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Simm & Bailey Take Festival Titles
Gill Simm & John Bailey - September 2019 Festival Winners
Photo: Arnie WithersThe top prizes in the Isle of Man September Bowls Festival went to two visitors.
In the Men’s competition it was John Bailey (Castlefields) who picked up his second September Festival following on from his 2017 victory taking the winners cheque for £3,000. Bailey had to overcome the challenge of Matty Worden (Broughton).
The final started with 2018 BCGBA Junior Champion Worden taking four of the first five ends to build a 12-6 lead on a shorter length. Bailey then took the next three ends favouring a longer length to sit one chalk behind at 11-12. Worden then scored a double and a single with Bailey taking a chalk in between for Worden to lead 15-13. Bailey then took control scoring five chalks in three ends to lead 18-15, only for a determined Worden to hit back once more to level the game at 18-18. With the final reaching a crucial point Worden led a good bowl approximately six inches from the jack, with Bailey responding by playing a front toucher which was not beaten. Bailey wisely chose not to play his second bowl with plenty of danger had he opted to play his bowl. With Bailey now leading 19-18 he played two good bowls to lie game. Worden played a reaching bowl to give himself a chance of saving game or playing a winner only to flick his first bowl onto one of Bailey’s bowls which connected with the jack but couldn’t prevent Bailey from taking the two chalks he needed to secure a 21-18 victory in a fantastic final. Worden could take consolation in the runners up cheque for £1,000, with his reputation in the game growing with each performance.
Bailey reached the final courtesy of a comfortable 21-13 win over David Bradford (South Ramsey), whilst Worden booked his place in the final defeating the current holder John Kennish in a thrilling game with no more than three chalks between them throughout the entire game. With the score tied at 19-19 Worden played up to the crown and was lying one only for Kennish to play a great second bowl to lead 20-19. Kennish had no other option than to play into the corner from the middle of the green and led a bowl a foot past the jack, Worden played his first bowl slightly further away, with Kennish putting his second a foot short of the jack to leave Worden with no option other than to reach. Worden connected with Kennish’ short bowl which pushed it onto his first bowl to take both bowls out to secure chalks to secure a 21-20 victory with a bowl that was both brilliant and somewhat fortuitous. Kennish will have been cursing his luck and the handicap with having to give his opponent a two start due to his previous festival success.
The quarter finals had two games that were closely contested with Kennish seeing off Billy Speed (Alexander Park) with a hard fought 21-18 win. The closest game of the quarters was between Bradford and Callum Wraight (Castlefields) with Wraight still searching for his first festival title despite having won some of the biggest titles in the UK. Bradford fought back from a 10-14 deficit, and a 17-20 deficit, however Bradford had to rely on his striking ability to pull him through by taking the jack off three times in the final six ends to stay in the game, taking two doubles in between another dead end to secure a 21-20 victory. In the other two quarter finals Bailey ended the challenge of James Higgins (Meersbrook) with a 21-15 win, whilst Worden progressed thanks to a 21-10 win over Craig Richardson (Castlefields).
In the Ladies main event it was Gill Simm (Lune Road) who went one better than last year to win the Ladies title and the cheque for £1,000 with a hard fought 21-20 win over Molly Sullivan (St Georges). Simm was quickest out of the blocks taking the lead 11-7, before Sullivan took the next four ends to lead 13-11. It was nip and tuck from there, however Simm did manage to edge 19-18 ahead and was lying two for game with Sullivan getting a huge slice of luck sitting out her opponent’s furthest bowl to save game. On the next end Sullivan took a double to tie the score at 20-20, with Simm starting to wonder if she would suffer the same fate as last year. On the final end the left handed Sullivan perhaps trying to catch out her opponent played off the edge of the crown, however was unable to put up a good lead which Simm punished to play a good bowl. Sullivan was unable to beat the bowl of Simm, which ensured Simm picked up a chalk to secure a 21-20 victory in what was a great final.
In the semi-finals Simm booked her place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win over Sharon Gadd (Shipley), whilst Sullivan took a straightforward 21-14 over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey).
Simm started her day with a 21-15 win over Mary Alderson (Marown), whilst Gadd took a 21-19 victory over Carleen Doody-Millington (St Georges). Moore defeated Alison Cotton (St Georges) 21-14, whilst Sullivan ended the challenge of Fiona Kennish (South Ramsey) with a 21-12 win.
Local awards went to John Kennish who received the Chris Quayle trophy for the furthest Manx Man, whilst Jenny Moore received the Blanche Kaye Trophy for the furthest Manx Lady.
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) who performed well to see off Callum Wraight (Castlefields) to take the Tourism title with a 21-14 win, with it has to be noted Wraight not enjoying his usual success when striking.
Both semi-finals were well contested with Gilmore booking his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 win over Ben Phillips (Lloyd Hotel), whilst Wraight had to dig deep to see off Stuart Mort (Kirkham) 21-19.
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green it was local success for Lyn Bolton (South Ramsey) who had a successful week taking a 21-14 victory over Alison Cotton (St Georges) in the final.
Bolton booked her placed in the final with a superb 21-12 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park), whilst Cotton ended the challenge of Tracy Ryan (St Georges) with a 21-11 win.
The Men’s consolation was won by Martin Gilpin (Kendal Victoria) who beat Gaz Lally (Crossgates) 21-11. The Ladies consolation was won by Veronica Lyon (Unison) defeating Lynn Bennett (Orrell Rovers) 21-16.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Robert Whyatt (Packhouse) who had a 9-2 win over David Jackson (Knutsford), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Wayne Usher (Gaghills) who beat Peter Shallis (Lune Road) 21-20 in another close final.
In the doubles competitions the open doubles was won by the Kendal Victoria pairing Martin Gilpin and Ian Nicholson with a 11-10 win over Crossgates duo Joseph Cranston and Gaz Lally.
The Men’s doubles was won by Alan Davis (St Bernards) and David Platt (Levens) defeating Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) 11-7 in the final.
The Ladies pairs was won by Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) Amanda Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) defeating Angela Gaut (Wrockwardine Wood) and Sharon Gadd (Shipley) 11-6 in the final.
The Mixed pairs was won by Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC) and Grace Hubbert (Stalmine BC) defeating Frank Jolly (Canberra) and Joan Moran (James North’s) 9-8.
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles
Wilfrid Quayle Mixed Doubles Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesCastletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfrid Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 36 pairs.
The eventual winners were Chris Price (Port St Mary) and Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) taking a comfortable 21-13 win over Helen Martin (Mooragh Park) and Nathan Hamilton (Castletown).
Losing out at the semi-final stage were two South Ramsey pairings Jenny Moore and James Teare 11-21 to the winning pair, whilst Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves lost out to the same score to the runners up.
Falling at the quarter final stage were Linda and Derek Cadamy (Port Erin), Tracy Moore (Castletown) and Alan Moore (South Ramsey), Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), along with Dee Lewis (Onchan) and Kevin Firth (Noble’s).
The presentation was made by Ron Williams who thanked everyone who had entered and all the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day. A special mention was also given to the green keeper for the fantastic condition of the green.
Dunn Takes Thurlwell Title
Thurlwell Bowl Winner 2019
Photo: Arnie WithersNoble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with a good entry of 32 taking part after a long week of bowls.
The winner was Paul Dunn (Marown) who defeated the current holder Rob Monk (Onchan) 21-19 in a hard fought final. Both players performed well with Monk favouring playing 19 metre marks up, down and round the crown leading well, whilst Dunn went for lengthy round pegs. Dunn struck the jack off twice during the final, once when both players reached double figures and again at 14-17 down, saving two on both occasions. Monk managed to take a 19-14 lead, only for Dunn to respond in style playing the corners well to claim a double, a single and two more doubles to see the game out and claim the trophy.
In the semi-final Monk ended the challenge of Shirley Whelan (Marown) with a good display to book his place in the final with a 21-8 win, whilst Dunn was pushed hard by club mate Walter McCarthy with the latter losing out 17-21.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Nathan Hamilton (Castletown), Mike Alexander (Onchan), Derek Allen (Port Erin) along with home greener Reginald Temporaza.
The presentation was made by Noble’s Chairman Juan Qualtrough who thanked Rebecca Teare for running the sheet throughout the day and the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. The winner was awarded with a return booking of a car and two foot passengers generously provided by the sponsor IOM Steam Packet.
September Festival 2019 Draw/Results: Men’s Main
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September Festival 2019 Draw/Results: Ladies Main
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Stevie Wins First Open
Autumn Shield Winner 2019 - Stevie Kelly with Ian Davison of Davison’s
Photo: Glynn HargravesOn Sunday Peel Bowling Club hosted the popular pre-festival Autumn Shield sponsored by Davison’s Ice Cream with a strong entry of 88 taking part £740 with prize money available.
Losing out in the quarter finals were Mike Hargraves (Castletown), Paul Dunn (Marown) along Matt Bradwell (Fairfield BC and Wayne Usher (Gaghills).
Losing semi-finalists were Jon Guess (Fairfield BC) to Paul Kissock (Kendal Victoria) and Tom Kelly (Peel) who lost to team mate Stevie Kelly.
The final between home greener Kelly and visitor Kissock was well contested with Kissock building a 19-13 lead playing a straight mark along the edge, however Kelly fought back on a longer length to edge ahead at 20-19 before playing a poor end which Kissock wasn’t able to fully punish. At 20-20 Kissock led a good bowl only for Kelly to play a superb bowl to sit his opponent out to take a deserved first open win.
The presentation was made by competition secretary Dave Kelly, who thanked Davison’s for their generous sponsorship and then introduced Ian Davison to present the prizes.
Keenan Pairs
Keenan Pairs Winners 2019
On Saturday Ballaugh Bowling Club hosted the Keenan Pairs Men’s Doubles. There were 26 pairs entered for the competition, which was played in generally fine weather with just a few sharp showers.
Bowing out in the quarter finals were Edward Trustham & Barry MacDonald (Ballaugh), Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary), John Keenan & John Maddrell (Ballaugh) and Stefan Kelly & Sid Bolton (South Ramsey).
Losing semi-finalists were Peter Collister & Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) and Steve Waters & Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey).
The final was between Marown’s Neil Withers & Paul Dunn and South Ramsey’s John Kennish & David Bradford, John & David took five of the first six ends to lead 16-7. Paul & Neil took the next four ends bringing it back to 16-12, however John and David got the jack back and took the last three ends to win 21-12.
The presentation was made by John Keenan, who noted that this was the 30th year of the Keenan Pairs then thanked the Ballaugh members for organising the competition, especially Richard Faragher for running the competition together with the ladies in the kitchen for such a good spread and Trevor Jones on the BBQ. David Bradford thanked John Keenan for his continued sponsorship of the competition, the club for running such a good event and complimented the club for how well the green had improved during the season.
September Festival Preview
September Festival Winners 2018
The Isle of Man September Bowling Festival takes place next week with a host of top names from across the game hoping to be the lucky winner who gets their name on the trophy and the winners cheque for £3,000. Entries are up on previous year’s with the highest September Men’s entry since 2009 and there is a good quality field entered.
On the first page of the draw 2010 winner Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) is rumoured to be a doubt to make it over for the week, whilst Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) will be hoping for a good run, this page carrying further names with festival history behind them. Neil Withers (Marown) won his title in June 2013, with the man he beat in the final Matthew Quirk (Onchan) a possible third round face off this time round. Two-time winner Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) could face former finalist Callum Wraight (Castlefields) should both players win two games for what could be an intriguing encounter half way through the week.
Page two also has three former winners with 2016 June winner Kez Smith (Crossgates), 2012 September winner Dave Phillips (Lloyd Hotel) and local David Bradford (South Ramsey) with his win as far back as 2002, whilst former finalist Craig Grant (Thongsbridge) also features and will be hoping to go one step further to take his first festival win.
Over to page three where another June 2000 winner Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly (Peel Sunset) has a tricky first round fixture against regular visitor Andy Mailer (Meersbrook BC), whilst John Bailey (Castlefields) will be keen to pick up his second September title having won his first title in 2017.
On the next page it is 29 years since Kevan Shaw (Red Lion) picked up his only title, could come up against Stuart Mort (Kirkham) in round three, with a potential clash at the same stage between Steve Freer (Cradley Sports) and Jon Guess (Fairfield BC) should both players win their first two games.
On page five Onchan man Jordan Cain has suffered a blow having fractured a bone on his elbow after recently coming off his bike to put an early end to his season. This opens up a path for Mark Hughes (Crossgates) who lost out to John Bailey in 2017, however Port St Mary man Trevor Quayle will be confident of a good run himself.
Page six sees 1991 winner Phil Kerruish (Onchan) back from his travels in time to take part, whilst Matthew Kelly-Walley (Stretton Anglesey) will be hoping for a good week as will Marown captain Paul Dunn who could go far and will not fear anyone if he carries on his good form.
On page seven 2003 winner Matt Gilmore (Wallasey) is another former winner, whilst the experienced Billy Speed (Alexander Park) will be hoping to go far with a potential last 16 clash this could be a great game to watch for the spectators.
On the next page this has a potential second game clash between two former winners Gaz Lally (Crossgates) who has one festival win to his name from 2015, whilst local John Kennish is the current title holder and has five festival wins to his name. Not to be discounted is Paul Skelly (Port St Mary) another man capable of beating anyone on his day.
On the final page this is heavily littered with previous winners and finalists with 2014 runner up Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey) potentially facing three-time winner Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic), whilst regular visitor David Jackson (Knutsford) is another man looking for his second title. Paul Bailey (Meersbrook BC) is rumoured to missing out, whilst Colin Kelly (Marown) has one title to his name from 2008 and will be keen to fly under the radar.
With six greens in use and several different competitions throughout the week there is plenty of bowls for everyone it should make for a great week of bowls.
Have a great week!
Moore & Teare Go One Better
Sowerbutts Trophy Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesOn Bank Holiday Monday Port Erin Bowling Club hosted the Sowerbutts Trophy mixed doubles. There were 20 pairs entered who enjoyed the glorious weather.
Losing out in the quarter finals were two South Ramsey pairs, Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves, Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly, Steph Swift (Port Erin) and Rod Swift (Port St Mary) along with home greeners Lynda & Derek Cadamy.
Losing semi-finalists were Joyce Ogden (Marown) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) along with Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) & Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey).
In the final South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore & James Teare went one better than the previous day, having lost in the final at Ballaugh to take a fairly comfortable 21-14 win over Chris Price (Port St Mary) & Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly (South Ramsey).
The presentation was made by competition secretary and sponsor Janet Shilling, who thanked everyone who had entered, then went on to say that the trophy had been put up by her father. After being presented with the trophy James thanked Janet for sponsoring the competition.
Port St Mary A Crowned League Champions Again
Ladies Over 60s League Winners - 2019 - Port St Mary A
Back: Ann Maddrell, Rita Callister, Wendy Kennaugh, Margaret TaskerFront: Trish Bull, Val Macfarlane, Mavis Franks
The final league matches were played on Tuesday and as anticipated it was a close finish resulting in Port St Mary A winning the league title but by just 2 points!
The A team arrived at Breagle to play Port Erin ‘s A team in the final match of the season holding a 16-point lead over Peel.
The Port Erin side played exceptionally well in a very close game taking the league leaders to a 92-95 (2-4) final score and surely reducing their overall points total.
The 2 wins came from Lynda Cadamy, who won 21-2, and Jacqui Elliot, who won 21-9, with 3 of the remaining team reaching double figures giving them 92 points in total. However, Port St Mary had their eyes firmly on the prize and got 4 wins from Margaret Tasker, Tricia Bull, Mavis Franks and Ann Maddrell taking their total to 95 points.
Meanwhile in Ballaugh Brenda Bowyer and her team awaited the arrival of Peel.
Glorious conditions and a much-improved green saw some excellent bowls played.
Ballaugh fought hard against the visitors and had 3 wins from Barbara Graham, Carol Holt and Voirrey Oates plus double figures from all the other players. In contrast Peel also played well, trying hard to close the 16-point lead that the southern side were holding. Peel bagged 3 wins from Joyce Kelly, Mary Moffatt and Heather Horsburgh to clinch a 5-point victory 104-109 (3-3) but in the end Port St Mary were crowned league champions for another year.
Castletown were keen to hold onto their 3rd position in the league when they played their nearest rivals Marown. The visitors played well but were unable to dominate the home side and the final score was 114-95 (4-2).
As well as the league being decided the Merit Table has been topped by Elaine Moore who has had an outstanding season winning all of her games.
To finish my final league report for 2019 I thought I would leave you all with a poem dedicated to all new bowlers. We need as many new recruits as we can get to strengthen our sport and provide continuity for the future.
DON’T GIVE UP
When the summer day is over and I’ve put my bowls away
I sit before my iPad and I wonder what to say
Oh, the time has gone so quickly I can’t believe it’s done
With all the games decided, are they lost or won?
April saw the start of bowling and we played it twice a week
Wet and windy and no sunshine, followed up with lots of cake.
We started off quite handy full of hope and motivation
Perhaps next year they’ll choose us to represent the nation!
But no, it didn’t last we bowled our bowls a bit too fast
Jack up they cried Long tapes they cried
But most of all “All but “they cried
More land, Reach up, my finger, your thumb
Oh my goodness what have I done.
Even when we’re down the Park we sometimes cannot reach the mark,
Too short, Too long, Too narrow, Too wide
Our lack of practice you couldn’t hide.
The captains said “well done “well played “You are improving “
So come on girls let’s get moving.
The winter league is set to start
A mid-week game at Nobles Park
Send the form in, pay the subs
There’s lots of bowlers from all clubs
But don’t be late, listen and learn.
Then maybe next year it will be our turn.