News: Reports

Pearl Kaighin Ladies’ Singles

There was an entry of 31 for the Pearl Kaighin ladies’ singles open played in the sunshine at Ballaugh on Saturday 26 April. Despite some tricky marks the green was running well giving excellent bowls and some very close matches.

Quarter-finals: Rita Callan 21, Sylvia Kennaugh 19; Rita Callister 10, Maureen Payne 21; Gill Dixon 21, Chris Price 16; Janet Monk 21, Tricia Bull 13

In the first semi-final Rita got off to the better start at one point leading 18-14 before Maureen fought back to come through and win 21-19.In the other the scores were level at 10-10 when Gill won seven of the next nine ends to lead 19-12. Janet won the next three ends before Gill got the jack back and ran out 21-16.

Semi-finals: Maureen Payne 21, Rita Callan 19; Gill Dixon 21, Janet Monk 16.

Despite Maureen’s best efforts Gill was in control for most of the final winning 21-13

The presentation was made by Bernard Kaighin who thanked everyone for coming. He gave special thanks to Jenny for running the sheet, the ladies for their work in the kitchen and to the green keepers for the condition of the green.

Ladies’ league 25 April

It was a miserable wet night for the C Tarleton Hodgson and Son Ltd ladies’ league on Friday 25 April. After their heroics in the Jean Kelly Competition on Wednesday night, Port Erin travelled north to meet Mooragh Park for a second time in the week. History was not to repeat itself as, on their own green, The home side proved too strong for their visitors, winning 6-3 on games. The three winners for Port Erin were Sylvia Maddrell, Voirrey Curphey and Caroline Whitehead who won to single figures, as did three of the home team. Onchan were unfortunately a player short on their trip to Noble’s Mixed, and fell just short of 100 points as the home side piled on the pressure winning six games, three to single figures. The winners for Onchan were Heather Reynolds, Viv Rush and Phyllis Gelling who edged out Sylvia Kennaugh 21-19.Port St Mary did not have it all their own way against Purt le Moirrey coming through 5-4 in a low scoring match with the home team winning two games to single figures and the visitors one.The games all went to double figures at South Ramsey where the home side had a 6-3 advantage on games. For Ballaugh Voirrey Oates reached 19 against Casey Bolton while Maureen Trustham was pipped 21-20 by Jenny Moore. Peel Sunset showed the value of fighting for every point as despite losing 7-2 on games to Douglas they recorded a reasonable score with three games going to 19 and one to 18.Heather Horsburgh and Joyce Kelly, to single figures, were the two winners for the visitors. Castletown were too strong for Marown, winning six games, three to single figures. The winners for Marown were Celia Joughin, Lil Smith who edged out Kim Foy 21-19 and Mary Alderson who won to single figures.

Jean Kelly Preliminary Round

The preliminary round of the Jean Kelly Took place on Wednesday 23 April, The game between Onchan and Port St Mary had to be postponed because of a water-logged green at Finch Hill.

PORT ERIN (+40) 186, MOORAGH PARK (Scr) 146

The holders, Mooragh Park, travelled to Port Erin where things didn’t go their way, the home side winning five of the nine games with three of their players winning to single figures. With Chris Price also winning to singles figures the chalks ended all square at 146 each before Port Erin’s +40 handicap came into play to give them the match. There were some close games, particularly Caroline Whitehead edging out Jean Radcliffe 21-20.

CASTLETOWN (+10) 166, BALLAUGH (+45) 152

Castletown proved too strong for Ballaugh winning six games, five of them to single figures. Voirrey Oates and Christine MacDonald also won to single figures, Ann Gale being their other winner. With the score at 156-107 on the green even Ballaugh’s handicap advantage could not save them.

DOUGLAS (+40) 207, PURT LE MOIRREY (+60) 192

With Douglas winning six games, three of them to single figures, and their other three players reaching double figures, they went through by 15 points after the handicaps kicked in. A high point of the match was the game between Paula Garrett and Pauline Worrell, the home player scraping through 21-20.

Ladies’ over 60’s Tuesday 22 April

There were no maximums recorded in the Trend sponsored ladies’ over 60’s league on Tuesday 22 April. The top three teams all won five of their six games with Mooragh Park leading the way with a score of 125 against Marown, Shirley Whelan spoiling the party by edging out Mary Kinrade 21-20. League leaders, Port St Mary A also won five games, scoring 120, with Val Macfarlane and Rita Callister winning to single figures while Meg Williams was the lone winner for the visitors. Pauline Worrall was the star for Port St Mary B, taking a game off third-placed Peel Sunset who scored 115 with Rose Corfield winning to single figures. Ballaugh drew on games with Douglas, but wins to single figures by Maureen Trustham and Peggy Griffin gave them a comfortable win on points. The closest game of the match was the tussle between Mary Simmonds and Elaine Vincent with Elaine coming through 21-19. Villa had the better of Onchan B, winning 4-2 on games with Peggy Chapman and Kay McKiernan winning to single figures while the two winners for Onchan b were Viv Rush and Dee Lewis who also won to single figures. It was a hard fought match between Onchan A and Port Erin with all six games going to double figures. The home side had the advantage 4-2 on games with the star match being that between Phyllis Gelling and Hesba Skelly where Phyllis just edged through 21-20..

Raise a glass to Port after victory over South!

There was both a case of business as usual and shock results in the Isle of Man Bank Men’s league division 1 last week.

Reigning champions Marown A were in devastating form at home against Ballaugh and bounced back from defeat in their season opener to secure an impressive 10-0 maximum win to get their season off and running.

Favourites to secure the title, Onchan A, were equally as imperious with their own maximum over Port Erin at their temporary home at the cattery. Although they were on a different green the result was the same and I really think they might have too much for their rivals this time around.

Castletown A were top of the tree after week 1 but this was short lived as they were brought down to earth with a bang by in-form North Ramsey A who beat the southerners 8-2 at the Mooragh. There is a mix of old and new in the North first string this term and it seems to be doing the trick with both new boys and regular faces on the top of their game.

Port St Mary A were on the money at home against title contenders South Ramsey A drawing on games but picking up the win 6-4 thanks to the aggregate points. Highlight of the match was Chris Oates 21-6 win against 3 times Island Champion Andy Kennish. Oates was simply unplayable for the entire match, and you will do well to see a better individual performance all season.

Douglas A picked up their first win of the season over Peel A at the Villa, but only just. The elixir drinkers managed a draw on games but edged the match on aggregate to get some much needed points on the board.

It was derby day number 1 at the Crofts as Castletown C hosted their B team with the latter being too strong for their opponents, running out 8-2 victors.

It’s too early to tell who will win and who will finish in the relegation places come September however things are looking ominous with Onchan A already 4 points clear of the chasing pack and it will take some twists and turns to reel in this deficit.

Onchan B are the early pace setters in Division 2 after a highly impressive 9-1 win away at Finch Hill B. They are serious contenders for promotion this year and will be hoping to build on their strong start.

Newly promoted North Ramsey B are hot on their heels though and a second win, this time 7-3 over Nobles Park A, has set them up nicely for a shot at back to back promotions.

Finch Hill A will have something to say about it though as they picked up a great 9-1 victory away at Ballaugh B to keep them on the promotion trail.

South Ramsey B lead the way in Division 3 after they took out Onchan C 8-2 at home to keep their championship bid very much on track, even in these early stages. They are the class act in this division and should be there or there abouts at the end of the season.

Marown B might have something to say about where the silverware goes at the end of the season and if the keep up the form that they displayed in their 9-1 win over Douglas C will be a force to be reckoned with.

Ayre Mowers Mens Singles

Neil WIthers overcame a strong line up at Ballaugh on Sunday as he won the first Men’s Singles competition of the year to claim the silverware in the Ayre Mowers competition.
In a remake of the 2009 Manx Championship final Withers defeated  Onchan’s Glynn Hargraves to claim the win. It was close in the early stages with Withers just having his nose in front 16-15 before the Marown man moved through the gears to dispatch his opponent 21-16.
In the Semi-finals our eventual victor showed is form with a hard fought win over seven times Island Champion John Kennish whilst Hargraves had to overcome the challenge of seasoned campaigner Ian Kissack.
Fallers at the quarter final stage were Stefan Kelly, Edward Trustham, Stuart Garrett and Mike Hargraves.
Ballaugh should be commended for the hard work in drumming up a great entry and putting on a tremendous competition on an ever improving green, which is a testament to their hard work last year. Thanks go to Ayre Mowers for their continued support.

Ayre Mowers Winner 2014

Isle of Man Farmers Mixed Doubles

There was a tremendous turnout on Saturday as 29 pairs enjoyed the sunshine at the Villa Marina as they contested for the Isle of Man Farmers mixed doubles crown.
Last years winners, mother and son, Janet and Robert Monk were once again too hot to handle on an extremely tricky green as they picked up back to back titles thanks to a 21-13 final win over Amanda Lawler and Phil Kerruish. The game was nip and tuck in the early stages with things finally balanced at 12-12 before two quick threes in as many ends  moved the Monk’s into an unassailable lead.
In the semi-finals Janet and Robert dispatched husband and wife pair Viv and Chas Grills whilst Amanda & Phil put out Fiona and John Kennish 21-16 at the same stage.
Losing out in the quarter finals were Lyne Mansley and Jimmy Sansom, Phillipa and Alec Taylor, Kath King and Stuart Garrett and Bethany Kennish and Peter COllister.
Douglas should be praised for running a great competition on a simply immaculate playing surface. At the conclusion of the competition Douglas President Roy Williams thanked Isle of Man Farmers for their continued support and presented the prizes on their behalf.

Onchan B continue at the top of the Over 60’s League

Onchan B continue to lead the way after games 5 and 6 of the Tower Insurance Over 60’s League. Onchan were in sparkling form against Castletown B at a very quick second home at Noble’s 3 to come away with a 7-1 victory, Their better halves at Onchan A kept up the pressure with a similar score line on their visit to Peel B, while Champions Castletown recorded their second maximum in consequetive matches against Douglas B to remain in touch with the chasing pack, as did Port St Mary A who also had a maximum to see of Finch Hill B, while Peel A had a tough fight on their hands before they left North Ramsey B with both points in a 5-3 away win, while at the Villa Douglas A had agood victory over North Ramsey A to dent the Northerners title asperations, while Ballaugh got back on form and used home advantage to defeat Port Erin, a similar scoreline was recorded by Marown A who beat Nobles Park A, While Finch Hill A are starting to find their feet and got a good point at home to South Ramsey in a 4-4 draw. While the final game saw Noble’s Mixed gain two points in a 5-3 win at home to Port St Mary B.

The second set of fixtures saw Onchan B travel to Port St Mary B and they kept up their 100% record with a fine 6-2 win, Castletown A made it three maximums in a row with a good win at Finch Hill B, while Onchan A has a very close win over Finch Hill B 5-3 with two Finch Hill players getting to 20 it could of easily gone the other way. Peel A enteratained Post St Mary A and this game ended all square at 4-4 again Peel has a player on 20 so this game again could have had a different outcome. North Ramsey A got their week back on track with a maximum 8-0 win over Noble’s Mixed while North Ramsey B shared a point on their tripm top Port Erin, While Castletown B got back to form with a 6-2 victoruy over Ballaugh, and Noble’s Park had a good 5-3 win over Peel B who are having a difficult time this season, and Marown visited the Villa and defeated a depleted Douglas by 7 games to 1, while South Ramsey used home advantage to defeat Douglas A by 5 games to 3. After 6 games on six players have won all theri matches they are Peter Kelly( Marown), Dave Faragher (Castletown) Dave Foulis (Ballaugh), Colin Hinds (Onchan A), David Kelly (Onchan B) and Ray Maddrell (PSM A) with both Collin Holland (Castletowen A) and Chas Crills (South Ramsey) having won the five games they have played.

The Prelim Round of the Ismay Cup was held on Wednesday and saw home teams Castletown B defeat Noble’s Mixed by 6-3, and Finch Hill B beat Port Erin by the same score line. While Finch Hill A made it a good day for their club with a 6-3 win at Peel B, and the reamining game was a walkover for North Ramsey A against Douglas B. On a very sad note I would like to express all the over 60’s players condolences to Willie Craig family and friends. Willie who passed away aged 89 was a fine bowler and was captain of Finch Hill Over 60’s until this year as well as a multiple Island snooker champion.

Ladies’ over 60’s 15 April and 17 April

 Tuesday 15 April

The weather was fine for the matches in the Trend sponsored Ladies’ over 60’s matches played on Tuesday 15 April. Despite the match ending drawn on games, Peel Sunset recorded the highest score of the day, with their lowest score being 18, Mona Kerruish reaching 20 against Marilyn Ellison and Joyce Kelly and Cath Parker both winning. to single figures. Last year’s top two teams met at Ramsey, the visitor’s, Port St Mary A, winning 4-2 on games with everyone reaching double figures. Val Macfarlane won to single figures while Margaret Tasker edged out Lilian Slinger 21-20. Marown put up a strong performance against Onchan A, winning four games the winners for Onchan A being Phyllis Gelling, who just pipped Celia Joughin 21-20, and Heather Reynolds. At Ballaugh the home team came through 4-2 with Ann Gale winning to single figures While Flo Price fought well to reach 19 against Voirrey Oates. It ended level on games at the Villa, but a win to single figures by Brenda Williams gave the home team the advantage on points.Port St Mary B had the points advantage against Castletown in a match that ended level on games, Roma Ware and Pauline Worrall winning to single figures as did Marie Ashurst and Ann Hollingworth for the visitors.

Thursday 17 April

There were some high scores on Thursday 17 April with two maximums and a 123. Champions, Mooragh Park were too hot for Port St Mary B to handle as they won all six games with Lilian slinger winning to single figures. The other five home players fought well ti=o get into double figures with Edwina Reid and Pauline Worrall both scoring 18.Ballaugh were ruthless on their visit to Port Erin, with Ann Gale and Pauline Needham both winning to single figures. Sylvia Shelbourne posted the best score for the home side reaching 18 against Jane Teare. Shirley Whelan was the fly in the ointment as Port St Mary A fell just three points short of a maximum thanks to her 21-18 win against Rita Callister. Margaret Scarffe nearly gave Marown a second game, losing out 20-21 to Tricia Bull. Villa did not fare well on their travels, losing out 4-2 on games to Douglas. Villa‘s two winners were Peggy Chapman, and Pat Kelly who edged out Kath King 21-19.. Lesley Nichol’s win to single figures together with Heather Reynold’s 21-20 win over Josie Harding meant that Noble’s Mixed did not have it all their own way against Onchan A, although they did win by 4 games to 2 with Pat Dacre winning to single figures. Peel Sunset travelled to Castletown with several of their players taking some time to get to grips with the pace of the green. Marie Ashurst’ win to single figures was matched by Mona Kerruish, while the rest of the games were close, Sue Peach being the other winner for the home side.

Ladies’ league 16 April

Wednesday 16 April

The closest match in the C Tarleton Hodgson and Son Ltd ladies’ league on Wednesday 16 April was at Ballaugh where the away team finished with just a seven point advantage despite winning 7-2 on games showing the value of fighting for every point even when you are losing. Christine Macdonald and Ellie Faragher were the two winners for Ballaugh while Ann Gale lost out 20-21 to Hilary Kermode. Noble’s Mixed and Peel Sunset posted the highest scores of the night, Mixed facing a Douglas Team who were a player short. The other games all went to double figures the closest being Kath King’s 21-19 win over Joyce Ogden. Peel Sunset won 7-2, the winners for Marown being Lil Smith and Shirley Whelan, while the battle between Pat Robertson and Mary Alderson went Pat’s way 21-20.In Onchan’s match wins by Heather Reynolds and Phyllis Gelling to single figures kept down Mooragh Park’s score despite them winning 7-2 on games with three wins to single figures. Port St Mary won 6-3 at Port Erin with Jayne Kneen and Val Macfarlane winning to single figures. Caroline Whitehead put up a good fight against Margaret Tasker, coming away with 19 points. South Ramsey had a successful trip “down South” winning 6-3 on games with Gill Dixon and Lyn Bolton winning to single figures. Lauren Groen had a tough match against Chris Holland, just taking it 21-20.