-8; Helen Withers (Marown BC)) who beat Katharine Gee (Unison BC) 21-20; Lyn Bolton (Marown BC) who beat Sue Collier (South Ramsey BC) 21-11, and Roz Cannon (Breagle BC) who beat stablemate Angela Bennett 21-17.
First of the quarter finals saw Karen have a comfortable 21-7 win against Ronnie; second quarter final was between Louise and Chelsie with Louise Tebay (Ballaugh) winning 21-16; third quarter final saw Jenny take on Helen winning 21-14. Last of the quarter finals saw a nip and tuck game between Lyn and Roz with Lyn eventually winning 21-17.
The semi-finals resulted in Jenny easing through to the final with a 21-11 win over Lyn, whilst the other semi saw Karen lead 18-16 on the 18th end before Louise dug deep to score five consecutive singles to take the game 21-18.
With both Jenny and Louise playing well, the final was expected to be a hotly contested game but Jenny came out of the blocks the strongest and despite Louise’s best effort ran out a worthy 21-11 winner.
Presentation of the trophy and prizes was made by Chris Holland, Competition Secretary. On receiving the trophy, Jenny thanked all the lady bowlers who took part, all her opponents, Marown Bowling Club for hosting and providing refreshments throughout the afternoon, and Chris Holland for the smooth running of the competition.
The Price is Right for Colin in Ballacashtal Cup
Ballacashtal Cup Winner 2025 - Colin Price with sponsor James Hinchliffe of JRH Plumbing & Heating
Photo: Glynn HargravesThe ever-popular pre-festival Ballacashtal Cup was held on Sunday attracting an entry of 84 bowlers, matching the 2023 entry, made up of locals and visiting bowlers. The Castletown green was in good condition, with the pace of the green picking up throughout the day following the recent downpours. The competition had a new sponsor on board with JRH Plumbing and Heating supporting the event.
At the quarter final stage Ricky Cochrane (Kirkham) held on to beat former winner Charlie Roberts (Dukinfield Central) 21-19, whilst Colin Price (Dukinfield Central) beat Josh Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) 21-16.
In the other half of the draw Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey) led 19-11 against Neil Wright (Kirkham), with the latter fighting back to 17-19, however Kelly managed to see the game out with two singles to win 21-17. Chris Heyes (Dukinfield Central) took on home greener Nathan Hamilton, with the latter having played a great bowl on the deciding end against Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly to take his place in the quarter finals 21-20. Heyes took a 14-7 lead, eventually went on to win 21-15 against the last home greener.
At the semi-final stage, it was the end of the road for Cochrane, with Price never trailing in the game, as the latter won 21-17 to book his spot in the final. The other semi-final was even closer as Kelly had to dig deep to get over the line 21-19 against Heyes.
The final saw two players with different game plans, as Kelly preferred to play up to the crown, whilst Price opted for the longer length in the corners. With neither player able put up a good lead bowl in the early part of the game, it was Price who made the first move to lead 17-12 after 11 ends.
A change in game plan arrived when Kelly got in on the 12th end, as he won four consecutive ends in the corners to close the deficit to one chalk at 16-17. A timely two, followed by a single for Price put the visiting bowler within touching distance of the trophy, however Kelly got back in to pick up a single. On the next end Price was confident he had bowled the winner, singled for one shortly after sending his bowl with this coming back to haunt him, as his bowl just hung out wide. When given some gentle banter from some of his mates Price replied that he was thinking about the next end, so it proved, as a great last bowl from Price, saw him get over the line 21-18, as Price took home the famous trophy for the first time and the first prize of £400, whilst the South Ramsey man could console himself with £200 for his efforts on the day.
The presentation was made by Competition Secretary Nathan Hamilton who thanked the sponsors JRH Plumbing and Heating for sponsoring the competition, the ladies for the refreshments and Kath Kinley for the great work in the competition hut. Castletown Bowling Club President Hilary Kermode then introduced the sponsor James Hinchliffe to present the prizes. Upon accepting the trophy Colin commented that he had been coming to the Island for 49 years, since 1976, and that it was the first competition that he had won on the Isle of Man, also stated that this competition was his favourite day of the week.
Moore Wins Pre-Festival Jim Kernan Cup
Jim Kernan Cup Winner 2025 - Alan Moore
Photo: Glynn HargravesSouth Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday afternoon, in what is traditionally the first of the pre-festival opens with a healthy entry of 62 matching the 2024 entry. With heavy thunderstorms and lightning in the morning, the green was deemed playable with bursts of rain throughout the afternoon, however all 62 entrants turned up to play. The competition was sponsored by George Brew and CEF also on board this year.
At the quarter final stage Matthew Quirk (Onchan) beat Steve Barber (Grapes) after finishing the game strongly scoring six doubles on his way to a 21-15 win. Nick Wyer (Penn) was 19-19 with Paul Dunn (Marown) only for the latter to finish the game with a two to progress to the semi-final 21-19.
In the other half of the draw Reece Farr (Penn) seen off Andy Kennish (Peel) 21-16, whilst the last home greener Alan Moore put paid to the challenge of Joe Dicken (Woodfield) 21-14.
Both winners of the semi-finals ended up with comfortable wins as Quirk trailed 6-12, and 13-15 to Dunn who was the current holder having won the competition for the past two years, with the former running out to win 21-15. Moore managed to build up a healthy 16-8 lead over Farr, as the latter fought back only to lose out 16-21.
The final saw neither player able to win more than two consecutive ends in the early stages, it was Quirk who led by two chalks after nine ends at 13-11. Moore went on to win seven of the next eight ends playing the corners to go within touching distance of his first win in this competition, however two doubles from Quirk cast a shadow of doubt on the outcome, however a single was enough for Moore to lift the trophy, along with the £350 first prize, whilst Quirk took home £150 for his efforts. This was also Moore’s third singles open competition win overall having previously lifting the Autumn Shield and Dreswick Cup.
The presentation was made by South Ramsey club member Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the ladies for providing the refreshments throughout the day, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition. Thanks were given to long term sponsor George Brew, along with Richard Butler from sponsor CEF who presented the prizes.
Gawne & Firth Win Pre-Festival Doubles
Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles Winners 2025 with Nicola Lewthwaite from Sponsor Picaro Limited
Photo: Nathan HamiltonDespite persistent rain throughout the day, the Pre-Festival Ladies Doubles competition – kindly sponsored by Picaro Limited went ahead in great spirits at Castletown Bowling Club on Saturday, 14th June.
A strong field of 24 pairs took part in the popular round-robin format, with four groups of six pairs playing 7-end matches to determine the semi-finalists. The wet conditions didn’t dampen the level of play, with spectators treated to a day of competitive and entertaining bowling.
After an excellent display in the group stages, the four group winners progressing to the semi-finals were:
* Hannah Drewett & Alison Kearsley (Castletown)
* Linda Dawson & Mavis Franks (Breagle Glen)
* Kim Hargraves & Jenny Moore (South Ramsey)
* Sue Gawne & Paula Firth (Nobles)
Hannah Drewett and Alison Kearsley were quickest out the blocks in the first semi-final securing their place in the final with a straightforward win against Linda Dawson and Mavis Franks, Kim Hargraves and Jenny Moore narrowly missed out on a spot to Sue Gawne and Paula Firth in the final losing the last end to end their hopes, after strong showings throughout the day.
The final saw Sue Gawne and Paula Firth (Nobles) take on home favourites Alison Kearsley & Hannah Drewett (Castletown). In an exciting match played with great spirit and skill, it was Gawne and Firth who came out on top, securing the title and capping off a fine day of bowls.
Thanks must go to Castletown Bowling Club for hosting the event so efficiently, especially under challenging weather conditions. A special mention to the ladies in the kitchen, who kept everyone warm and well-fed throughout the day, and to the Castletown club members who assisted with measuring and stewarding duties. And, of course, a heartfelt thanks to Picaro Limited for their generous sponsorship and continued support of ladies’ bowls, with Nicola Lewthwaite from Picaro Limited presenting the prizes.
Published by Nathan Hamilton
REILLY & MOORE WIN CORKHILL & CALLOW OVER 60’S ANY COMBINATION DOUBLES
CORKHILL & CALLOW OVER 60’S ACD WINNERS 2025 - Julie Reilly & Elaine Moore
Photo: Jenny MooreSouth Ramsey Bowling Club hosted the Over 60’s any combination doubles competition sponsored by Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors with a healthy entry of 24 pairs taking part with the fine weather enjoyed during May making a timely return. The competition was being played for the fifth time in its current format and was previously known as the Pro Tours Gold Cup.
At the quarter final stage Caroline Whitehead and Joyce Ogden (Breagle Glen/South Ramsey) easily overcame the challenge of Ray Skelly and Mike Dransfield (North Ramsey) 21-9. Siblings Janet Monk and Peter Slinger (Mooragh Park/Onchan) beat home greeners, husband and wife pairing of Steve and Judy Kelly 21-14. In the other half of the draw Les Brookes and Derek Allen (Nobles/Onchan) lost out to Julie Reilly and Elaine Moore (Ballaugh/South Ramsey) 15-21, whilst Mooragh Park pair Lynn Mayers and Pat Lenton performed well before losing out 18-21 to South Ramsey’s Ian Colquitt and Lee Dawson.
In the first semi-final Whitehead and Ogden got the better of pre-tournament favourites Monk and Slinger 21-19, whilst Reilly and Moore took a fairly straightforward 21-13 win over Colquitt and Dawson.
The final was extremely well contested with both pairings featuring home greener and an away greener, it was Whitehead and Ogden who made the first move winning the first three ends with a three, and two doubles to lead 12-5. Reilly and Moore hit back scoring 10 chalks over five ends to lead 15-12. A three from Caroline and Joyce levelled the game up after nine ends at 15-15, only for Julie and Elaine to restore their three chalk least ends later at 18-15. The Breagle/South Ramsey pair looked like they were going to get over the line as a single and two doubles got them within grasp of lifting the trophy, however the Ballaugh/South Ramsey pair rallied once more scoring a single and a double to get over the line 21-20 in a thrilling final.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by South Ramsey Treasurer Geoff Collier, who thanked Corkhill and Callow Funeral Directors for once again sponsoring the competition, the club members who helped with the running of the competition and the Ladies for the refreshments provided throughout the day.
Bolton Wins Ramsey Town Cup
2025 Ladies Ramsey Town Cup Winner - Lyn Bolton
Photo: Gary LentonLyn Bolton was crowned Ladies Ramsey Town Cup champion after a near faultless afternoon’s bowling display seeing off the challenges of Kim Hargraves (21-13), Pat Lenton (21- 8), Gail Corrin (21-8) in the top half of the draw to reach the final.
Janet Monk was the leading bowler in the bottom half of the draw beating Martha Blencoe (21-11), Jayne Smith (21-14), Sue Collier (21-16) and Madison McMullan (21-15) to set up a final showdown with Lyn. (In the quarter-final Madison had defeated her sister Bailey McMullan 21-15 to set up her semi-final match against Janet.)
The final, between two such strong players, did not disappoint with the lead changing hands several times until the eighth end when the score reached 12 across. Lyn then took control of the game and by the 14th end had manged to establish a three-shot lead at 17-14. The 15th end was declared a “No End” with both players closest bowls being equidistant from the jack. Janet won the 16th end to get back to within two shots of Lyn, but Lyn fought back on the 17th end to re-establish a three-shot lead. However, the momentum swung again towards Janet on the next end two ends to bring the score back to eighteen across-it was anyone’s game at that stage. The next two ends, however, swung back in Lyn’s favour with a 2 and a 1shot to clinch the Cup 21-18.
The competition was sponsored by Safetynet Ltd, and the Cup and prizes were presented by Peter Slinger.
Marown Regain Top Spot at Half-Way Point
South Ramsey B who lost 9-1 against South Ramsey A on a wet and windy Monday evening
Photo: Phil CainMonday 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) performed well at home to beat higher ranked Onchan B (+40) by 45 chalks (198-153), also won 6-3 on games, whilst Onchan C (+60) hosted Marown C (+40), with the Crosby men overturning a 20 chalk deficit to win by 27 chalks on the night (171-198).
Boland Wins Henry Kissack Memorial Trophy
Henry Kissack Memorial Trophy Winner 2025 - Glenn Boland with Marown President Brian Kelly
Photo: Glynn HargravesMarown 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.