Marown Bowling Club were the host club on Saturday as they held the Marown Magic Carpets Mixed Singles for the fifth time attracting an entry of 56, an increase of 14 on 2024, this being the same number of Ladies bowlers participating.

The competition was once again played in a big smash style format, which has proved popular in the U.K. and is played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place to decide the winner of the game.

Losing quarter finalists were Brian Lindsay (Peel) 11-14 to Glenn Boland (Marown), whilst Colin Kelly beat fellow home greener Stevie Rundle 23-5. In the bottom half of the draw Toby Hart defeated South Ramsey clubmate and current holder David Bradford in a play off, with the score finishing 12-12 after 15 ends. Another South Ramsey player made through as Paul Routledge beat Marown man Walter McCarthy 16-13.

At the semi-final stage it was already decided that it would be a Marown versus South Ramsey final, the first game was settled after 13 ends with Kelly leading 13-6, the deficit was too large for Boland to claw back. In the other semi-final Routledge finished the game solidly, whilst also winning the three power ends to progress to his first final with a 17-8 win.

Kelly started the final as huge favourite on home turf, however Routledge kept calm throughout the game winning the first two ends taking singles. By the first power end Routledge won this to lead 8-2. Kelly then started to work his way back into the game scoring four chalks over the next four ends to close the deficit to three chalks at 6-9 ahead of the second power end.

The South Ramsey man picked up another single on the 10^th end to keep his opponent at arm’s length with the score 11-6.

Two quickfire doubles on ends 11 and 12 left the game finely poised. The 13^th end saw a good lead from Kelly beaten by Routledge in the corners with Kelly changing his peg and playing a brilliant bowl to count for two to lead for the first time in the game at 12-11.

On the 14^th end Kelly was in ascendency in his favoured corners having picked up three successive doubles. A good last bowl from Routledge displayed nerves of steel to level the game at 12-12 going into the final end with the winner of the final power end certain to pick up the title.

If his winner the previous end was superb the lead on the deciding end was fantastic sitting just five inches away from the jack, perfectly in line to give Kelly no target. Kelly’s first bowl just slid through, then Routledge whilst failing to make two to really pile the pressure on left his second bowl in Kelly’s way preventing him from attacking the counting bowl, as the Marown man failed to beat it.

This was a superb achievement with Routledge plying his trade in Division Three for South Ramsey C, having never previously reached the quarter finals of an open competition, he played great throughout the final and the day, crucially winning all three power ends in the final, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by Marown Bowling Club President Brian Kelly, who thanked Magic Carpets for their continued sponsorship, the Ladies for the refreshments, the players for entering.

South Ramsey Bowling Club held the Chas Grills Memorial Trophy for the third time on Sunday. The format of triples once again proved to be popular amongst the Islands bowlers as 24 teams – 72 bowlers took part. The competition was once again supported by CTH Insure.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were the Ballaugh trio of Becky Mitchell, Stephen Swift, and Richard Green 11-21 to the Marown team of Colin Kelly, Walter McCarthy, and Tom Kelly. In a repeat of the 2024 final Marown’s Glenn Boland, Peter Jones and visiting bowler Jamie Box took on Jordan Cain, Glynn Hargraves (both South Ramsey) and Matthew Quirk (Onchan) with the latter team prevailing 21-8 as they kept their opponents down to three singles.

In the other half of the draw another Marown team reached the semi-finals as Rebecca Teare, Clare Cooper, and Debbie Leece held off a late fightback from home greeners Sue Collier, Geoff Collier, and Greg Barlow having led 20-12, before getting over the line 21-19. The shortest game of the round was between the home team of Jenny Moore, James Teare, and David Bradford, who made light work of Brian Lindsay, Eddie Carlyle, and Les Brookes (Peel/South Ramsey/Finch Hill) in just nine ends with a 21-9 win.

Both semi-finals were keenly contested as the Kelly’s and McCarthy took on Cain, Hargraves and Quirk, with the Marown team needing to win just four ends to build a 14-9 after eight ends. This breathing space turned into a four-chalk deficit three ends later as a single followed by two quickfire fours from the current holders saw the game at 14-18. The Marown team hit back with two doubles and a single to lead 19-18, were counting one in the corners only for the last bowl up by Tom to somewhat unluckily flick in their opponent’s bowl. With this Jordan, Glynn, and Matthew rallied to finish with three consecutive singles to book their place in the final with a hard fought 21-19 win.

The second semi-final didn’t lack any drama either as the home green team of Moore, Teare, and Bradford took on the Marown Trio of Teare, Cooper, and Leece. The visiting bowlers won 10 ends of a 16-end game, it was the South Ramsey team that progressed to the final despite only winning six ends, when they did score, they scored heavily with a full house (six), a four, two doubles, two singles to see the game out with a 21-18 win.

In the final it was one-way traffic early in the game with Jordan, Glynn, and Matthew leading 14-6 after just six ends on a short mark over the middle of the green. A four scored on the eighth end, extended the lead to 18-9, with Jenny, James, and David having picked up a single and a double in between conceding the four. Within two ends the game was over as a double, followed by a single secured a deserved 21-9 victory for Cain, Hargraves, and Quirk to retain the trophy.

The presentation was made by competition secretary James Teare, with Chas Grill’s sister Suzanne Nicholas then introduced to present the prizes. Upon accepting the trophy Glynn thanked his fellow players Jordan and Matthew, the competition sponsors CTH Insure, also Darren Kerruish for providing prizes to the finalists on behalf of local businesses Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks and KFC for a second successive year. Thanks were given to Steve Moore for running the sheet on the day, competition secretary James Teare, along with the work that had gone in by club members to prepare the green, the ladies for the superb choice of refreshments, also everyone who had supported the competition with their generous donations.

It was then confirmed that Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man were the charity supported this year, with a grand sum of £1,250 raised on the day, thanks were given to the generosity of everyone who had entered and supported the charity.

Ladies

Noble’s Bowling Club hosted the ladies pairs on Saturday afternoon with 17 pairs competing for the trophy, it was the ladies turn to play on number one green this year.

The semi-finals saw Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk just lose out 19-21 to South Ramsey’s Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore, whilst the other semi-final was more straightforward for sisters Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare (Marown) against Villa pair Katie Jacobs and Emma Sayle 21-9.

The final saw the Marown pair score in seven of the first nine ends against the South Ramsey pair to lead 16-10. A comeback was on the cards after the 14th end with the match finely poised as Kennish and Moore levelled the game at 17-17. The following end saw the Marown pair score a three, only to concede a two on the next end. Leece and Teare ensured they got the once chalk need to seal a 21-19 victory to retain the trophy.

Men’s Pairs

At the same time that the ladies pairs was being played on the top green the men played their competition on number two green, with 26 pairs entering.

The semi-finals saw the end of the road for Marown’s Phil Dunn and his Grandson Arran Dunn after a great run, as they lost 13-21 to fellow clubmates Glenn Boland and Peter Jones. The other semi-final was keenly contested between Glynn Hargraves and Matthew Quirk (South Ramsey/Onchan) who were up against father and son Colin Kelly and Tom Kelly, with the former pair taking an early 10-6 lead, only to trail 10-11. Another two end winning burst resulted in Hargraves and Quirk going into the lead 15-11, only for a good four and a double from the Kelly’s to see the lead slip away. Four more chalks ensured safe passage to the final for Tom and Colin with a 21-17 win.

The final saw neither side able to get a run of winning ends early on with the score tied at 10-10 after six ends. A winning run of four ends in a row in the corners for the Kelly’s gave them a bit of breathing room to lead 15-10, with three successive singles from Boland and Jones closing the deficit to just two chalks. The fightback was halted there with Tom and Colin seeing the game out to claim a deserved 21-14 victory.

The presentation was made by competition secretary Tina Hampson, with Club Chairman Phil Salmon also presenting the prizes. Thanks were given to Jim Callister Garden Designs for sponsoring both competitions.

Marown’s Karl Parker won the first official open of the 2025 season, with a 11-10 victory over Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) on Saturday 5th April. 46 competitors took part in the Haldane Fisher Mixed Singles Competition at Douglas Bowling Club. With a new format, the competition ran seamlessly with the brilliant weather on their side.

At the quarter final stage Junior bowler Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) tied 13-13 with Ballaugh’s Nigel Tebay, with the former prevailing with a bowl off to settle the match. Ballaugh player Mike Spooner progressed as he managed to get past Peter Greenlees (Marown). In the bottom half of the draw Crosby man Karl Parker won 11-6 against Nathan Hamilton (Castletown), whilst home greener Paula Garrett won to the same score against Clare Cooper (Marown).

The semi-finals consisted of McMullan playing Spooner and Parker playing Garrett, with McMullan and Parker getting into the final with 16-5 and 11-7 wins respectively . 

McMullan started well with Parker eventually catching and beating her to win by one point 11-10.

A massive well done to all competitors that took part in this new event for Douglas Bowling Club.

Report by Andy Cannell

Marown held the opening tournament of the highly anticipated 2025 season, with the Ian Kissack floodlight competition sponsored by Ardern & Druggan Limited attracting a healthy entry . The competition was played over four days, with two qualifiers from the four qualifying sessions.

The competition commenced on Sunday afternoon with home greeners dominating as Colin Kelly and Paul Kelly eased through their qualifying games to qualify for finals night.

Sunday evening saw current holder Peter Jones (Marown) defeating teammate Neil Withers 21-17 to qualify, whilst Reg Temporaza (Onchan) bucked the trend as he came back from a 12-17 deficit against Marown captain Paul Dunn to win in his second game, the Onchan man went on to beat another home greener Karl Parker 21-7 to qualify.

Monday evening saw South Ramsey’s David Bradford safely navigating his way through his qualifying games, as he beat Rob Monk (North Ramsey) 21-7 to qualify, whilst Glenn Boland held off Marown clubmate Phil Kelly 21-15 to qualify.

The last qualifying session took place on Tuesday evening, with Jamie Joughin earning his spot in the last eight with a 21-19 win over Dave McCabe (Douglas), whilst Matthew Quirk (Onchan) also had a tough battle as he held off Dave Naughton (Noble’s) 21-18 to qualify.

The competition was redrawn at the quarter final stage on Wednesday evening with Joughin, always up against it when drawn against Bradford, however he performed well before ducking out 16-21. Temporaza recorded a straightforward 21-13 against Paul Kelly.

In the other half of the draw Quirk performed brilliantly to end Jones’ hopes of retaining the Shield, with a 21-3 victory, whilst Glenn Boland was the highest scoring loser as he just lost out 17-21 to Colin Kelly.

Both semi-finals were never in doubt as Bradford beat Temporaza 21-11, whilst Kelly had a good run in the corners on his way to securing a 21-10 win over Quirk.

The final was played under floodlights on a green that is in superb condition, got underway with Bradford picking up a two on the first end, was then counting for two on the following end, only for Kelly to kill the end. A single was scored on the next end by Kelly, with the Marown man heading straight for the corners. Bradford had other ideas, as he got in, then went on to build up a 15-4 lead. A fightback looked to be on the cards, as Kelly got to within five chalks at 11-16, however the comeback was stopped there with Bradford finishing the game strongly to secure a 21-12 victory to pick up the Ian Kissack Shield for a fourth time.

The presentation was made by Marown President Peter Kelly, who thanked the sponsor Ardern & Druggan for their continued support, with thanks also given to the Marown ladies for the excellent refreshments provided over the duration of the competition. Ian Kissack’s sister Gill Kissack-Grundey was then introduced to present the prizes.

As part of the recently introduced National Development Strategy, all 16 affiliated Crown Green Bowling Counties will receive kits to support their County Development Officer with the initiative. On Friday 21st February, British Crown Green Bowling Association CEO Paul Ashmore presented the Isle of Man Development Officer (Tracy Moore) with the first part of their development kit.

The equipment provided consisted of eight sets of Taylor coloured junior bowls, 12 sets of Taylor adult bowls and four jacks. The kit is available for use by all affiliated Clubs to support the growth of our sport across our grassroots.

Also present at the presentation were IOM Sport, along with some of the Manx Youth Games coaches, Sue Gawne, Christine Holland, George Peach, Jo Robert and Michele Cubbon. Making the most of half term and the sun, some of the Association’s junior bowlers attended to test drive the new sets of junior bowls and, as you can see, had a great time!

The 2024 BCGBA Mel Evans MBE Centenary Mixed Pairs was held on Saturday 5th October at Owley Wood Recreation Club, Barrymore Road, Weaverham.

The first games of the day got underway at 10:00 with South Ramsey pair Elaine Moore and Greg Barlow facing Louise Ollerton and David Molyneux (Lancashire) on number one green with the IOM pair losing out 17-21 in the first round.

On Green Two Castletown’s Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton had built up a 16-8 lead against Shropshire pair Jodie Taylor and Daniel Taylor only for a stirring fightback from their opponents seeing the Town pair score just two more points as they lost out 18-21.

There was better success for Sue Gawne and Andy Kennish (Noble’s/Peel) as they won their first game 21-12 against North Lancs & Fylde pair Emily James and Darren James. In their second round game the Manx pair lost out 13-21 to the beaten finalists Emma Earlam and Rob Winnington from Cheshire.

The eventual winners were North Lancs & Fylde pair Clair Russell and Steve Clamp who took a resounding 21-9 victory over the Cheshire pair.

World Club Championships

South Ramsey qualified for the World Club Championships at Alkincoats Park, Colne by virtue of winning the Rayner Shield earlier in the season. The competition was played as a straight knockout, with the winner on chalks going through to the next round to face the winners from the same green.

In their first round game they were up against Wigan Parish B.C. as they turned in a strong performance to win their first round match by 19 chalks, winning four games, whilst losing three games to 20-21.

Scores below…

South Ramsey	Score	Score	Wigan Parish B.C.
David Bradford	21	18	Tony Holland
Glynn Hargraves	21	4	Michael Sollars
Peter Collister	20	21	Keith Pedder
Bob Clark	21	13	William Simm
James Teare	20	21	Graham Pye
Jenny Moore	21	13	David Mullen
Jordan Cain	20	21	Andrew Molyneux
Stefan Kelly	7	21	David Molyneux
4 Games Won	151	132	4 Games Won

Their second game was always going to be much tougher as they faced Crossgates, with the team featuring several top bowlers. The South Ramsey team turned in a solid performance as they lost by 17 chalks, taking four wins off their opponents.

South Ramsey	Score	Score	Crossgates
David Bradford	20	21	Gareth Lally
Glynn Hargraves	21	17	Harry Seehra
Bob Clark	21	15	Jonny Wilcox
Peter Collister	9	21	Mark Taylor
Elaine Moore	21	16	Joe Cranston
Stefan Kelly	7	21	Craig Hopwood
Jordan Cain	21	15	Kez Smith
Dido Kelly	10	21	Steven Gilroy
4 Games Won	130	147	4 Games Won

Crossgates go through to the finals day which is being held at Spen Victoria Bowling Club next Sunday, as one of eight teams in a bid to become World Club Champions.

Men’s Player of the Month: David Bradford – South Ramsey

Ladies Player of the Month: Louise Tebay – Ballaugh

Under 21’s Player of the Month: Alex Colquitt – Noble’s

The men’s pick went to David Bradford who impressed as he swept aside Matthew Quirk, John Kennish, Colin Kelly, and Paul Dunn on his way to winning a fourth Manx Masters title. Bradford also won both league games for South Ramsey, this included a 21-1 win as he won his third game to just one chalk for the season, whilst also finishing third in the overall league merit despite missing a game earlier in the season.

The Ladies pick went to Louise Tebay who picked up her first Ladies Manx Masters title at South Ramsey recently, as Louise picked up her best win to date having only taken up the game four years ago, beating Jenny Moore 21-15 on the way to picking up the title. Tebay put an end to Jenny’s hold on the trophy that she had won for six years in a row. In addition to this the Ballaugh captain won both league games played in September to single figures, as she finished the season strongly to finish 10th in the Ladies merit, whilst her team finished in fourth place in the Ladies night league.

Alex Colquitt went to a Junior bowler, as Alex picked up the Under 21’s award, winning the Bill Oliver Junior Trophy at Breagle Glen, with the score tied in the final an extra end was played with Colquitt winning the crucial deciding end to seal the victory. Alex also helped his team Noble’s C to finish in second place in Division Three to cap off a fine season.

Marown Bowling Club hosted the Juan Kelly Cup, with the competition attracting 46 as the curtain was brought down on the 2024 bowling season.

The competition was played over two qualifying nights (Monday and Tuesday), with four pairs qualifying each night to qualify for the finals night on Wednesday evening. The format was any combination doubles, played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. The pairs were given a handicap based on their rankings in the Men’s and Ladies game. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place to decide the winner. For finals night a re-draw took place to determine who the pairings would play on the night, with a good mixture of high and low handicaps still in the competition.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were home greeners Glenn Boland and Peter Jones (SCR) 10-19 to teammates Colin Kelly and Tom Kelly (SCR), whilst the 2023 winners Paul Dunn and Stevie Kelly (SCR) (Marown/Peel) managed to see of the +8 handicappers of Paul Moore and Lee Price (Noble’s) 21-13. In the other half of the draw Kim and Glynn Hargraves were off a +2 handicap (South Ramsey) as they beat Peel pair Tony Carroon and Dougie Allan (+3) 18-10, whilst Phil Kelly and John Gelling (+2) won the all-Marown battle as they beat Debbie Leece and Neil Withers (+1) 18-14 in the closest tie of the round.

The Kelly father and son combination progressed to the final with a 19-14 victory, despite conceding eight chalks to Dunn and Kelly on the first power end, as they won the last two power ends with eight chalks of their own. The South Ramsey combination reached the final with a 19-16 win over Phil Kelly and John Gelling despite losing two of the power ends themselves.

The final got underway with the South Ramsey pair scoring a three on the first end, they then conceded a single, were lying one on the following end only for Tom to take the jack off the green. Another single followed for Kim and Glynn. The game swung on its head on the first power end as a four scored by the Marown men turned a 1-6 deficit into a 9-6 lead.

The home greeners went onto score a two on the following end with another great bowl from Tom just tipping the jack going into the river corner. Kim and Glynn pulled a two back on the following end in the corners, then conceded a two and a three to trail 8-16. The second power end was won by the visiting bowlers with a single, with a bigger scoring end needed to close the deficit. A single on the following end proved to be their last point as Colin and Tom scored two doubles, and a single on end 14 was enough to lift the title for the first time to put the game out of reach at 21-11.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by Marown Club President Peter Kelly, who thanked Juan Kelly for once again sponsoring the competition, Brian Kelly for running the sheet, the Ladies for the refreshments over all three nights, everyone who entered, and all those who came to support. Juan Kelly was then introduced to present the prizes.

Sunday 22nd September 2024 Finch Hill Bowling Club hosted the Douglas Borough Council Challenge Cup competition for the any combination pairs. A total of 27 pairs entered for the end of season event on a warm and sunny afternoon.

The opening rounds saw some excellent close games and particular mention goes to southern teammates Caroline Whitehead and Angela Bennett taking on seasoned-campaigners Matthew Keggen and Paul Kelly to a 21-20 win.

It was good to see some of the juniors in the competition as Grayse Blencoe and Bailey McMullan had a tough game against the experienced players Margie Tasker and Mavis Franks, just losing out 19-21.

At the quarter finals stage last year’s winner Nathan Hamilton and his partner Kieran Krypner lost out to Neil Withers and Paul Dunn 14-21. Philippa Taylor and Lynda Cadamy ended the hopes of Peter Jones and Cherise Fialho 21-11 and Sue Gawne and Andy Kennish beat Janet Monk and Lacey McMullan 21-14. Caroline and Angela ended the challenge of home greeners David Holmes and Peter Woods 21-17 from progressing to semi-finals.

In the semi-finals Sue and Andy galloped to a commanding leading against Philippa and Lynda and despite a late rally from the girls who were unable to repeat their earlier form, took a 21-8 win. The other semi-final saw some very hard fought ends but the experience of Neil and Paul was in the end no match for Caroline and Angela with the boys winning 21-8.

The final was Sue and Andy against Neil and Paul which promised to be a good battle. Despite some very closely fought ends the boys managed to accrue a commanding lead and held back the challenge from their opponents and ran out the victors 21-7. Congratulations to Neil and Paul on yet another fine victory.

Many thanks to Finch Hill for hosting the event, Douglas Council as sponsors, Joyce Ogden for running the sheet and all competitors for a lovely afternoon’s bowling.

See you all next year.

Joyce Ogden