News: Reports
Dorothy Piearce Pairs Qualifier
The wind played a major part at Finch Hill on Sunday 23 June when 12 pairs of ladies gathered to contest the Dorothy Piearce qualifier, the winners of which will represent the island at Wolverhampton in August.
Some players coped with the wind better than others leading to few close games during the afternoon an exception being the quarter-final, Ann Gale and Jenny Maddrell against Lin Ruscoe and Paula Firth, which the Noble’s Mixed ladies won 21-19.
Semi-finals: Jenny Moore and Shelley Kennish 21, Chris Holland and Elaine Moore 17; Janet Monk and Chris Price 21, Lin Ruscoe and Paula Firth 11.
In the final Janet and Chris found a mark along the side of the green which they played well and which their young opponents failed to come to terms with, although they restricted the Mooragh Park pair to a single on several ends. The match was not as one-sided as the score of 21-6 might suggest.
The presentation was made by Association president Jenny Maddrell who thanked all those who had helped during the afternoon, particularly Anne Caine who presided over the kitchen providing very welcome hot drinks on a cold day.
Nobles Mixed Ladies Doubles
The rain held off till the latter stages of the ladies’ doubles open played at Noble’s Mixed on Saturday 22 June, and the fine weather contributed to the friendly atmosphere round the green. The 21 pairs provided fine bowling with some very close matches.
Semi-finals: Lilian Slinger and Chris Price 21, Philippa Fletcher and Heather Horsburgh 17; Katy Williams and Ann Maddrell 21, Lynda Cadamy and Caroline Whitehead 13.
This left two mother/daughter combinations to contest the final. Lilian and Chris had the better of the early exchanges taking a lead of 13-9, before Ann and Katy had a run of 7 ends to give them the advantage 18-13. A 2 on the next end for the Northern pair was followed by the Port St Mary pairing taking the final two ends to win 21-15.
The presentation was made by John Ruscoe who thanked all those who had helped during the afternoon, particularly Pat and her crew in the kitchen.
A game of two halves
Onchan A remained at the summit of Isle of Man Bank Men’s league division one on Monday night after coming back from the brink to tie 5-5 with early pace setters Marown A at the memorial playing fields, and the only question in my mind is how long can they stay there? It is not a question of if, but simply when will they surrender pole position to their closest rivals?
Home Captain Neil Withers played his hand magnificently. After assessing the draw he put the four games onto the green that he thought were most likely to result in wins for his team, and after sailing into a 4-0 lead at the half way stage was completely vindicated for his decision. What he could not have allowed for was the fighting spirit in the away sides back order as one by one they mercilessly went about the business breaching the deficit.
Glynn Hargraves, David Bradford and Phil Kerruish all put in blistering performances for the champions showing incredible resolve to keep their campaign on track, and with seven of the eight games played they now only trailed 4-3 on the night, with the battle for the two additional aggregate points now swinging in their favour.
With only one game left there was all to play for with arguably the strongest players from each side being drawn against each other, in a fight to the finish line. Five times Island Champion Colin Kelly was in no mood to be messed with as he took out double Manx Champion Kevin Quirk 21-16 to add another point to his team’s tally; however whilst not winning the latter man achieved his secondary objective in the process, scoring enough points to ensure his side picked up the two additional aggregate points.
You have to give credit to the champions for pulling something out of the bag on this occasion, however I think they are living on borrowed time as I see challengers Marown, who have a game in hand, replacing them at the top of the table in the not too distant future and staying there. I am going to call it early and say the that title will be with Marown at the memorial playing fields in September and the era of Onchan’s dominance will be over.
Third placed Douglas A must be absolutely delighted with their 7-3 away win at Castletown A. Both these sides are leading the charge for the minor places and this is definitely first set to the Douglas. Not many teams will leave the crofts with a victory this year so credit should be duly given to the elixir drinking mercenaries. This result nicely sets up a showdown next time out between the high achieving upstarts from the Villa against reigning champions Onchan, and with the encounter taking place on their own turf I honestly think Douglas could get something out of this tie. If they do beat the champions their focus will shift from third place and they will have one eye on second spot.
South Ramsey A remain in fifth spot despite unexpectedly losing 6-4 away at Ballaugh A on a tricky green which has recently undergone heave maintenance. The points will be invaluable to the home side as they fight to stay in top tier, however the away side will be gutted to have dropped points on the tricky playing surface.
Noble Mixed A moved into sixth spot and have now found themselves some breathing space in the battle for survival after a solid 8-2 win over Peel A at home. North Ramsey B now occupy seventh spot after a 6-4 win over Castletown B saw them leapfrog their opponents up the table.
Controversy reigned in division 2 as Castletown D battled hard to defeat league leaders Port St Mary B 7-3, however the town side fielded an ineligible player meaning that they were stripped of that result, which in turn cost them the aggregate points changing the result to a 6-4 win in favour of the visitors who have now extended their lead at the top of the table.
Second Placed Port Erin A failed to capitalise on their rivals potential dropped pointes as they went down 7-3 away at Peel B. Third placed Castletown C lost by the same score line away at the ever improving Onchan B meaning that despite losing the town lads are still only two points off a promotion place.
Division 3 league leaders Onchan C had to fight hard to beat South Ramsey C 6-4 and remain on track for the title, however challengers Nobles Park A are now only one point adrift after a magnificent 9-1 victory over Port Erin B.
June Festival Results
Jim Kernan
John Kennish got his festival off to winning ways beating Phil Kerruish 21-11 in the final of the Jim Kernan trophy held at South Ramsey bowling club on Saturday. John played exceptionally well all day, and after moving back to his spiritual home this season it is hard to see anyone beating him on his home green, which was in immaculate condition.
Kennish was in control of the final from the off and dominated with some exceptional leading which saw his bowls shadow the jack for much of the encounter. Despite not being allowed to get into his stride in the final Kerruish also put in some great performances throughout the day, backing up the fine form he has shown in the league of late.
In the semi-finals Kennish put out ex Onchan teammate David Bradford 21-13 whilst Kerruish has to see of the challenge of visitor John Colebourne 21-17. Fallers at the quarterfinal stage were Colin Kelly, Neil Withers, Ian Kissack and Jordan Cain.
As development officer for the sport the only thing better for me than the high standard of play was the strong entry of 49 players made up prominently with new faces on the Island scene, and it is great to see new player putting themselves out there and getting into the open scene.
Thanks to George Brew for his continued sponsorship of the competition
Ballacashtal
A bumper entry of 80 players converged on Castletown’s superb bowling surface to battle it out for Sunday’s annual Ballacashtal Cup competition which, together with South Ramsey’s Kernan Trophy, always heralds the start of the June Bowling Festival week for the male competitors.
Some magnificent bowling was shown throughout the day and the following quarter final scores typified many of the day’s tight games.
Ian Johnson (Chesterfield) 21, James Wilcox (Crossgates) 18; Mike Hargraves (Castletown) 13, Charlie Roberts (George and Dragon) 21; Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly 20, Aaron (Bob) Clark (Castletown) 21; John Kennish (South Ramsey) 19, Mark Bramhall (Kirkham Cons) 21.
The semis were just as exciting with Johnson falling agonisingly close at 20 against Roberts and in doing so he failed to emulate the successes of his father, Arthur, who won the Ballacashtal back in 1977 and again in 1989.
Bramhall got off to a good start in his game against the exciting talents of the young home player but Clark was equal to the task and he came back well to beat the fancied Kirkham player to 18.
In front of a big – and noisy (for local bowling!) – crowd Bob Clark raced into a brilliant 14-7 lead but then in trying to make a double which could well have sealed the victory he knocked Roberts’ wood in and with edge bowling the George and Dragon man soon pulled himself back to 14-across. The home club captain retaliated and he rallied his supporters by then scoring a double but it was not to be for the 21 year old even though he got back onto his favourite mark as Roberts went on to accept the Cup from the home club’s President, Hilary Kermode, thanks to a 21-18 victory.
Pre-Festival Singles
There was an entry of 38, including 10 visitors over for the Festival, at Mooragh Park on Sunday June 16 for the Pre-festival ladies’ singles open. The green was heavy after recent rain, but running true, and the weather stayed fair although unfortunately bringing out the midgies.
Quarter-finals;- Viv Grills 21, Chris Hardman (Tottington Con) 8; Ronnie Lyon (West Derby Recs) 21, Rosemary Quirk 19; Shirley Jones (Wrockwardine Wood) 21, Lin Ruscoe 16; Lyn Bolton 21, Elaine Moore 20.
Semi-finals:- Ronnie Lyon 21, Viv Grills 17; Lyn Bolton 21, Shirley Jones 18.
Lyn set off like a rocket, reaching 18 before Ronnie had a chance to blink !.Two 2’s from Ronnie looked as if a come-back might be on the cards, but Lyn got in again on the next end for a single which was followed by two more, giving her the match 21-10.
The presentation was made by Association vice-president, Pat Robertson, who thanked all those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the event.
Microgaming Ladies Doubles
There was an entry of 25 pairs for the ladies’ doubles competition sponsored by Microgaming and played at Castletown on Saturday 15 June. The weather was mixed with the odd shower interspersed by warm sunshine and with the green running well there were some excellent, and very close, games played in a friendly spirit.
Quarter-finals: Maggie Wheeler and Maureen Lyons 21, Joyce Ogden and Di Moore 18; Chris Price and Janet Monk 21, Lyn Bolton and Paula Garrett 14; Lilian Slinger and Rachel Quirk 21, Heike Perry and Ann Hollingworth 17; Margaret Tasker and Tricia Bull 21, Anne Oates and Josie Harding 19.
Semi-finals: Chris Price and Janet Monk 21, Maggie Wheeler and Maureen Lyons 17; Lilian Slingr and Rachel Quirk 21, Margart Tasker and Tricia Bull 14.
The final was “nip and tuck” up to 14-14 when Chris and Janet won the next three ends to take an 18-14 lead. Rachel and Lilian were not shaken off taking the next three ends with a 3 on the third end to have a 19-18 advantage. A three from their opponents on the following end gave them the match 21-19 to end an absorbing contest.
Final: Chris Price and Janet Monk 21, Lilian Slinger and Rachel Quirk 19
Heike Perry then thanked everyone for staying before introducing Hilary Kermode to make the presentation on behalf of sponsors, Microgaming.
Hilary thanked those who had entered making it the best ever entry for this event and also thanks went to all who had helped, particularly Hannah and Heike for running the sheet.
Gladys Cowell
Report by Heather Horsburgh
There was a small, but very select, field of 18 at the rescheduled ladies’ over 60’s competition for the Gladys Cowell cup played at Peel on Wednesday 12 June. Despite the forecast. the weather was warm and sunny for most of the afternoon allowing some excellent bowling played in a friendly spirit.
Quarter-finals; Maureen Payne 21, Tricia Bull 15; Viv Grills 21, Sylvia Kennaugh 15; Lilian Slinger 21, Roma Ware 18; Mary Moffatt 21, Rose Corfield 14.
Semi-finals: Viv Grills 21, Maureen Payne 17; Lilian Slinger 21, Mary Moffatt 18.
In the final Viv took an early lead and held on despite Lilian’s best efforts coming through to win 21-12.
The presentation was made by Club Captain Heather Horsburgh who thanked everyone who had taken part as well as those who had helped in any way during the afternoon.
Tony Brown Mixed Doubles
The continuation of the glorious TT weather drew 32 pairs to a superbly prepared Castletown green on Sunday for the Tony Brown Mixed Pairs competition with the winners being Andy Clark and Elaine Moore who triumphed 21-9 in the final over Phil Kerruish and Amanda Lawler.
The husband and wife pairing of Ray and Ann Maddrell fell in the semis to the eventual winners while Neil Withers and Hannah Kermode were the other last-four players. Losers in the quarters were George and Sue Peach, Ron Williams with Kath Kinley, Rob and Janet Monk and also Juan Kermode with Doreen Ashworth.
As always the main purpose of this event is to raise money for local charities and this year the sponsor, Tony Brown, chose ‘Manx Miracles’ which is a parent led concern for families and children that have additional needs. Thanks to the generosity of all players and the sponsor, as well as several of the prize winners who returned their prizes, an excellent sum of £238.00 was raised.