The final of the Canada Life International Sponsored Mixed Team Championship, Plate, and Bowl competitions took place simultaneously on both Noble’s greens on Thursday evening, with the Championship final seeing South Ramsey A take on Marown B. The floodlights were required, things got underway in perfect conditions for a bowls final.

With the league season finished in August, the previous three weeks had been reserved for a new format in the Mixed Team competitions. With a healthy entry of teams taking part, once again this allowed for a third competition to be played for. The Plate competition was for teams knocked out of the Championship in the early rounds, whilst teams losing out in the Plate competition went into the newly introduced Bowl competition.

The finals of the Championship and Plate took place on Noble’s One green, the final of the bowl was contested on Noble’s Two green.

The Championship saw South Ramsey progress to the final thanks to a hard fought 5-chalk victory (144-139) over the current holders Marown A on Monday evening, winning 5-4 on games, with South winning two games to single figures, whilst Marown won three games to single figures. Marown B reached the final thanks to their win by 16-chalks against last year’s beaten finalists Castletown A (169-153) with the Crosby team winning 6-3 on games.

South Ramsey were quickest out of the blocks building a commanding 35-chalk lead from the first three games, as Glynn Hargraves beat Helen Withers 21-11, John Kennish won 21-8 against Zoe Pearson, whilst Jenny Moore won 21-9 against Rebekah Kelly.

The lead was extended to 43-chalks following the next three games with Jordan Cain beating Peter Greenlees 21-10, with Peter Jones cancelling this win out for Marown with his own 21-10 win over Gill Dixon. Peter Collister ensured the match was out of reach for the Crosby team with his 21-13 win over Philippa Taylor.

Fiona Kennish finished the game strongly to beat Matthew Keggen 21-15, South Ramsey captain Kim Hargraves lost out 8-21 to Walter McCarthy, whilst Dido Kelly recorded a solid 21-10 win over Juan Killip.

The final match score was a win for South Ramsey by 47-chalks, winning 7-2 on games. South Ramsey have now claimed the Mixed Team Championship 14 times since the competition was first held in 2005.

Association Competition Secretary Matthew Keggen thanked Noble’s for the use of the green for the duration of the competition, for providing the refreshments each night. South Ramsey captain Kim Hargraves congratulated her team for their performance on the night, whilst offering commiserations to Marown.

The final of the Mixed Team Plate competition took place at Noble’s One green on Thursday evening, with North Ramsey A taking on Breagle Glen A.

Both teams lost out in the early rounds of the Championship, North Ramsey losing out in the early rounds to South Ramsey A, in a keenly contested match, with South finishing the game strongly to win by 30-chalks, whilst Breagle Glen were defeated by 25-chalks by Marown B.

This final turned out to be the most keenly contested of all three mixed team finals with just six chalks separating the teams at end of the match, with the Northern team winning by just six chalks (164-158), and winning 5-4 on games.

From the first three games on the green North Ramsey won two games, with Tom Collins beat Margie Tasker 21-19, whilst Tony Lloyd-Davies held off Nicci Cain 21-16. Despite winning two games Breagle Glen held a 5-chalk lead thanks to Wayne Roberts winning 21-9 against Lacey McMullan.

Breagle went on to double their advantage to 10-chalks from the next three matches, as Mavis Franks beat Bailey McMullan 21-15, Steve Durcan held off Joe Kneale 21-19, whilst Bernie Durcan lost out 18-21 to North Ramsey’s top man Rob Monk.

The sting in the tail for Breagle came in the next two matches as Janet Monk beat Lina Urbaniak 21-5 to swing the match in favour of North to give them a six chalk lead, then came the big upset of the night as Grayse Blencoe stunned Ewan Cooil with a brilliant performance to seal a 21-16 victory to extend the lead to 10-chalks. The remaining match on the green saw Anita Roberts up against Paul Allison with the Mooragh man only needing to reach 10-chalks, with North having won five games if the teams tied on chalks North would win the match. Despite a solid performance from Roberts, Allison had enough in the locker to secure the chalks needed to seal the win for North Ramsey to win the title for the first time.

Association competition secretary presented the Shield to North Ramsey captain Joe Kneale.

The final of the Mixed Team Bowl competition took place at Noble’s Two green on Thursday evening, with Douglas A taking on Marown C.

With both teams taking an early bath in the Championship and Plate competitions, the teams were keen to pick up the title, with Douglas starting as favourites with a more experienced side.

Douglas A reached the final courtesy of their hard fought Monday evening victory over South Ramsey B by just nine chalks (155-146) winning 5-4 on games. Marown C played on the same evening as they held off Ballaugh B, booking their place in the final as they won by 11 chalks (152-141), winning 6-3 on games.

In the final the first three games off saw the Villa side build a 14-chalk lead, as Emma Sayle lost out 20-21 to Lillie Barrett having led 20-11, the junior bowler ran out to claim the win. Villa captain Mervin Sayle beat Matthew Crabtree 21-13, whilst Villa junior Katie Jacobs beat Paul Sheffield 21-14.

The next three games off saw the deficit reduced to nine chalks despite Andy Cannell beating the youngest player to feature in any of the finals – Harrison Moore 21-6, as Nigel Tebay beat Harley Garrett 21-11, a score which James Kelly matched with a solid win against Paula Garrett.

Any hopes of a Crosby win were extinguished in the last three games on the green, as Gordy Wynne-Smythe beat Martha Butler 21-9, the evergreen Keith Rise beat Enya Christian 21-8, with Paddy Murphy winning 21-13 against Emily Cooper.

The Crosby team which featured five junior bowlers will have enjoyed the experience of playing in a team final under floodlights. The Bowl which was in it’s second year of being played was presented to Douglas captain Mervin Sayle.

Last Saturday Finch Hill Bowling Club hosted the Douglas Corporation Any Combination Doubles event which attracted a field of 21 pairs.  With last year’s winners Dunn and Withers missing, there was going to be new names of the trophy.

The draw produced some really tough preliminary round games, with several juniors, past and present festival winners and newcomers making for a very interesting competition. Anita and Wayne Roberts had a long and hard fought game against homegreeners Mark Taylor and Sam Stannard-Duke, winning eventually 21-19. Another tough game was Richard Blencoe and his partner Sam Quayle against family membersMartha and Grayse Blencoe taking a  21-19 win.

In the quarter finals Peter Greenlees and Walter McCarthy ended the hopes of Philippa Taylor and Lynda Cadamy 21-11.  Anita and Wayne met a very in-form Glenn Boland and Jamie Box losing 21-12.  Also securing a place into the semis was John and Fiona Kennish taking a 21-14 win over sisters Madison and Lacey McMullan.  Special mention goes to newcomers Efren Cagadas and Arnold Nor, both only started playing bowls 6 weeks ago and delighted the spectators with their enthusiastic and very emotional style of play, who also won a place in the semi-finals by defeating Paddy Murphy and Dave McCabe 21-15.

Semi final line up was Efren and Arnold against Glenn Boland and Jamie Box, with some very entertaining ends and emotions running high, the experience of Boland and Box was just too much for Efren and Arnold with them taking a 21-13 win.  The other semi final was a match of two experienced teams of John and Fiona Kennish against Greenlees and McCarthy.

Peter and Walter’s excellent run up to this stage was no match for the Kennish pairing with the latter running out a 21-7 win and taking their place in the final.

The final saw Boland and Box move into a comfortable early lead and never looked back, despite John and Fiona battling every end in an attempt to catch up.  Boland and Box lifted the trophy with an impressive 21-9 win.

The presentation was made by Finch Hill member Mark Taylor on behalf of Douglas Corporation.  Jamie Box thanked the sponsors and hosts, all the competitors and helpers and especially to the ladies in the kitchen for the excellent refreshments available all afternoon. Thanks also to Joyce Ogden for running the sheet.

That almost brings the season to an end.  So winter well everyone and see you in 2027.

The Felton’s Manx Masters took place on Sunday in fair weather conditions and on a good playing surface. The 48 invited bowlers -16 ladies and 32 men – competed in their respective competitions, while a good crowd watched the events unfold.

Felton’s Ladies Manx Masters

In the ladies’ event, Lynda Cadamy lost 21-6 to home greener Jenny Moore at the quarter-final stage, while Shannon McMullan was also held to single figures, losing 21-8 to Mooragh Park clubmate Janet Monk. In the other half of the draw, 2024 winner Louise Tebay recorded a comfortable 21-10 win over Hilary Kermode (Castletown), while recent Isle of Man September Festival winner Lacey McMullan (Mooragh Park) held off former teammate Caroline Parker (Ballaugh) 21-18 to advance to the semi-finals.

At the semi-final stage, Moore recovered from a 13-9 deficit on a longer length to defeat Monk 21-16. Tebay had complete control of her semi-final encounter with McMullan, leading 17-6 and then 20-9. McMullan fought back on a longer length, winning five consecutive ends to close the gap to five chalks at 20-15; however, Tebay secured her place in the final with a single to win 21-15.

Moore began the final as the overwhelming favourite, as she often is in any game on the Island, and would not have forgotten her 21-15 defeat to Tebay at the semi-final stage in 2024. Jenny was quickest out of the blocks, taking an early 8-3 lead after four ends. Tebay fought back, winning six of the next seven ends to level the game at 10-10 after 11 ends.

Moore stepped up a couple of gears from there, winning seven of the next nine ends and conceding just two chalks. She scored four doubles on her way to a fully deserved 21-12 victory, playing two great bowls on the final end as she headed into the corner on a round peg to finish the match in style.

This was Jenny’s seventh win in the competition, following a two-year gap since her previous title. Before that, she had won the competition for six consecutive years (2018-2023).

Felton’s Men’s Manx Masters

In the men’s event, several first- and second-round matches were closely contested.

Neil Withers (Marown) lost at the quarter-final stage to John Kennish (South Ramsey). Kennish was in complete control in the corners at 18-9, but Withers fought back with a five-end winning streak to reduce the deficit to one chalk at 18-17. Kennish regained the lead at a vital moment to finish the game 21-17. Breagle man Ewan Cooil lost 21-11 to home greener Dido Kelly, with the South Ramsey player scoring nine doubles and no singles throughout the game.

In the other half of the draw, Stevie Kelly (Peel) had a battle with North Ramsey’s Rob Monk. With the Mooragh man counting one for game with the score at 20-20, Stevie played a great final bowl to run the jack and seal his place in the semi-final with a 21-20 win. Onchan’s Matthew Quirk faced Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey), with Quirk retaining the lead throughout the early part of the game. After 16 ends, Quirk was two chalks ahead at 15-13 before finishing strongly with five singles and a double to progress to the next round with a 21-13 win.

Both semi-finals ended in comfortable wins for Kennish and Quirk. With Kennish leading 12-11, a flourish of doubles sealed his place in the final with a 21-13 win over South Ramsey teammate Dido Kelly.

The other semi-final saw Quirk face Peel man Stevie Kelly. Kelly won six of the first 10 ends, but being restricted to singles meant the score was tied at 9-9 after 10 ends. Quirk then returned to the short round-peg mark that had served him well in the previous three rounds and ran out a 21-9 winner.

Quirk appeared to be the in-form player going into the final; however, Kennish found a way to win once he settled into the game after conceding singles on the first two ends. After nine ends, the South Ramsey man had built a six-chalk lead at 12-6, having scored three doubles along the way.

The Onchan man responded by winning three ends in succession, although Kennish restricted him to singles. With three ends going in Quirk’s favour and two in Kennish’s, the deficit had been reduced to two chalks after 16 ends, with Kennish leading 14-12.

From there, Kennish made his move, scoring three doubles and a single to secure a 21-14 win. This was the 12^th time Kennish had won the trophy, including victories when it was played in its previous Champion of Champions format. This matches the number of times the South Ramsey man has won the Manx Championship.

The presentation was conducted by South Ramsey Chairman Steve Moore, who thanked everyone who had accepted the invitation to play and everyone who had helped to run the competitions. He also thanked the ladies, who once again outdid themselves with the catering, and the club members who assisted throughout the day. Long-term supporters of the event, Chris and Lynnette Perry of Felton’s Ironmongers, were then introduced to present the prizes. Without their support, the event would not be possible.

South Ramsey Bowling Club hosted the Manx Masters on Friday evening, one of the highlights of the Manx bowls calendar with the Junior bowlers playing in two separate competitions The weather, whilst blustery at times, with heavy rain earlier on in the day, the rain held off for the duration of the competition. With over 75 people around the green the event was well supported, with the Juniors having the unique opportunity to play under floodlights it led to a good atmosphere around the green.

Moira Anderson Junior Manx Masters

The Junior Manx Masters was played as a straight knockout 21up off a handicap of +10 for the older and more experienced players with an entry of 14 players this year.

The title was won for the first time by last year’s runner up Bailey McMullan (Mooragh Park) who went one better with a superb display against Alex Colquitt (Marown), in what was a superb final, with both bowling playing some excellent bowls to stay in the game.

Alex made the better start winning three of the first four ends to lead 14-12, with Bailey responding winning of the following four ends to lead 17-15. The Marown Junior went on to score a single and a double to lead 18-17, with the game now at the business end, both players kept their opponent down to singles.

Both players continued to pull out crucial bowls, however it was Bailey who just had the edge to hold her nerve to seal a 21-20 victory over Alex, with both players evenly matched throughout even on the number of ends won in the game (eight ends each) with Bailey crucially scoring three doubles, with Alex scoring two doubles being the difference.

Bailey had another battle at the semi-final stage with Nobles player Alex Hampson, who were well matched throughout, Bailey sealed her place in the final with a 21-20 victory. The other semi-final saw the current holder Katie Jacobs (Douglas) lose out 10-21 to Colquitt, who played superbly, winning in just seven ends, scoring four doubles on his way to victory.

At the quarter final stage Bailey had a comfortable 21-15 win against Aalish Moore (Castletown) keeping the Town player down to five singles. Hampson booked his place in the quarter finals with a 21-14 win over Kian Bradford (South Ramsey). In the other half of the draw Colquitt got the better of Sam Quayle (Castletown) with a 21-14, whilst Jacobs won to the same score against Enya Christian (Marown).

Moira Anderson Young Manx Masters

The Young Manx Masters competition for Primary School children was contested by six juniors, with four boys and two girls featuring. This competition was played in a round robin format playing six ends with the last end played as a ‘power’ end with points scored counting double.

After a good evening of bowls, which included plenty of smiles from all the younger bowlers it was Saskia Tebay (Marown) who picked up her second win in this competition having won the title in 2024.

Saskia edged to victory with a total of 28 points from her five round robin games, followed closely by Bertie Moss (Peel) and 2025 winner Cole Smart (North Ramsey) who both finished just one point behind on 27 points.

The standard of play in both events was excellent and some of the bowls played would not have been out of place in the senior events. The event was this year supported by House of Fae, the competitions has been renamed to the Moira Anderson Junior/Young Manx Masters, following the loss of a long serving and dedicated life member of the club who served as South Ramsey Bowling Club President for a number of years, with Moira always being on hand to help out at the club.

The presentation was made by Kim Hargraves (competition organiser), who thanked the new sponsors House of Fae, thanks were also given to the coaches, measurers, markers and green stewards, and Alan Moore for providing the refreshments in the kitchen. A special mention was also given to all the spectators who had attended, with the excellent standard of play in both competitions was also noted.

Castletown Bowling Club hosted the inaugural Dave Quayle Mixed Doubles Open on Sunday, attracting a healthy 39 pairs with the competition providing an excellent day of crown green bowls and some closely contested games as the competition reached its latter stages.

As the field was reduced to the final eight, the quarter-finals saw Fiona and John Kennish (South Ramsey) progress at the expense of Walter McCarthy and Lynda Cadamy (Marown). Beverly Wilson and Andy Kennish (Peel and Castletown) also secured their place in the semi-finals, defeating Charlotte Clarke and Tom Kelly (Marown).

In the bottom half of the draw, Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton (Castletown) continued their run with victory over Shane and Emilie Moss (Peel), while James Teare and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) booked the last semi-final place after overcoming Sue Gawne and Mike Spooner (Nobles & Ballaugh).

The first semi-final saw Fiona and John Kennish produce an impressive performance against Beverly Wilson and Andy Kennish, running out 21–8 winners to book their place in the final.

The second semi-final proved a more closely fought contest, with Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton eventually overcoming James Teare and Jenny Moore 21–14 to set up an all-action final against the Kennish pairing.

Final

The inaugural title came down to Fiona and John Kennish against Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton.

In what proved to be a thrilling conclusion to the first running of the competition, Drewett and Hamilton held their nerve when it mattered most to edge out the Kennish pairing 21–20 scoring a game winning three chalks with the score set at 20-18 to the South Ramsey pairing, securing their names as the inaugural winners of the Dave Quayle Mixed Doubles Open.

A fantastic final was a fitting conclusion to a successful first running of the competition, with both pairs producing some excellent bowls and keeping the contest alive right to the final chalk.

Congratulations to Hannah Drewett and Nathan Hamilton on becoming the inaugural Dave Quayle Mixed Doubles Open champions, with Fiona and John Kennish finishing as worthy runners-up.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who entered, supported and helped run the competition, and to everyone who contributed to making the inaugural event such a great success.

Club President Hilary Kermode made the presentation and thanked all the club members who helped throughout the day, as well as everyone who entered the competition. Hilary also gave a special thanks to The Sidings, not only for sponsoring the event but also for being a lifelong friend of Dave’s.

Nathan and Hannah echoed Hilary’s words, with Nathan giving a special thanks to Hilary and Juan for their invaluable help with organising the draw and keeping the competition sheet running smoothly throughout the day.

The competition looks set to become another popular open on the Castletown calendar.

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves Crowned Kennish Cup Champions

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves emerged victorious at this year’s Kennish Cup, lifting the trophy after an outstanding day of bowls played in glorious weather.

A fantastic entry of 46 pairs competed for the coveted title, with play getting underway at 11:30am due to the large field. The green was running exceptionally well, although the many brown patches made for a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable playing surface, producing plenty of close and competitive contests throughout the day.

Round One Highlights

There were several standout performances during the opening round, none more impressive than the junior pairing of Grayse Blencoe and Archie Dunn (Mooragh Park/Marown), who produced a superb display to defeat home green favourites Julie Stephens and Marty McDermott in a thrilling 21-19 encounter. Their composure and determination against experienced opposition was one of the performances of the day. With conditions proving difficult, many games across the draw were decided by the finest of margins before the competition reached the quarter-finals late in the afternoon.

Quarter-Finals

The first quarter-final saw Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves (South Ramsey) take on Becky Teare and Dave “Dido” Kelly (Castletown/South Ramsey). Becky and Dido made the brighter start, collecting a series of singles and a four to establish a commanding 12-6 advantage. However, the deficit sparked Jordan and Glynn into life. A remarkable run, consisting of a single followed by three consecutive fours, turned the match completely on its head as they raced to 19 before securing the two points they required to book their place in the semi-finals.

The second quarter-final featured four home greeners – Toby Hart and Alan Moore against Jenny Moore and James Teare in another absorbing contest. Toby led superbly throughout the early stages, while Alan was in excellent form at the back as they built a 14-7 lead. Jenny and James responded by switching their lead bowlers, a tactical move that proved highly effective. A couple of valuable three’s helped them recover and edge ahead 20-18. Toby and Alan showed tremendous resilience to level the match at 20-20, but Jenny and James held their nerve to score the deciding single on the final end and progress.

The third quarter-final between Stevie Rundle and Paul Routledge (Marown/South Ramsey) and Colin Kelly and Jamie Box (Marown) was evenly matched throughout. The scores were locked at 11-11 after seven ends, with both teams exchanging scores throughout the game. Colin and Jamie edged ahead with a crucial three, only for Stevie and Paul to respond immediately with a two. With little separating the pairs, the match was ultimately decided over the closing ends as Colin and Jamie finished strongly with three consecutive two’s to seal victory.

The final quarter-final saw newly engaged Ali Kearsley and Nathan Cooil face John Kennish and David Bradford. The match remained finely balanced during the opening exchanges, with John and David building a slight advantage through a three and a two before Ali and Nathan fought back to level the scores at 9-9. John and David then opened a four-point lead over the next two ends, only for Ali and Nathan to respond in kind. However, two decisive three’s from John and David secured the final semi-final place.

Semi-Finals

The first semi-final featured an all-South Ramsey clash between Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves and Jenny Moore and James Teare. Jordan and Glynn made an excellent start, collecting several two’s to move into a 13–8 lead. Jenny and James responded brilliantly with a four to narrow the deficit to just one shot. Unfazed, Jordan and Glynn regained control and stretched their advantage to 20-13. Lying game down James managed to produce a last bowl saviour that kept the pairings hopes alive with a single, Jenny then produced a series of outstanding lead bowls to inspire another comeback, reducing the score to 20-17. With momentum shifting, Jordan and Glynn remained composed and produced an excellent final end to secure their place in the championship match.

The second semi-final saw Colin Kelly and Jamie Box face John Kennish and David Bradford. John and David controlled the early stages, establishing a 13-7 lead. Colin and Jamie battled back impressively with a series of two’s and a single to close the gap to 14-12, but their comeback ultimately fell short. John and David finished strongly with a succession of singles to book their place in the final.

The Final

The final produced a fitting conclusion to an excellent day’s bowling. Jordan and Glynn held a slender 12-10 advantage after 10 ends before taking complete control of the match. Outstanding lead bowling from Jordan, combined with Glynn’s quality at the back, helped extend their lead to 19-10 over the following four ends.

John and David refused to surrender, responding with a single and a two to keep their hopes alive. On what proved to be the decisive end, John delivered an excellent bowl into the corner, only for Jordan to produce an even finer delivery to edge inside and claim shot. Several bowls came close to altering the outcome, but none could improve on Jordan’s effort.

With the final bowl of the match, Glynn calmly delivered the decisive shot, adding another counting bowl to secure the two points required and seal a deserved Kennish Cup victory 21-13.

Presentation

Following the final, Competition Secretary James Teare thanked the large crowd who stayed to watch the conclusion of the event and expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers whose efforts made the competition such a success.

Special thanks were extended to:

* Glynn and his greenkeeping team for preparing an excellent playing surface
* Steve Moore for efficiently running the competition sheets throughout the day
* The club’s ladies for providing another outstanding selection of refreshments
* Everyone who helped with measuring, marking cards and the many behind-the-scenes tasks that ensured the event ran smoothly

Special Awards

Best Junior Players – Archie Dunn, Kian Bradford & Grayse Blencoe

All three juniors were recognised for their excellent performances, positive attitude and sportsmanship throughout the day. They represented the future of the game superbly and are undoubtedly stars in the making.

Furthest Progressing Lady – Jenny Moore

Furthest Progressing Fourth Division Player – Steve Kelly, who partnered wife Judy Kelly in an excellent run to the last 16

Champions

Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves were then presented with the Kennish Cup. Speaking on behalf of the pair, Jordan thanked the event sponsor, Voice Over by Sarah Hart, everyone involved in organising and running the competition, the volunteers, and all those who contributed to another highly successful Kennish Cup.

The day was a tremendous success, featuring outstanding bowling, close competition, excellent sportsmanship and a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. Congratulations once again to Jordan Cain and Glynn Hargraves, worthy champions of the 2026 Kennish Cup.

Photo: James Teare

One of the biggest events on the bowls calendar – The Isle of Man June Bowls Festival took place last week, with the event attracting approximately 600 entries in both the men’s and ladies’ events, as entries continue to improve. The spectators were treated to a week of mixed conditions particularly later in the week and especially on finals day with heavy rain setting in for the morning, and early afternoon.

In the Men’s event it was Phil Lee (St Mary’s), known on the bowls circuit as ‘Sooty’ who picked up his second June Isle of Man Festival win, having won this event in 2023, as he etched his name further into the history books.

Lee collected the £3,200 winner’s cheque and lifted the famous trophy after beating Crossgates man Simon Walder 21-11. Walder made a bright start by winning the first two ends, but Lee soon settled into the game, putting together short scoring runs while limiting Walder to just three further scoring ends. The St Mary’s player scored five doubles on his way to a convincing victory. The rain clearly affected conditions, with parts of the green saturated but not visibly so, making play difficult. Players had to navigate the heavier areas carefully, while the bowls ran more freely on the drier parts of the green.

Lee sealed victory with a double in the corners to score the two points needed to lift the June title once again and the sizeable cheque for £3,200.

Lee reached the final with what ended up being a comfortable win over the current holder Callum Wraight (Castlefields), who started off +3 due to his success in 2025, despite trailing 5-12 after just six ends Lee started to find his feet, with another six ends played in saturated conditions the Wirral man found himself ahead 13-12. Wraight was contained to just two more chalks, as a strong finish from Lee booked his place in the final 21-14. Crossgates man Simon Walder was up against the last of the locals Colin Kelly (Marown), with the visiting bowler always in control, remaining in the lead throughout the game to seal his place in the final with a 21-15 win. Kelly picked up the George Craine Trophy as the furthest local bowler, whilst he also took home a cheque for £650 for his efforts.

The quarter finals saw Lee start his day with what turned out to be his toughest game of finals day, with a hard fought 21-18 win over Jack Bowes (Pudsey Littlemoor), with the latter leading on three separate occasions by a solitary chalk at 8-7, 14-13, and 18-17, with the Wirral man seeing the game out with four consecutive singles. Wraight advanced to the next round in a match that swung one way, then the other, and back again with Neil Withers (Marown), as Wraight led 11-6, then trailed 11-17, with a seven-end losing streak, with the Castlefields man then going a seven-end winning streak to see the game out 21-17. In the other half of the draw Walder beat three-time June winner Graeme Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-17, whilst Kelly took a comfortable 21-11 win over Danny Barwise (St Mary’s).

Men’s Tourism 

The Men’s Tourism was played down to the winner on Thursday morning on Noble’s 1, and it was Callum Wraight (Castlefields) who picked up the Tourism title with a solid 21-12 victory over Ryan Clark (Meersbrook), with neither player taking the early initiative, it was Wraight who led by two chalks after 10 ends. The Castlefields man went on to win seven of the following nine ends on his customary short length up to the crown and back to the corner to run out with a 21-12 win, and with it taking his fifth win in the June Tourism event.

In the semi-finals Wraight made light work of Robbie Ellis (Pudsey Littlemoor) with a 21-10 win to book his place in the final, whilst Clark had to work for his 21-17 victory over Matty Stewart (Netherfield BC).

In the quarter finals Wraight started his morning with a battle as he held off Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) 21-19, whilst Ellis beat Paul Bailey (Belvedere BC) 21-10. In the other half of the draw Clark beat Simon Walder (Crossgates) 21-17, whilst Stewart beat Mark Booth (Dodworth MW) with a single figure win 21-9.

Other Events 

The Men’s consolation was won by 18-year-old Lewis Pember (Spen Victoria) who enjoyed success in what was his first time entering the festival beating 1990 June winner Kevan Shaw (Carleton) who has won the biggest prizes in the game with an assured victory 21-14 in the final.

Pember beat Daniel Moores (Comberbach) 21-17 to book his spot in the final having trailed 17-18 before going on a three-end winning streak, scoring the four chalks needed. In the other semi-final, Shaw held off the challenge of Richard Bendrey (Wirral) 21-18, as he scored five doubles to the Wirral man’s solitary double, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

The Ladies consolation final was more straightforward for the winner Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Ossett Flying Horse) who beat Catherine Wilson (AEU Alstom) 21-11 in the final, with the latter scoring five singles, whilst Lunn-Gadd scored five singles and six doubles on her way to victory. Lunn-Gadd reached the final courtesy of a 21-12 win over Sarah Boyd (Lune Road), whilst Wilson took her place in the final to the same score with a win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC).

The Visit.Com Flyer title went to Sally Turner (New Mill), as she had a tussle with Matt Gilmore (Wirral), with the former having initially led 7-0 in a 9-up match. Gilmore fought back to level the match at 8-8 to ensure the match went to a deciding end. Having a great bowl Gilmore would have been certain he would win, however a superb last bowl from Turner sealed a 9-8 victory. Turner also had to work to reach the final, with another 9-8 win over Lorraine Hirst (New Mill), whilst Gilmore eased to a 9-3 victory over Kyle Chapman (Alford Hall BC).

The Last Chance Mixed Final was another close encounter with Nick Dawson (Parkfield) winning 21-19 over Maurice Edmonds (Dalton Cricket Club). Dawson reached the final with a solid 21-11 win over Steve Barber (Grapes Hotel), whilst Edmonds had to dig a little deeper to hold off Lorraine Hirst (New Mill) 21-17.

The Men’s doubles final saw a good battle in the final with visitors Callum Wraight (Castlefields) and Andrew Spragg (Hollingwood) who took an 11-9 victory over Marown’s Paul Dunn and Neil Withers in the final. Wraight and Spragg reached the final with an 11-8 win over two young and up coming bowlers in Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) and Jay Bailey (Belvedere BC). Dunn and Withers took a comfortable 11-5 win over Ben and Joshua Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood).

The Ladies doubles final saw Clair Russell (Alkincoats PWA) and Sharon Gadd (Cononley) ease to a 11-4 victory over Heather O’Hanlon and Debbie Gittins (Crosstown BC). The winning pair got through to the final with a 11-9 win over Mooragh Park pair Lacey McMullan and Janet Monk, whilst O’Hanlon and Gittins took their spot as they held off Lynda Cadamy (Marown) and Sue Gawne (Nobles) to the same score. Winning the Mixed pairs were Emma Earlam (Castle Sports & SC) and Ashley Walton (Meersbrook) with a hard fought 9-7 victory over Sue Sinclair (East End BC) and John Colebourne (Chesterfield), with the latter pair having led 7-5, a mini fightback sealed the win. Earlam and Walton reached the final with a 9-5 win over Sarah Harrison (Eccleshill BC) and Ryan Marks (Wirral), whilst Sinclair and Colebourne recorded a comfortable 9-3 win over Yvonne Hamilton (Meersbrook BC) and Craig Oddy (Carcroft).