News: Reports
Good Win for Peel Sunset
Peel Sunset played host to Port Erin last Friday night. Peel won 7-2 and by 41 points, but apart from Joyce Kelly for Peel winning to single figures, all the other games made it into the teens. Closest games were between Terri Berry (Peel) and Pauline Worrall, and Shirley Corrin (Peel) against Di Benson with Terri and Shirley winning to 18 and 16 respectively. The two winners for Port Erin were Jean Thackrah and Voirrey Curphey winning to 15 and 12 against Louise Horsfall and Sue Jones. Onchan also had a good win away to Douglas with Sue Gawne, Jo Smith, Maureen Payne and Dee Lewis all winning to single figures, as did Paula Garrett for Douglas. Ballaugh travelled to Crosby for their game against Marown A. Game of the match was between Philippa Taylor (Marown) and Pat Mason with Pat just getting over the line winning 21-20.
Results: Marown A 167 (6) Ballaugh 130 (3); Port St Mary 171 (6) South Ramsey 140 (3); Castletown B 140 (6) Marown B 128 (3); Douglas 108 (3)) Onchan 155 (6); Mooragh Park 147 (3) Castletown A 170 (6); Peel Sunset 174 (7) Port Erin 133 (2)
Over 60’s League: Due to the adverse weather last Thursday only three matches were played with the other four matches being rearranged. Marown played Port St Mary A at home. It is a rare occurrence, but the match finished three all in games with both teams scoring 98 points. The closest game was between Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Trish Bull with Trish winning to 17. The only player to win to single figures was Wendy Kennaugh for Port. South Ramsey rearranged their game against Mooragh Park B on Monday morning. South were on form winning all six games.
Results: Mooragh Park A 84 (1) Onchan A 107 (5), Peel Sunset 126 (6) Castletown B 40 (0), Marown 98 (3) Port St Mary A 98 (3), South Ramsey 1126 (6) Mooragh Park B 36 (0).
Tuesday’s matches were played in better conditions. Peel Sunset were the only club to get maximum points.
Results: Ballaugh 89 (0) Peel Sunset 126 (6), Port Erin 106 (3) Port St Mary B 92 (3), Onchan A 110 (4) South Ramsey 105 (2), Finch Hill 102 (1) Castletown A 124 (5), Castletown B 77 (2) Marown 106 (4), Mooragh Park B 74 (2) Onchan B 113 (4), Port St Mary A 118 (5) Mooragh Park A 75 (1)
Jean Kelly Competition : The preliminary round was played last week with the new individual handicaps in place. Three of the four prelim matches were played, result between Castletown A and Douglas awaited.
Results: Castletown B (+54) 162 Port St Mary A (+30) 206; Port Erin (+37) 164 Marown B (+48) 176; Peel Sunset (+42) 204 Ballaugh (+53) 187
Elaine Moore Wins George Hawkins Memorial Trophy
George Hawkins Memorial Trophy Winner 2021 - Elaine Moore pictured with George’s daughters Rachel & Lynnette
Photo: Pat LentonNorth Ramsey hosted the inaugural George Hawkins Trophy in beautiful sunshine and perfect conditions all day on Wednesday 12th May at Mooragh Park.
George was a member of North Ramsey for a long number of years and many of the competitors that took part remembered him with great fondness. North Ramsey Bowling Club are very proud to add this over 60’s competition to their programme at the request and sponsorship of George’s family who were present around the green, offering support for most of the day.
A large entry of 56 bowlers came from all over the Island and after some very close matches the final eight took to the green in the quarter finals. George Foy (Castletown) had a great game against Dougie Allan (Peel) alongside South Ramsey’s Lee Dawson and Bryan Corner with both games ending 21-14. Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) played well against Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) in a close match losing 17-21 and Craig Sims (North Ramsey) lost out to Andy Kennish (Peel) 8-21.
In the semi-finals Elaine Moore had a comfortable win against club mate Lee Dawson 21-8 alongside Andy Kennish who won against George Foy 21-10.
The final between brother and sister was predicted to be a good game and it didn’t disappoint. Elaine got off to a flying start playing some tremendous bowls, but Andy is a master at the game and was not going to give in without a fight and he quickly pulled back the score to leave them neck and neck going into the final few ends of the game. When they reached 19 across it was impossible to predict who would win but Elaine just managed to claim the last 2 points to be the first ever winner of the George Hawkins Memorial Trophy.
The prizes were presented by George’s family who thanked North Ramsey for organising such a great competition and everyone for taking part.
Moores’ The Merrier
On Sunday, Marown Bowling Club hosted the Ladies Association Top Lady competition consisting of 32 invitational bowlers. It was a very blustery and cold day brightening up for the final.
Going through to the semi finals were mother and daughter Elaine and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey) who played each other, with Janet Monk (Mooragh Park) up against Tracy Moore (Castletown). Although Elaine and Janet tried their best, Jenny and Tracy were on form winning comfortably to 11 and 10.
In the final Jenny had the better start going 15-7 up on 16th end. Tracy dug deep, started to pull back points and by the 26th end it was 19-16 to Jenny. Tracy managed to score two more points before Jenny ran out winning 21-18. The final was certainly exciting to watch for those who stayed.
President of the IoM Ladies Crown Green Bowls, Sue Gawne, presented the trophy. Jenny thanked Marown for hosting the event, Gill Morgan for the smooth running of the competition, and all her opponents.
Maximums galore
Tuesday morning saw four out of the seven matches getting maximums of 126 points. The closest match was between Mooragh Park A playing Finch Hill. Although the match was three all in games, Finch Hill won on points. Overall score : Mooragh Park A 86 (3), Finch Hill 97 (3).
Results : Castletown A 125 (6), Onchan B 50 (0); Marown 126 (6), Port Erin A 58 (0); Onchan A 118 (5), Ballaugh 78 (1); Port St Mary A 126 (6), Castletown B 42 (0); South Ramsey 124 (5), Port St Mary B 75 (1); Peel Sunset 126 (6), Mooragh Park B 26 (0).
Castletown A continue strong start
Mooragh Park played host to Port Erin on Friday night. It was a tight match both on points and games. The closest games of the night saw Maureen Hamilton (Mooragh) winning to 18, with Rita Callister and Carol Kaye (Port Erin) winning to 18 and 19 respectively. There were comfortable wins for Shannon McMullan (Mooragh) and Di Benson (Port Erin) who both won to single figures. Overall score : Mooragh Park 160-Port Erin 148 (five games to four).
Results : Castletown A 183 (8), Ballaugh 107 (1); Douglas 120 (3), South Ramsey 162 (6); Marown A 154 (4), Onchan 163 (5); Peel Sunset 166 (5), Marown B 141 (4); Port St Mary 183 (7), Castletown 94 (2)
It may only be the second week, but Castletown A have started strongest out of the starting blocks with two good wins followed by Port St Mary. These two teams are playing each other on Friday and, as in previous years, it may prove to be a close affair.
Ladies Crown Green Bowling Gets Underway
Ladies crown green bowling got underway on Friday night with the Open Age League following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. It has been a bitter-sweet start to the bowling season with a couple of teams withdrawing from the Open Age League and Over 60s league due to dwindling club numbers and a couple of clubs forming a second team having increased membership of ‘new to the game lady bowlers’; Junior lady bowlers and bowlers transferring from other clubs. Given these changes, this season has the promise of being an interesting one.
Featured match from the opening week in the Open Age Night League was between the newly formed Marown B playing host to their stable mates Marown A. This match was played on Thursday evening due to Marown having the official opening of their new clubhouse on the Friday evening. Two new bowlers for Marown B, Jo Corkill and Amanda Butler, took on Marown A’s Elaine Dewhirst and Joyce Ogden respectively. Although Jo and Amanda played well they struggled against the more experienced bowlers with both losing 4-21. The three junior lady bowlers of Marown B are sisters Grace and Emily Cooper (playing league bowls for the first time) and Rebekah Kelly. Grace played Lynda Cadamy, Emily took on Marown A’s captain Lil Smith with Rebekah playing Shirley Whelan. All three girls played exceptionally well, but couldn’t quite get over the line with Grace losing to 13, Emily losing to 6 and Rebekah losing to 3. Next game saw Rebecca Teare for Marown B playing Philippa Taylor. On paper this was always going to be a close game and it didn’t disappoint with Philippa eventually running out 21-18. The two closest games of the night saw Deborah Leece for Marown B taking on Jayne Smith and Helen Withers, Marown B’s captain, playing Rosie Winckle. Both games were nick and tuck throughout with Deborah losing 20-21 to Jayne and Helen beating Rosie by the same score line. The remaining game was between Clare Cooper for Marown B and Celia Joughin for Marown A; this resulted in a comfortable 21-4 win for Clare. Overall score: Marown B 110 – Marown A 171 (two games to seven).
The remaining Open Age league matches were played on Friday. There were some very close results, especially South Ramsey who lost on games, but won on points.
| Results : | Onchan | 147 | – | 123 | Mooragh Park | (6-3) |
| Port Erin | 107 | – | 179 | Castletown A | (2-7) | |
| South Ramsey | 161 | – | 146 | Peel | (4-5) | |
| Ballaugh | 136 | – | 157 | Port St Mary | (4-5) | |
| Castletown B | 175 | – | 151 | Douglas | (6-3) |
Ladies IOM Pairs
Last Sunday, the Ladies Association I.o.M Pairs competition took place at Douglas Bowling club with an entry of 18 pairs. The weather stayed warm and sunny with some excellent bowling being played and enjoyed by all. Getting through to the semi-finals were the pairings of Paula Garrett and Kay McKiernan (Douglas); Kim Hargraves and Shelley Kennish (South Ramsey); Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden (Marown) and Gill Dixon and Elaine Moore (South Ramsey). The first semi saw Paula and Kay take on Kim and Shelley. The Douglas pair were always a step ahead with Paula especially playing some excellent end-winning bowls and after 16 ends they ran out winning 21-14. The second semi-final was a much closer affair with Philippa and Joyce playing Gill and Elaine. Both pairs played well, but credit must be given to Joyce and Gill who, playing at the back, bowled some amazing end-winning bowls. At the 25th end it was 20 across; with Philippa and Joyce lying game, Gill played a great pressure wood to win the end and game 21-20.
In the final Gill and Elaine started off strongest and on the 10th end led 15-8. Paula and Kay picked up their pace, dug deep and with good bowls started to crawl back some of the points; unfortunately for them it was too little too late with Gill and Elaine scoring a four on the 17th end to win 21-14.
President of the Ladies Association, Sue Gawne, presented Gill and Elaine with the Pairs trophy saying it had been a good afternoon of bowling, thanking those who had stayed to watch the final. Elaine thanked Douglas Bowling Club for hosting the event, the Ladies Association competition committee on a very well run competition, all their opponents, but most of all thanked Gill for playing and pulling her out of some ‘tight spots’.
The Ladies Association Top Lady competition is being held at Marown Bowling Club this Sunday starting at 12 noon. This is an invitational competition only and for all lady bowlers taking part please note it is strict dress code. It would be greatly appreciated if as many spectators as possible could attend to support those playing.
Castletown A Open With Highest Score
The first set of fixtures in the Over 60s Ladies League was played on Tuesday morning. Although the Over 60s league has lost two teams this season (Douglas and Port Erin B), the league has gained a new team (Onchan B). The closest match on points was between Finch Hill and Onchan A. Jan Osborne for Finch Hill won to single figures, as did Paula Firth and Dee Lewis for Onchan A.
| Results : | Ballaugh | 92 | – | 114 | Port St Mary A | (1-5) |
| Onchan B | 80 | – | 117 | Peel Sunset | (2-4) | |
| Port St Mary B | 83 | – | 123 | Castletown A | (2-4) | |
| Mooragh Park B | 61 | – | 121 | Marown | (1-5) | |
| Castletown B | 70 | – | 107 | South Ramsey | (2-4) | |
| Finch Hill | 77 | – | 98 | Onchan A | (2-4) | |
| Port Erin | 87 | – | 110 | Mooragh Park A | (2-4) |
On looking at individual results from the above, it is encouraging for the game of crown green bowls to see quite a few junior lady bowlers playing in the Open Age league and new adult bowlers playing in the Open Age league and Over 60s ladies league. I sincerely hope they enjoy the experience and camaraderie of a great sport.
Victory for Marown
JMS Shield Winners 2020 - Marown
The last remaining ladies over 60s bowls match was played on Thursday at Port St Mary in sunny but blustery conditions. For the past few weeks teams from across the Island have been competing for a place in the final of the JMS Veterans Shield and the successful teams were Marown and Finch Hill.
Both teams have players who are extremely talented and experienced so it was predicted to be a very close match. In the first half Margaret Scarffe for Marown played Moire Turner for Finch Hill with Moire taking an early lead in the first 4 ends but Margaret fighting back to take the jack scoring valuable points for Marown until Moire reclaimed the jack to pull ahead and at one point was 5-14 up. Margaret responded with true grit and determination to reduce the lead but the game ended with a win for Finch Hill 13-21.
Alongside them another game was in progress with Elaine Dewhurst for Marown up against Iris Kermode for Finch Hill. Elaine got off to a slow start but then dominated the game with some great shots scoring 2 points on several ends. Iris, trying her hardest, just couldn’t catch up once Elaine pulled ahead and the game finished 21-7. Also on the green were Shirley Whelan for Marown and Elaine Vincent for Finch Hill. Both players had a good game with each of them scoring maximum points on several ends but it was Shirley who pulled ahead after 10 ends having consistently won back the jack to maintain her lead and preventing Elaine from catching up. The game ended 21-12 and another win for Marown. At the halfway stage Marown led by 2-1 but its points that win prizes and Finch Hill were ahead by 5. (75-80).
The second half was crucial for Marown. Philippa Taylor and Rosemary Winkle knew they had to win to single figures and they didn’t disappoint any of their supporters. Both opposition players had some great shots and really played well to try to gain points but the experience of Philippa and Rosemary proved too much and both games gave Marown the single figure wins they needed.
The final game was between the team captains Celia Joughin and Jan Osborne and with the excitement mounting from supporters lining the green the players went end to end in a very close game that could have gone either way. Finch Hill had provided strong opposition for Marown from the start and this game was no exception. Each of the captains were a credit to their team and fully deserved the “all but across” cry from the markers. Final score 21-20.
The match ended with Marown the winners 138-130 and this years JMS Veterans Shield champions.
Presentations were made by Janet Latham who explained that the origins of the JMS are from her family initials and the trophy will be continue through her grandson who bears the same initials. Thanks were given to Port St Mary bowling club for hosting the match and all of the many supporters who came to watch.
This report concludes the summer fixtures for 2020 but bowls continues to be played throughout the winter in the Outdoor League which starts with a Round Robin on Saturday 3rd October.
Payback Time in The Semis
With the play offs for the ladies JMS Veterans Shield completed and all the mini league matches played, their only remains one match to complete this year’s fixture list.
The quarter finals for the JMS saw Ballaugh, Peel Sunset, Port Erin A and Mooragh Park all beaten in matches that witnessed some tremendous bowls take place.
The semi-finals were played on Thursday 10th September.
Castletown A travelled to Marown who were determined for some pay back following their 5-point defeat against Castletown A in the mini league championship final played recently. However, Marown were on their own green, which for every club is preferable. Shirley Whelan, Rosemary Winkle and Philippa Taylor all scored maximum points and kept their opponents to scores in the low teens while Elaine Dewhurst had a very close game against Ann Hollingworth and just piped her to the post 21-20 these good scores tipped the scales to give Marown a clear win and a place in the final. 106-97 (4-2) both teams off scratch.
In the other semi-final Onchan were at home to Finch Hill but had a mountain to climb, even on their own green, to beat their visitors who started the match with a 60 point advantage. Onchan played really well and won 5 games but were up against experienced players especially Lil Smith, who won her game alongside Jan Osborn and Sue Caley who scored into the high teens. These high scores combined with 60 points took Finch Hill to the final in a match that ended 116-154 (5-1).
At the time of writing this report the venue for the JMS Veterans Shield final is still undecided but wherever it is, one thing is certain, it’s going to be a great match between Marown and Finch Hill on Thursday 17th September.