There was an entry of 30 for the ladies’ singles open, played at Ballaugh on Saturday 23 April, for the Pearl Kaighin Trophy.

The conditions were tricky with a fast green combined with a strong wind. Although the conditions were warm and pleasant during the afternoon for spectators sitting in sheltered spots, towards the latter stages winter returned and Sylvia Kennaugh’s blanket was the envy of many !

Quarter-finals: Jenny Maddrell 21, Sylvia Kennaugh 10; Shirley Whelan 21, Tricia Bull 19; Lil Smith 21, Helen Martin 12 (ret.); Rosie Winckle 21, Margaret Tasker 17.

It was unfortunate that Helen had to retire from her match after twisting her knee.

The final stages were dominated by Marown players, three of them in the semi-finals, two of whom made it to the final.

Both semi-finals were very close. In the first Shirley made the better start, racing to a 12-7 lead before Jenny had the advantage over the next few ends, closing to level at 15-15 and going on to lead 20-17, winning four ends in a row on the way. However Shirley took the next three ends to take the game 21-20 and progress to the final.

In the other semi-final it was Rosie Winckle who got off best to lead 16-10, then 18-12, before Lil started a revival, catching up to 17-18 before Rosie took two of the next three ends to go through 21-18.

In the final we were treated to some wonderful play from both players, although Shirley had the edge throughout, taking the title 21-14.

Final: Shirley Whelan 21, Rosie Winckle 14.

Club chairman, Jenny Maddrell, thanked those who had stayed to the end in the bitter conditions, those who had helped measuring, marking and in the kitchen. Special thanks went to Bernard Kaighin for continuing to sponsor the event and providing the trophy in memory of his mother, and also to Richard for running the sheet and keeping the afternoon going smoothly.

Philippa Taylor, from Peel Sunset, and Jean Thackrah, from Port Erin, joined forces to enter the Ladies’ Doubles at the Blackpool Spring Festival played at the Waterloo in March. In a strong field they came through to win  (meeting Pat Lonsdale,well known from our Festivals, in the final).

Congratulations to both ladies!

There was a field of eight for the British Crown Green ladies’ merit qualifier played at Finch Hill on Sunday 17 April. The weather stayed fair and at times there was a hint of warmth in the sun.

The games started at the quarter-final stage and some players got to grips with the green more quickly than others.

Quarter-finals: Debbie Leece 21, Lil Smith 15; Sylvia Kennaugh 21, Mary Alderson 14; Rosie Winckle 21, Shirley Whelan 10; Elaine Moore 21, Helen Martin 14.

In the semi-final Elaine got off to a flyer against Rosie, at one point leading 16-5. Although the game was more even from that point Rosie had left herself too much to do and Elaine came through 21-11. The other semi-final was a game of two halves as Sylvia streaked into a 16-6 lead. Debbie then took control to level things at all-but across, but it was Sylvia who took the next point to win 21-20 and progress to the final.

In the final Elaine took control, and despite Sylvia’s best efforts she could make little impact on Elaine’s progress.

Final: Elaine Moore 21, Sylvia Kennaugh 8

The presentation was made by Association president, Rosie Winckle, who thanked those who had taken part, and those who came to spectate. Special thanks went to Anne Caine who had come along to open up and to make the very welcome teas and coffees.

Elaine will be representing the island at Owley Wood Recreation Club, Northwich, on Saturday 9 July

Strong winds and a fast green made for difficult conditions for the 32 ladies who contested the Essie Quayle singles at Peel on Saturday 5 September. Although the sun shone it became very cold for the latter stages of the competition, reducing the number of spectators staying to the end.

Quarter-finals: Kim Hargraves 21, Mary Kinrade 18; Margaret Tasker 21, Shirley Corrin 16; Joyce Kelly 21, Janet Monk 19; Ann Maddrell 21, Maureen Payne 16

Semi-finals: Kim Hargraves 21, Margaret Tasker 17; Joyce Kelly 21, Ann Maddrell 16

In the final the early ends were shared to make the players level at 9-9. Joyce won the next 5 ends to lead 16-9. Although play was level after that point Kim was unable to make inroads into Joyce’s lead, the peel player coming through to win 21-14.

The presentation was made by club captain Heather Horsburgh who thanked the green keeper and everyone who had helped with the smooth running of the afternoon.

There was a disappointing entry of 25 for the W.A.Roberts ladies’ singles, sponsored by Celtic Associates Ltd., played at Port St Mary on Wednesday 12 August. The entry may well have been affected by the men’s Ismay Cup final which was taking place at the same time.

A fast running green and fine weather enabled some enjoyable bowling.

Quarter-finals: Jayne Kneen 21, Roma Ware 6; Paula Firth 21, Mary Alderson 17; Ann Maddrell 21, Lil Smith 14; Mavis Franks 21, Win Collister 18

Semi-finals: Jayne Kneen 21, Paula Firth 17; Ann Maddrell 21, Mavis Franks 20

In the final Ann took the first two ends before Jayne won 9 of the next 10 to lead 18-9.Ann then staged a come-back making the score 15-19 after winning 5 of the next 6 ends, Jayne took the next end to reach all-but. The next two ends went Ann’s way before Jayne was able to win the game 21-18.

Lady President, Ann Maddrell, thanked everyone who had helped to make a successful afternoon, Sean and Gill for organising the competition, the green-keeper Ray, and the ladies doing the refreshments in the kitchen. She also thanked Celtic Associates Ltd. for their continued sponsorship before introducing Iain Wood to make the presentations. Iain said how much he enjoyed the event and promised continued sponsorship for next year.

There was a disappointing entry of 24 for the IOM Merit, for the Barbara Lee trophy, held at Port Erin on Sunday 9 August. However the weather stayed fair ensuring an enjoyable afternoon for bowling.

Quarter-finals: Debbie Leece 21, Elaine Moore 19; Lyn Bolton 21, Caroline Whitehead 11; Mary Alderson 21, Phil Dobson 13; Paula Firth 21, Lynda Cadamy 13

Semi-finals: Lyn Bolton 21, Debbie Leece 7; Paula Firth 21, Mary Alderson 12

Lyn had been gaining momentum throughout the afternoon and Paula could not stay with her in the final, although she did show some resistance when Lyn reached 20-4, winning the next three ends, but it was too little too late as Lyn ran out the 21-8 winner.

The presentation was made by Association president, Pat Robertson, who congratulated the players and thanked Port Erin for the use of their facilities. She also thanked all those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the afternoon, in particular the two gentlemen who had a very busy afternoon manning the measures.