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Positive Week for South Ramsey
South Ramsey A
Photo: Steve MooreThe first Rayner Shield semi-final was played on Wednesday evening with South Ramsey A hosting Onchan A. The green was in fantastic condition and was running superbly considering the amount of rain throughout the day, with the gusting winds playing its part affecting the bowls.
First game off on the night was home captain Glynn Hargraves who was ruthless recording a 21-3 win over Mark Kelly, with Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly not far behind with his 21-6 win over Steve Parker. After just two games with a 32 chalk lead the home team became huge favourites knowing two more wins would be likely enough to secure the win on the night barring any heavy defeats. Kevin Quirk responded for the visitors with a 21-14 win over Peter Collister. The last game of the first half was a great battle between David Bradford leading 20-16 against Peter Slinger, only for Slinger to dig in to take four consecutive singles to level at 20-20 and lying one for game with a 15-inch bowl Bradford held his nerve to bowl in for game in what was an entertaining game to watch.
In the second half Stefan Kelly put in a good performance scoring four doubles on the bounce to go from 8-6 up to 16-6 to take control, to beat Matthew Quirk 21-12. Alan Moore was next off and was the second home player on the night to get home 21-20 with Phil Kerruish 17-20 down he took three singles to level it at 20-20, only for Moore to put up a great first bowl to end the game. James Teare brought home the third 21-20 win of the night with his win over Frank Watson fighting back from a 16-20 deficit to win. With the match long over it was Chas Grills and Jordan Cain left on the green to entertain the crowd, with Grills leading 16-10 Cain dug in to run out with 11 consecutive chalks to take a 21-16 win.
The match of the season in Ellan Vannin Fuels division one took place at Crosby on Monday night between league leaders Marown A and current champions South Ramsey A. The visitors started strongly with captain Glynn Hargraves winning 21-13 over Dean Kipling after taking a 15-1 lead, Kipling dug in to claw his way back into the game. Next off was Alan Moore who had the visitors biggest win 21-12 against Phil Kelly, with Moore winning 17 ends to Kelly’s seven ends. James Teare continues to impress for the A team to make it 3-0 to the visitors with a good 21-14 win over Paul Kelly. Neil Withers took the only win in the first half for Marown with a 21-5 victory over Ian Moore to reduce the chalks difference to eight in favour of the visitors. In the second half the match was finely balanced with Colin Kelly swinging the aggregate in favour of Marown with a 21-9 win putting the home team four chalks ahead. Next off was David Bradford who claimed a hard fought 21-18 win over Paul Dunn, with Bradford taking a 9-1 and 14-6 lead which helped as Dunn found his rhythm to fight back well to get some all-important chalks on the board. Securing a fifth win on the night for South Ramsey was Stefan Kelly who held a 10-1 lead over Matthew Keggen, which he then extended to 19-9 only for Keggen to respond with three doubles on the bounce which would prove crucial in the match result. Kelly finished the game off with two singles to claim a 21-15 win. Last match on the green was between John Gelling and Peter Collister, with Collister performing well in the second half of the game to recover from a 4-15 deficit before losing out 15-21. Not many teams will go to Marown and take five games off the Crosby men yet South Ramsey did just that, however Marown had the last laugh of the night to edge the aggregate by a solitary chalk (135-134) to take the draw which kept their opponents at arm’s length.
Onchan A capitalised on the clash at Crosby to take a good 9-1 home win over Marown B to close the gap by four points on the league leaders. For Marown Peter Kelly prevented the whitewash with a 21-12 victory over Frank Watson.
In the other matches Castletown A brushed aside their B team with a 9-1 win, with Bob Clark the only winner with a 21-17 victory over Juan Kermode.
Noble’s A took a good 4-6 win away from Mooragh Park with their win over North Ramsey A with Tommy Collister merciless with his 21-0 win on the night.
South Ramsey B closed the gap on Marown B despite slipping to a 3-7 home loss to Peel A, whilst Douglas A did enough to take a 6-4 home win over Port St Mary A.
In division two Ballaugh A continued their good form with their 2-8 away win over second from bottom North Ramsey B, whilst Port Erin B took a hard fought 4-6 away win over Marown C who continue to hold their old own in a match that had five games losing to 19 and above in a finely contested match.
Port St Mary B slipped to a disastrous 3-7 home defeat to their C team with the result suggesting some of their players should be playing in different teams. Finch Hill A performed well to see off close rivals Onchan B with a 6-4 home win.
In division three runaway leaders South Ramsey C recorded a hard fought 6-4 home win over Onchan C, whilst the fight for second goes on with second placed Noble’s B winning 9-1 at home to Douglas C, Finch Hill B lie in third after their 3-7 away win against Port Erin B, whilst Ballaugh C were ruthless with their 10-0 home win over Peel D. Just four points separate second place Onchan (74) and fourth placed Ballaugh (70).
Spar Mixed Doubles
Spar Mixed Doubles Winners 2019
Photo: Richard FaragherOn Sunday Ballaugh Bowling Club hosted the Spar Mixed Pairs. There were 29 pairs entered and they enjoyed the fine weather and some good play.
Bowing out in the quarter finals were Shirley and Gordon Corrin (Peel), Chris Price (Port St Mary and Dave Kelly (South Ramsey), Derek and Lynda Cadamy (Port Erin) and Alison Keggen (Noble’s) and Paul Kelly (Marown).
Losing semi-finalists were Kim Hargraves & Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey) and Lil Smith (Marown) & Edward Carlyle (South Ramsey), which left the final an all South Ramsey affair between Elaine Moore & Glynn Hargraves and Jenny Moore & James Teare.
Jenny and James made a good start winning the first three ends. After that it was close with only the five points scored in the first three ends the difference. Jenny and James finally won 21-15.
The presentation was made by Debbie Jones of Mannin Retail (Spar) who was introduced by Competition Secretary Richard Faragher who thanked the members for organising event with thanks given especially to the ladies in the kitchen. James Teare in his speech thanked the Spar – the Sponsors, Ballaugh members for organising the competition especially Richard Faragher for running the competition together with the measurers and markers.
HART & DAWSON CLAIM LANCASTER CUP
Lancaster Cup Winners 2019 - Tony Hart & Lee Dawson
Photo: Tony Hart
Peel hosted the Lancaster Cup men’s doubles with 27 pairs taking part.
At the end of the competition it was two new names on the trophy with the South Ramsey duo of Tony Hart and Lee Dawson winning the final against home greeners Dougie Allan & Gordon Corrin 21-13. With the score at 13-9 to Hart/Dawson they conceded a four to allow Allan and Corrin to level the score at 13-13. This kick started Hart and Dawson to respond by running out to take a deserved 21-13 win.
Losing out in the semis to the winners were the home pairing of Alan Cromwell & Tony Carroon (14-21), whilst the other semi was well contested with home greeners Brian Lindsay & Peter Greenlees losing out 18-21 to Allan and Corrin.
Losing out in the quarter finals were home pairing and competition favourites Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly and Tom Kelly, David Proctor (Peel) & Glenn Boland (Noble’s), Alan Moore (South Ramsey) & Sam Clague (Castletown) along with Derek Allen (Port Erin) & Alec Taylor (Peel).
The presentation was made by Peel competition secretary Dave Kelly, who thanked the sponsor David Lancaster, the team who ran the competition, all the club members who had helped throughout the day.
Success For South In Jean Kelly Competition
Jean Kelly Winners 2019
Back: Jill Quayle, Moira Anderson, Elaine Moore, Lyn Bolton, Sue Collier, Fiona KennishFront: Gill Morgan, Bethany Kennish, Kim Hargraves, Jenny Moore
South Ramsey took on Port St Mary A in the final of the Jean Kelly Handicap competition which was held on Onchan Bowling Green.
South Ramsey would start the match with a five-point advantage with the handicaps based on the teams respective 2018 league position.
A success for Port St Mary would equal the record of five wins held by Castletown. South Ramsey would be chasing their second win in the competition with their first coming 17 years ago in 2002.
Elaine Moore (SR) vs Ann Maddrell was the first match off the green. Elaine started brilliantly surging into a 15-0 lead before Ann was able to get off the mark. Ann battled hard and responded with a seven-point run but was unable to prevent Elaine from running out 21-8 and guided South Ramsey off to a perfect start.
Ladies Champion Jenny Moore (SR) took on Mavis Franks with Mavis taking an early 6-3 lead before a nine-point run for Jenny took her 12-6 up. Mavis responded with three points in two ends before Jenny scored nine points without reply to win 21-9.
Girls Junior Champion Bethany Kennish (SR) took on Jayne Kneen with the youngster leading after 20 ends 13-11. Jayne then won six out of the next seven ends to clinch PSM first win on the night 21-14.
Kim Hargraves (SR) was next off in her match against Chris Price. Kim raced into an early 11-2 lead before Chris picked up some momentum to bring the match back to 11-8. Kim was able to build another run of winning five ends out of six to lead 18-9 before going 20-11 up. Chris tried to stage a comeback but the game ended with a win for Kim 21-16.
The final game from the first half saw Sue Collier (SR) take on Margaret Tasker. The game was evenly poised after ten ends with the score level at 7-7 before Margaret had a break of 10 points to take control of the game. Sue scored on a few more ends but Margaret won the game 21-12.
At the halfway stage in the match, South Ramsey held a 19 point lead.
Lyn Bolton (SR) against Trish Bull was the first game off in the second half with another strong performance from South edging them closer to victory. Lyn started the game well lying 9-1 up after nine ends. Trish was unable to break into the game but at 19-4 down picked up a couple of doubles before Lyn won 21-8, taking her team 32 points ahead.
Val Macfarlane (PSM) got off to good start in her match against Fiona Kennish leading 9-4 after ten ends and 14-5 after 15 ends. Fiona fought hard into double figures before Val won 21-13 reducing the deficit to 24 chalks.
Kellie Maddrell (PSM) gave her team hope in the match after winning her game against Jill Quayle 21-10. After a nip tuck start, Kelly broke away to lead 17-7 before winning 21-10 bringing the match score down to 13 chalks.
The final game between Gill Morgan (SR) and Wendy Kennaugh started like so many on the night, with a player racing into an early lead. Gill was leading 14-1 after eleven ends with the match now safe for South Ramsey. Wendy managed to take control of the jack and a run of 9 ends brought her back into the game at 14-11. Gill, with a run of four singles, moved 18-11 up and despite Wendy picking up a couple more doubles was unable to stop Gill who won 21-16.
South Ramsey won the final with the result finishing 159-141 giving them an 18 chalk win on the night.
Following the match, the presentation was held by Jean Kelly’s family. Thanks were given to Onchan for hosting the final, all the spectators who attended and the players for putting on a good performance.
The association would also like to thank Moore Kelly and his family for their continued generosity and providing fantastic food and refreshments for all the players and spectators.
Teare & Skelly Win Heywood Gelling Trophy
Heywood Gelling Trophy Winners 2019 - Paul Skelly & Rebecca Teare
Photo: Arnie WithersMarown hosted their second open of the bank holiday weekend with 32 pairs taking part in the Heywood Gelling Trophy on Sunday on a scorcher of a day with the green quicker than it was on Friday.
At the end of the competition it was Noble’s/Port St Mary pairing of Rebecca Teare and Paul Skelly, who beat the Noble’s/South Ramsey duo of Paula Firth and Sid Bolton by the closest of margins 21-20. The final started with Firth/Bolton taking a 11-6 lead, then 14-9 and extending this further still to 19-13. At 20-16 it looked like it wasn’t going to be Teare/Skelly’s day however they fought back well from lying game down on more than occasion to take a single, a three with Teare playing a great second bowl under pressure at 20-20 to beat Firth’s bowl which Bolton was unable to beat to give the victory to Teare & Skelly. This win qualifies the winners to play in the UK later in the season.
Both semis were well contested with another Noble’s/South Ramsey pairing of Clare Cooper & Lee Dawson losing out 19-21 to Firth and Bolton, whilst in the other semi a new partnership of Pat Mason (Ballaugh) and Andy Kennish (Peel) almost made it to the final only for Skelly to play a couple of great bowls after earlier fearing for his safety from his partner Teare when lying two up for game he inadvertently flicked the jack to end up two down at a crucial point of the game. His relief was clear for all to see at the end of the game after helping secure a 21-19 win to reach the final.
Losing out in the quarter finals were South Ramsey pair Jenny Moore & James Teare, another new partnership from Onchan Caroline Corlett & Les McClellan, Joyce Ogden (Marown) & Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) along with Sue Gawne (Onchan) & Brian Kelly (Marown).
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by competition secretary Philip Kelly, who thanked the club members who had helped with the running of the competition and the Marown Ladies for the refreshments provided. Marown President Lil Smith was then introduced to present the prizes.
Tom Kelly Wins Ramsey Town Cup
Ramsey Town Cup Winner 2019
Photo: Margaret KellyNorth Ramsey Bowling Club hosted the popular Ramsey Town Cup on Saturday with the competition attracting a good entry of 47, no doubt helped by the fine weather.
The winner was Peel man Tom Kelly who claimed a deserved 21-15 victory over Reginald Temporaza to claim his first open competition title. There would no doubt have been some nerves from both players with neither player having reached the final of a singles open competition previously, it was Kelly who made a good start with two doubles to take a 10-6 lead playing a short round peg, extending this further to 15-9 after switching tactics to a short mark over the middle of the green which had served him well throughout the day, before Temporaza hit back with a six point run on a round peg to level the game at 15-15. Kelly got back in on his favoured mark to run out with two singles and two doubles to claim his first open win and the £80 first prize. Kelly had performed well all day with his ability to hit strikes serving him well.
In the semis Tom Kelly had the unenviable task of overcoming his father Colin Kelly, with Tom doing just that beating Colin 21-20 to take his place in the final after fighting back from a 17-20 deficit and brilliantly saving game to beat two good bowls in the corners. Tom went on to claim two singles and a double, forcing Colin to strike on the last end but not getting the result he hoped for with the hit, whilst Temporaza was always in control in his game performing well to beat Steve Parker (Onchan) 21-11.
Losing out at the quarter final stage were Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey), who lost to Tom Kelly (17-21) in a good quality game, along with fellow South Ramsey men James Teare who lost to Colin Kelly (9-21), Sid Bolton was beaten by Temporaza (18-21) and Dean Kinley (Castletown) lost to Parker (15-21).
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by competition secretary Gary Lenton who thanked everyone who had entered, along with the club members who had helped with the running of the competition. North Ramsey club president Helen Martin was then introduced to present the prizes.
Kerruish & Hargraves Win Tynwald Day Pairs
Tynwald Day Grimshaw Pairs Winners 2019
Photo: Arnie WithersMarown hosted the popular Tynwald Day R & A Grimshaw Trophy on Friday with 34 pairs taking part on a tricky green.
There were plenty of shocks in the early rounds, with some of the favourite pairings taking an early bath.
At the end of a long day it was the Onchan/South Ramsey pairing of Phil Kerruish and Glynn Hargraves, who beat the Marown duo of Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly 21-18. The final started with neither pairing able to break away from the other, with no more than two points between the finalists until Kerruish & Hargraves trailing by one point at 13-14 took the next three ends with a three, a single and a double to leap ahead 19-14. The Marown pair fought back with two doubles in between a single to the opposition to pull the score back to 18-20 before Kerruish/Hargraves secured the one point needed to take the win and the trophy.
Losing out in the semi-finals to the winners were the young pairing of Sam Clague (Castletown) and Glenn Boland (Noble’s) who lost out 12-21. The other losing semi-finalists were Onchan pair Jordan Cain and Matthew Quirk who lost out 14-21.
Losing out in the quarter finals were home greeners Gary Cooper & Arnie Withers, Paul Dunn & Neil Withers, South Ramsey duo Stefan Kelly & James Teare, along with Peel men David Proctor and Andy Kennish.
At the conclusion of the competition the presentation was made by competition secretary Philip Kelly, who thanked everyone who had helped with the running of the competition and the Marown Ladies for the refreshments provided throughout the day. Marown President Lil Smith was then introduced to present the prizes.
Jenny Moore Crowned Manx Champion
Ladies Manx Championship Winner 2019
Jenny MooreThe weather was not kind to the twenty-two ladies who gathered at Onchan on Saturday 29th. June to contest the Manx Championship. Starting dull and misty the afternoon produced some short, heavy showers and a brief thunderstorm.
On the green the match of note in the preliminary round saw Norma Cowell take on Margaret Tasker, and keep with her up to 15-15, at which point Margaret took control coming through 21-15. The closest game in the last sixteen was a draw to savour as Clare Cooper took on reigning champion Janet Monk, and indeed Clare had the better start leading 14-12 after twenty ends causing Janet to dig deep and take control, allowing Clare just one more point, progressing to the quarter-finals 21-15.
In the top two quarter-finals, Rebecca Leece was in dominant form against Elaine Moore, while Lynda Cadamy had to work hard to overcome Debbie Leece, pulling out all the stops to win 21-15 in a game which had been nip and tuck up to 15-15
The third quarter-final saw seven times champion, Janet Monk, up against two times winner, Jenny Moore. The two ladies stayed together, 6-6,10-10 etc. up to 15 across. Janet, winning the next four ends, giving her a 19-15 lead before Jenny regained control of the jack and did not relinquish it again.
Lil Smith and Lyn Bolton also had a ding-dong battle with the early skirmishes seeing them level at 7-7. Lil then had the advantage to lead 14-11 before Lyn regrouped to go 17-14 up. The next three ends saw Lil get to 19 first, but, regaining the jack, Lyn ran out a 21-19 winner.
Quarter-finals: Lynda Cadamy 21, Debbie Leece 15; Rebecca Teare 21, Elaine Moore 6; Jenny Moore 21, Janet Monk 19; Lyn Bolton 21, Lil Smith 19.
In the semi-finals, Rebecca had the better start, leading 9-2 after eight ends, but Lynda moved up a gear and after fifteen ends was only one behind at 9-10. With Rebecca then racing to 18-10, Lynda tried to stage a come-back, winning another three ends, but had to bow out 21-14.
It was a similar story in the other semi, with Jenny sprinting to a 10-3 lead after ten ends. Lyn is made of stern stuff and fought her way back to 15-15, but could only score one more point as her opponent progressed to the final 21-16.
Throughout the afternoon there had been some excellent bowling and the final was no exception. Once again Jenny was quick off the blocks, leading 12-4 after eleven ends. Rebecca then scored three twos and two singles in the next six ends to get to within two points of Jenny, but could only manage one more two before Jenny took the Championship 21-14. Both finalists should be congratulated on their performances.
Heather Horsburgh thanked all those who had entered and the spectators who had come along to support the event. Thanks also went to the Onchan Club for the use of their facilities, and their members for their help during the afternoon.
She particularly thanked Ann Gale for her continued sponsorship of the event, before asking her to present the prizes.
Ann said it was a pity that more people did not enter this event, but that aside, and despite the weather, she had an enjoyable afternoon watching some bowling of a very high standard.
Dyson Cleans Up
Lynsey Gorman & Jack Dyson June 2019 Festival Winners
Photo: Arnie WithersThe top prizes in the Isle of Man June Bowls Festival went to two visitors with Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) winning the men’s event, whilst Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won the ladies event.
Popular Yorkshire man Dyson known throughout the bowling community as ‘Hoover’ – no explanation required, picked up his first June Festival win and the winners cheque for £3,000. Dyson had to overcome the challenge of Andy Spragg in a thrilling final on a tricky green. Dyson was quickest out of the blocks taking a 12-5 lead, then 14-9 and 16-11 to keep his opponent at arm’s length. Spragg responded with a double to sit just three points behind at 13-16, only for a determined Dyson to take two singles and a double to sit just one point away from glory. Spragg counted one next end and headed towards the corner, Spragg’s first bowl was about 18 inches off the jack, with Dyson putting his first bowl approximately 12 inches away to count one for game. Spragg made sure he reached with his second bowl, just tipping Dyson’s bowl, however it wasn’t enough to save game with Dyson taking a 21-14 victory. Dyson’s joy was clear for all to see with his second bowl still in his hand he threw it up in celebration. Spragg had the blow softened in receiving a cheque for £1,000.
Dyson reached the final courtesy of a quick fire 21-7 win over Wayne Jevons (Wirral), whilst Spragg booked his place in the final with a hard fought 21-18 victory over Andy Limbert (Brighouse).
In the quarter finals Dyson ended the challenge of Chris Bly (Hopwood) with a 21-13 win, whilst Jevons won 21-8 against David Halstead (Kirkham). The closest game of the quarter finals was between Mark Rose (Royal Oak BC) and Spragg, with Spragg having to dig deep to get over the line 21-20. Limbert ended the run of Robert Hopper (Brighouse) with a 21-16 win.
Receiving the George Craine Trophy for the furthest local player was Stevie Kelly (Peel) who lost out agonisingly 20-21 in the last 16 to Wayne Jevons to just miss out on finals day.
In the ladies main competition Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) won her first June title receiving a cheque for £1,000 to take a deserved 21-7 win over Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park). Fox received £600 as runner up.
In the semi-finals Gorman ended the run of Bev Beeley (Houldsworth WMC) with a 21-13 victory, whilst Fox ended the hopes of two time June winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) with a 21-19 win in an entertaining game.
Furthest local player reaching the quarter finals was South Ramsey’s Kim Hargraves who received the Visit IOM.com trophy to claim bragging rights in the Hargraves household. Hargraves would have been delighted with her weeks work and can now take confidence in her own ability going forward, however her challenge was ended by Fox who won 21-8. Lunn-Gadd ended the hopes of Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) with a hard fought 21-19 win, whilst Bev Beeley booked her place in the semi-finals with a 21-20 win over Caroline Bushell (Co-op) with Gorman taking a comfortable 21-14 win over Wendy Allen (Castle Private).
The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1 with Mark Hughes (Crossgates) taking the Tourism title defeating Chris Mordue (Pudsey) with a convincing 21-13 victory.
Losing semi-finalists were Martin Gilpin 15-21 (Kendal Vic) to Hughes, whilst Chris Ellis (Brighouse) just lost out 20-21 to Mordue.
The Ladies Tourism was also played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 2 green with another entertaining final it was Rebecca Teare (Noble’s) who held her nerve to take a deserved 21-18 victory over Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) to pick up her first win in the Tourism event.
Teare earned her place in the final following a fairly comfortable 21-15 semi-final win over Lynsey Gorman (Wirral) with Gorman bouncing back in style the following day going on to win the main event. In the other semi-final Moore recorded a 21-16 win over Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) to book her place in the final.
The Men’s consolation was won by Peter Jones (Wirral) who beat Craig Gant (Thongsbridge) 21-12. The Ladies consolation was won by Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) defeating Julie Green 21-13.
The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Gerald Merry who wasted no time with his 9-0 win over Craig Ramell (Rishton), whilst the Last Chance Mixed Final was won by Jack Bushell (Knutsford) who beat Katie Morgan 21-11.
The men’s Open doubles was won in style by Larry Wells (St Oswalds) & David Penketh (St Oswalds) who beat the top pairing of Martin Gilpin (Kendal Vic) and Ian Nicholson (Kendal Vic) with a convincing 11-2 victory in the final.
The men’s pairs was won by Richard Hodgson (Pudsey) & Craig Shore (Burbage) beating Michael Andrews (Wirral) & Michael Upton (Myrtle Park) 11-9 in a close final.
The ladies pairs final was won 11-6 by Debi Davis (Brighouse) & Pam Nixon (Poynton Sports) who beat Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) and Eileen Pye (Acregate).
The Mixed pairs ended in defeat for Sarah Fox (Woodlands Park) & partner John Colebourne (Eastwood Park) losing out 4-9 to Eileen Pye (Acregate) and Joseph Cranston (Crossgates) in the final.
Callum Cashes In At PokerStars Super 32
PokerStars Super 32 2019 Winner - Callum Wraight with Event Organiser Glynn Hargraves
Photo: Arnie WithersThe PokerStars IOM Invitation took place on Friday evening with the event being hosted by South Ramsey Bowling Club at Noble’s Park immediately after the conclusion of the IOM bowls festival. The change in venue allowed the field to increase from last years format of 16 to go back up to 32.
It was a strong field taking part with every player in the field having played county bowls. The format was 21 up with 3 on the card.
There was plenty of local interest in the first round, however Peel favourite Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly was beaten 15-21 by Andy Sorsby (South Yorkshire), Jordan Cain (Onchan) lost 14-21 to Kev Shaw (North Lancs & Fylde), whilst Marown captain Paul Dunn lost 13-21 to Craig Gant (Yorkshire).
Faring better were South Ramsey’s David Bradford who won 21-13 against Dave Jackson (North Lancs & Fylde), Neil Withers made light work of Ian Nicholson (North Lancs & Fylde) with a 21-12 win, whilst Marown stalwart Colin Kelly seen off Richie Goddard (Shropshire) with a 21-10 win.
There were several close games in the first round with James Wilcox (Yorkshire) seeing off South Yorkshire rival Nick White 21-20, whilst another South Yorkshire man Paul Bailey got over the line 21-19 against Martin Gilpin (North Lancs & Fylde) after Gilpin recovered from a 12-19 deficit to level the game at 19-19, only for Bailey to take two singles to progress to the next round. Chris Barton (Merseyside) also lost out 19-21 to Jon Palmer (Shropshire), whilst another Merseyside man Danny Barwise lost 20-21 to 2018 British Merit Winner Chris Mordue (Yorkshire). Melvyn Byron (North Lancs & Fylde) recovered from a 14-19 deficit to win 21-20 against Nidge Hughes (Merseyside), whilst newly crowned June festival winner Jack Dyson (Yorkshire) held off Merseyside man Peter Jones 21-18.
In the second round Gareth Herbert (Warwick & Worcs) won a close game 21-18 against Sorsby to take his place in the quarter finals, whilst Bradford lost out 18-21 to Dan Jones (Wales) after recovering from a 10-16 deficit to go 18-16 ahead with eight singles before Jones got back in to finish the game. Paul Bailey came back from 11-19 to run out with a 21-19 victory over Jon Palmer. In an all Yorkshire clash Gant lost out 19-21 to Chris Mordue, whilst Byron lost 18-21 to Dyson.
At the quarter final stage it was all visiting bowlers who had progressed, in the top half of the draw Herbert lost 19-21 to Dan Jones, whilst Wilcox lost out for a second year running to Callum Wraight (Shropshire) 17-21. In the bottom half of the draw Paul Bailey ran out from 11-11 against Mordue to win 21-11 to take his place in the semi-finals, whilst Dyson won 21-13 against John Bailey (Wales).
Both semi-finals could not have been any close with Wraight taking a 11-3 lead against Jones, only for Jones to level the score at 13-13. Jones then scored better than Wraight over the next nine ends to lead 20-18, only for Wraight to hit back to see the game out 21-20 to book his place in the final. In the second semi-final Dyson took a 13-8 lead, with Paul Bailey recovering to level the score at 14-14. Dyson then went 20-15 ahead, however Bailey managed to find a bit more in the tank to run out with a 21-20 win.
In the final there was plenty of striking and dead ends with Wraight and Bailey up against each other. It was Wraight who was quickest out of the blocks taking a 13-3 lead against Bailey, then led 16-7 and 19-10 under the fading light the floodlights had to be put on. Bailey then took three singles before Wraight retained the trophy and in doing so secured the £1,000 first prize with a double to win 21-13. Bailey will no doubt have been cheered up with his cheque for £500, with the losing semi finalists each receiving £250, and the losing quarter finalists taking home £125. Those who lost out in the second round took home £75 each.
At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by event organiser Glynn Hargraves, who thanked the sponsors PokerStars for their continued support, Noble’s Bowling club, the Department for Enterprise and Douglas Corporation, all the players for what made for an entertaining evening of bowls, the spectators for turning up to support along with anyone who had helped in the running of the event.