News: Reports
They have to B the talk of the Town
Castletown B produced one of their finest ever displays in Isle of Man Bank Men’s division one last week with a brilliant maximum 10-0 home victory over high flying North Ramsey A at the Crofts.
It is hard to quantify just how rare it is for a side outside the top 2 or 3 teams in each division to record a whitewash, especially against quality opposition such as the Northerners who beat their A team 8-2 in the previous fixture.
On paper, before the match, they looked like they could sneak a home win but for every one of their players to dig to unknown depths and secure wins, 5 of them either 19 or 20, is quite simply awesome and the Town lads deserve every accolade afforded them.
Town A, however, didn’t fare as well on their trip to Marown as they went down 9-1, with Mike Hargraves 21-15 over home captain Neil Withers the main highlight for them. This is a great result for the Crosby men and keeps them hot on the heels of league leaders Onchan A.
Castletown C are holding their own in the top flight and another 4 points at home, this time against the other newly promoted team Port Erin, keeps them in the battle for survival. Port, who are also faring well in the seasons early stages, will leave the happier though as they edged the match on aggregate to pick up a vital away win.
Playing at a temporary home does not seem to be affecting title favourites Onchan A and they put in a great display to beat Peel A 9-1 at the cattery and get their title aspirations very much on track.
The Govags will feel hard done by to not have left with more after what was a highly competitive and entertaining encounter. Jack Beecham was the visitor’s only winner and he will be delighted to have gotten the better of Jordan Cain, especially on a green where the Onchan man was undefeated in the winter league.
Port St Mary A have started the season very strongly indeed and a strong 8-2 win, this time at the expense of Ballaugh A, keeps them fighting it out near the top of the tree. Strong home form is expected from this class act but it will be how they perform on their away trips which will determine their final league position. Ballaugh find themselves in a bit of deep water at present and will be hoping to get some more points on the board soon.
South Ramsey A bounced back from last week’s defeat with a solid 7-3 away win over Douglas A at the Villa Marina. South should be in the hint this season and if they can eradicate the odd bad result and find some consistency they have a genuine shot at top honours.
Finch Hill A find themselves at the top of division 2 after a hard fought 6-4 win away at the Mooragh over North Ramsey B. Both of these sides are fighting it out at the summit and there were some good performances from both sides.
Onchan B were in pole position before their match in the Sunset City against Peel B where they were stunned and left licking their wounds after the home side produced a brilliant 8-2 win, dropping Onchan down to fourth overall.
A rejuvenated Nobles Park A continued their fine start to the season and move into second place after a strong display to beat Castletown D 8-2.
The third division is the most open and unpredictable tier this season and I think the lead will switch hands on multiple occasions before the end of the season. Port Erin B currently occupy top spot after a massive 9-1 win over Nobles Park B.
The Nobles team might be struggling to put points on the board in these early stages of the season but I had the pleasure of watching some of their match in the Rayner Shield and its brilliant to see so many new faces taking up the sport.
South Ramsey B and Marown B both won 6-4 at home to keep them in the fight for silverware and they now occupy second and third spot respectively.
Team of the week (Division 3)
John Kelly (Marown B), Howard Corlett (Douglas C), Sam Stannard (Onchan C), Peter Blower and Ben Mowle (Port Erin B), Tom Wilson (PSM D), Ray Hardman (Peel D) and Alan Moore (S Ramsey B)
Onchan B hit the buffers
The lead in the race for the 2014 Tower Insurance Over 60’s Championship has changed after surprise early leaders Onchan B hit the buffers this week firstly losing at home to visitors North Ramsey A by 5 games to 3 then losing by a similar score on their visit to South Ramsey. This has allowed Castletwon A to gain top spot with a 7-1 home victory against Peel A followed by a visit to their bogey team Port Erin where they came away with the points in a 6-2 win, right on Castletown A’s tail come Port St Mary A and Onchan A both just a point in arrears, Port St Mary had a good home win over neighbours Port Erin by 7-1 and then followed this up with a excellent but very close 5-3 win at the Mooragh against a always difficult to beat North Ramsey A. Onchan A had a far better week than their B team and moved ahead of them by a position and point, firstly a shared point at Douglas A in a close 4-4 encounter, before using their adopted home advantage to see of Ballaugh by 6 -2. The teams how in 5th and 6th places both on 11 points Marown and Castletown B both had 5-3 wins on the Tuesday, Marown at home to Finch Hill B while Castletown B just made it after the last game went in their favour 21-20 to beat North Ramsey B at the Mooragh, it was a bit de jay vu when Marown visited the Crofts to play Castletown B with the town again winning the last game 21-20 but this time it was to share the points against a very good Marown outfit. Noble’s Mixed held South Ramsey to a draw at home on the Tuesday then completed a good week with a 6-2 win against Douglas B at the Villa. Noble’s Park pulled off a major surprise by getting both points against Douglas B at home on Thursday in a close 5-3 victory, while Peel B eventually got their points score on the move with a home victory over a depleted Douglas B on Tuesday, while Finch Hill B also got their first points on Thursday by beating Peel B by 5 games to 3. Port St Mary B had a poor week losing to Ballaugh and then at home to North Ramsey B by 5 games to 3 in another close game. The Merit Table now sees the number of players having played every game and won every one drop from 6 to 3 with Peter Kelly (Marown), Dave (Fagsy) Faragher (Castletown A) and Dave Foulis (Ballaugh) being the 3, two players have played 7 and won 7 they are Chas Grills (S Ramsey) and Collin Holland (Castletown A), which I think shows what a competitive league we have. The Mini Cup first Round was played this week and the clear favourites after the super start to the league Onchan B visited Peel B and came away with a 6-3 win, Port Erin had a good 7-2 win over neighbours Port St Mary B, while North Ramsey B just managed to win at Noble’s Park with a 5-4 score line and a game they won 21-20, while Douglas B had to concede their game against Finch Hill B at Finch Hill. So this leaves Finch Hill B, Onchan B, Port Erin and North Ramsey B as the teams that will go in the hat for the Semi Final Draw.
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
Isle of Man Farmers Mixed Doubles
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.