News: Reports
Peel Bounce Back
In Ellan Vannin Fuels division one, five of the six league matches ended up 8-2 results with the exception being Peel A who hosted Port St Mary A. The result was a 7-3 home win for the westerners who bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to league leaders Marown, with Alec Taylor showing no mercy to Bernard Thackrah with his 21-3 win, whilst Tommy McMeiken beat Glenn Hargraves 21-8. Tom Kelly held off Tim Williams 21-17, whilst Gary Smith edged home 21-19 against Rob Cooil. Winning for the visitors Dave McCabe beat Mike Ashmole 21-17, Trevor Quayle inflicted a second straight league defeat on Andy Kennish (21-10), whilst Dan McCabe had a superb 21-12 win against Stevie Kelly.
South Ramsey B hosted their A team with the B managing to take two wins with Tony Dugdale making light work of Stefan Kelly with a 21-8 victory, whilst George Brew took a 21-18 win against Alan Moore. For the A team they had three single figure victories in their 8-2 win with Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly winning 21-3 against Ian Moore, whilst Chas Grills won 21-8 against Sid Bolton, a result matched by Rayner Shield Final hero Peter Collister who beat Edward Carlyle.
Marown B hosted Castletown A with the home team all but securing their top flight status with their 8-2 win. For the Crosby men Steve Bridson won 21-9 against George Peach, whilst three of their wins were close with captain Harry Barton beating Juan Kermode 21-19, as did Brian Kelly who beat visiting captain Ian Watson. Juan Killip just got home 21-20 against Dean Kinley. For the town men Peter Oates bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to win 21-9 against James Kelly, whilst Nathan Hamilton won 21-20 against John Kelly.
Onchan A hosted North Ramsey A with the home team taking the win 8-2. Winning for the visitors Steve Walmsley recorded a fantastic 21-8 victory against Phil Kerruish, whilst Tony Smart would have been pleased with his 21-18 win against former team mate Steve Parker. Jordan Cain inflicted a second 21-0 defeat of the season on Bryan Corner. The two captains were drawn against each other with Peter Slinger taking the spoils 21-16 against Allan Callow. Frank Watson had to work hard for his 21-17 win against Geoff Porter as did Matthew Quirk with his 21-18 victory over Ray Skelly.
Douglas A made the short trip up the road to take on Noble’s A with the 2-8 away win not reflecting how close the match really was with 16 chalks separating the two teams (132-148). Kevin Firth won 21-18 against Shaun Seal, whilst Glenn Boland was ruthless with his 21-4 win over Greg Brew, whilst Stuart Garrett responded for the Villa men with a 21-8 victory over David Quayle. Mervin Sayle won 21-18 against David Pease, Andy Cannell got home 21-19 against Reginald Temporaza, whilst Ian Moore also edged home with a 21-20 win over Tommy Collister.
Marown A had another good week maintaining their lead at the top with their 2-8 away win against Castletown B. Ron Williams turned in a good performance to beat Matthew Keggen 21-11, whilst Nathan Cooil won 21-14 against Paul Kelly. Individual merit leader Colin Kelly recovered from a 4-8 deficit to win 21-12 against Bob Clark, Dean Kipling won 21-17 against Mike Hargraves, whilst visiting captain Paul Dunn had his work cut out to defeat Alan Phair 21-18.
Marown C recorded the biggest win in division two with their 9-1 victory over Peel C, just missing out on a 10-0 whitewash with Gary Cooper losing 20-21 to Jimmy Corlett.
League leaders Peel B continued their fine form with their 3-7 away win against Port St Mary B to remain 16 points ahead of second placed Ballaugh A, who matched their result with a 7-3 home win over their B team. Ballaugh A have two games in hand on Peel B, will need to record big wins to go back to the top, however Peel only have one fixture left to play away to third placed Finch Hill A.
Finch Hill A won 3-7 away to Douglas B, Port Erin recorded a good 2-8 away win over Port St Mary C, whilst North Ramsey B may have left it a bit too late to Dave themselves despite taking a good 7-3 win over Onchan B at Mooragh Park.
In division three Noble’s B took on their C team which resulted in the closest match of the week with the match ending 4-4 on games, the higher ranked B team just managed to take the aggregate two points by edging the chalks (147-149) to take a 4-6 win.
Onchan C took a 9-1 home win over Douglas C, keeping the visitors to under 100 chalks (164-99), Port Erin won 8-2 at Breagle Glen against Castletown C, whilst Peel D recorded a 7-3 home victory over Finch Hill B.
Castletown & Port St Mary Close The Gap
A crucial week in the Ladies Bowling League has seen another twist in the title race.
Port St Mary faced two massive games with away ties against South Ramsey and Nobles.
PSM vs South Ramsey was a re-arranged match from earlier in the season and PSM inflicted the heaviest score SR have conceded at home this season. The overall score could have been worse was it not for Jenny Moore turning in a great performance to win 21-2. Lyn Bolton and Kim Hargraves were SR other winners. Kellie Maddrell may have top-scored for PSM winning 21-9 but the game of the match was Chris Price who won 21-19 over Elaine Moore who was undefeated before the match. Ann Maddrell, Margaret Tasker, Jayne Kneen, and Val Macfarlane also won for the away team with the match ending 156-161 (3-6).
On Friday Port St Mary A travelled away to face Nobles who haven’t lost at home this season. The match couldn’t have got much closer and with a single game left the scores were tied 126-126 (4-4). At this point Jayne Smith, Paula Firth, Debbie Leece and Rebecca Teare had won for Nobles whilst Katy Williams, Kellie Maddrell, Margaret Tasker and Mavis Franks had won for PSM. The final game on the green was Chris Price (PSM) who had a 12-4 lead against Clare Cooper. Clare fought back into the game and after a nip-tuck battle, the scores were 20-20. On the last end, Chris picked up the point she needed to win her game and give PSM a slender win on the night 146-147 (4-5).
With Nobles dropping chalks it allowed Castletown to close the gap following their 123-175 victory over Douglas.
Castletown won 5-4 on games with Paula Garrett, Harley Garrett, Wendy Cowin and Sue Caley winning for Douglas. Anne Oates, Amanda Lawler and Kath Kinley won comfortably to single figures with Kim Foy and Sue Peach also winning.
South Ramsey defeated Port Erin 187-77 (8-1) with the away side playing one short. Elaine Moore, Bethany Kennish, Ann Gale, Jill Quayle, Lyn Bolton, Jenny Moore and Fiona Kennish won for the home side with Caroline Whitehead winning for Port Erin to avoid a whitewash.
Mooragh Park beat Peel Sunset by 34 chalks collecting six wins on the night. Madison McMullan top-scored for the home team with a fine 21-9 win. Victoria Johnson, Janet Monk, Caroline Parker, Rosemary Quirk and Anne Kean also won for MP. Lynda Wilson, Pat Robertson and Heather Horsburgh won for Peel with the match ending 178-144 (6-3).
Castletown B welcomed Ballaugh and pushed Ballaugh hard in many of the matches picking up four wins from Linda Dobinson, Barbara Young, Jo Robert and youngster Charlotte Peach. Ballaugh had two wins to single figures from Pat Mason and Gill Dixon which gave them a significant points advantage. Alison Millard, Brenda Bowyer and Elain Fenton also won for Ballaugh with the match ending 138-174 (4-5).
The final match from Friday was between Marown and Onchan. The match was only separated by four chalks in favour of Onchan who also won 5-4 on games. Rosie Winckle and Philippa Taylor won to single figures for the home team who also had wins from Shirley Whelan and Joyce Ogden. Sue Gawne won 21-9 for the away team as wins from Maureen Payne, Libby Andrade, Marilyn Ellison and Jo Smith gave them the chalks they needed to win 144-148 (4-5).
After round 22 South Ramsey sit top of the league on 3432 but have played a game extra than Nobles (P20 – 3380), Port St Mary A (P20 – 3345) and Castletown A (P19 – 3223).
MGP Practice week gives the ladies a week off except for Castletown A vs Onchan which gives Castletown a chance to skip ahead of Nobles should they score more than 157 chalks.
Port St Mary A have pulled themselves back into the title race and sit only 35 chalks behind Nobles and will jump on any slip up from the teams ahead of them.
Season draws to a close
It’s hard to believe that the season is almost over in the ladies over 60s league. This week saw, again, some great games.
On Tuesday Peel Sunset just lost out at South Ramsey with the northern girls showing their home green strength and the western girls pushing them all the way. 98-95 (3-3).
Just down the road at Mooragh Park the A team secured 3 wins from Janet Monk, Vicky Lloyd-West and Ellie Cowell in their match against Port St Mary A. The visitors pulled ahead with their 3 wins and a near miss from Wendy Kennaugh gaining them vital points and a win 93-108 (3-3).
Another close match was played at Breagle when Port Erin A were hosts to Onchan. Carol Kaye, Lynda Cadamy and Jacqui Elliot all won their games but the visitors fought hard with Marilyn Ellison, Norma Cowell and Dee Lewis gaining maximum points. However it wasn’t enough and the home side won. Final score 104-97 (3-3).
Marown had a good match when they travelled to the Villa to play Douglas A. 4 wins for the team from Shirley Wilson, Margaret Scarffe, Mary Alderson and Phillipa Taylor plus a near miss from Celia Joughin gave the visitors a victory but Douglas A made them fight for it with some great bowls and 2 wins from Brenda Williams and Wendy Cowin plus a near miss from Patsy Rush taking the final score to 97-115 (2-4).
Ballaugh were playing at home against Douglas B. Unfortunately the visitors were 2 players short but Pauline Cowley did secure the depleted team a win. Ballaugh ‘s full compliment had 3 wins from Brenda Bowyer, Peggy Griffin and Barbara Graham plus 2 walk overs taking the final score to 117-55 (5-1).
Thursdays matches were the penultimate ones for all the teams apart from Mooragh B, who have a sit out next Tuesday. They played their final match at home against their more experienced club players who make up the A team. All the players enjoyed their games with the B team claiming 2 wins from Peggy Freeman and Gill Malpass. Final score 80-114 (2-4).
Peel Sunset were at home to Port Erin A who struggled against the home side on their own green. However the visitors did get 2 wins from Carol Kaye and Joyce Ogden with Jacqui Elliot just losing out to 18. Lynda Cadamy surprisingly lost her game against Joyce Kelly and moved her to 3rd place in the “merit” just 8 points behind Janet Monk who now occupies 2nd place. The final score in the Peel match was 113-82 (4-2).
Another home derby took place at the Villa between Douglas B and A. 4 players in the B team got to double figures and all the games were played in a very friendly atmosphere but in the end the A team came out on top with a final score of 78-126 (0-6).
In the other matches Onchan v Ballaugh 111-86 (4-2). Marown v Nobles 120-88 (5-1). Port Erin B v Castletown 58- 110 (2-4) and Port St Mary A v South Ramsey 100-82 ( 4-2). And so we enter the final chapter of the season and by the time this actually gets published you will probably all know the league and merit results. Some clubs have performed very well, some have stayed the same and some are trying hard to improve while encouraging new players, but all clubs have offered the hand of friendship to each other in the true spirit of the game .
Marown March On
In Ellan Vannin Fuels division one Marown A took another step closer to the title with a hard fought 9-1 over visitors Peel A. For the home team Neil Withers won 21-16 against Tommy McMeiken, a result matched by Brian Kelly who seen off former home greener Gary Smith. Captain Paul Dunn inflicted a second league defeat of the season on Andy Kennish with a 21-17 victory, whilst Paul Kelly won 21-18 against Tom Kelly. Matthew Keggen took a 21-19 win against Jerome Surridge. Recording convincing wins were Dean Kipling with a 21-7 win over David Proctor, whilst Colin Kelly seen off Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly with a 21-11 victory. Peel captain Stevie Kelly was the only winner for the visitors with his 21-9 win over John Gelling.
Second placed South Ramsey A kept the pressure on with a 10-0 home win over Castletown A with David Bradford winning 21-1 against Peter Oates, whilst Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly was pushed hard by Dean Kinley before recovering from a 14-18 deficit to win 21-18. Nathan Hamilton came closest to picking up a point for the visitors before losing out 19-21 to James Teare.
Third placed Onchan A fell six points behind South Ramsey after their 2-8 away win against Castletown B. Both wins for the home team were to single figures with George Foy giving Tom Slinger a tough lesson with a 21-3 win, whilst Bob Clark performed well to beat Phil Kerruish with his 21-8 victory. Jordan Cain just got over the line with a 21-20 win over Nathan Cooil to prevent the home team from picking up a further point, whilst Ron Williams lost 18-21 to Mark Kelly.
Marown B kept the bottom two at arm’s length despite losing 6-4 away to North Ramsey A, whilst South Ramsey B made sure the gap didn’t get any bigger losing 6-4 away to Douglas A.
Port St Mary A put their troubles to one side to win 8-2 at home against Noble’s A. Glenn Hargraves picked up his second league win of the season with his 21-12 victory over visiting captain Kevin Firth. Winning for the visitors were Tommy Collister with a 21-14 win over Rob Cooil, whilst Glenn Boland won to the same score against Tim Williams.
In division two league leaders Peel B won 9-1 at home to Port St Mary C to extend their lead to eight points ahead of second placed Ballaugh A who have a game in hand. The Ballaugh men took a hard fought 4-6 away win against Finch Hill A taking the aggregate by just three chalks (134-137).
Bottom of the table Ballaugh B recorded a surprise 7-3 home win over Port Erin A, whose promotion hopes are now all but over.
The feel good factor from the previous week’s Rayner Plate success carried on with Marown C taking a 7-3 home win over Port St Mary B, whilst Onchan B took a 6-4 home win over Douglas B edging the aggregate by just two chalks, with Onchan’s Mike Thomas leading the individual merit with 15 wins from 15 games played. Peel C recorded an 8-2 win over North Ramsey B.
In division three Noble’s B ended the hopes of South Ramsey C going through the entire season unbeaten taking a 6-4 home win over the runaway league leaders. Port Erin B lost 4-6 at home to Ballaugh C, with the home captain Harry Minor leading the third division individual merit with 14 wins from 15 games played.
Castletown C won 5-3 on games at home to Onchan C, however due to suffering two heavy defeats the town men lost the aggregate by four chalks resulting in a 5-5 draw. South Ramsey D hosted Finch Hill B with the Finch men taking a 3-7 win. Douglas C lost 8-2 at home to Noble’s C with the two home wins coming from Keith Fearnley and John Ferguson.
Mooragh Park Juniors Help Clinch Big Win
In round 21 of the Ladies Bowling League, it was league leaders Nobles turn to sit out giving their rivals a chance to catch up. As it happens second place Castletown A had to postpone their game due to the weather and will play their re-arranged match on Thursday 22nd August.
Douglas hosted South Ramsey with the away team taking home a deserved win by 67 chalks. Elaine Moore won 21-8, Jenny Moore 21-4, Sue Collier & Moira Anderson 21-10, Lyn Bolton 21-12, Kim Hargraves 21-15 and Fiona Kennsh 21-6. Douglas picked up two wins from Paula Garrett 21-18 and Wendy Cowin 21-19. Match score 117-184 (2-7). The result moves South into second position but Castletown A and Port St Mary A remain close and have a game in hand.
Port St Mary A took on neighbours Port Erin and dropped only 16 chalks on their way to a 173-116 (6-3) victory. Wendy Kennaugh, Jayne Kneen and Margaret Tasker performed well and won to single figures. Ann Maddell, Mavis Franks and Trish Bull also won for PSM. Port Erin’s three winners were Lynda Cadamy, Jean Thackrah and Caroline Whitehead. PSM sit fourth 197 points from the top.
Mooragh Park had a fine home performance to beat Marown by 51 chalks with some great results from their junior members. Victoria Johnson, Aalish Haworth, Vicky Lloyd-West and Rosemary Quirk all won to single figures. Janet Monk, Caroline Parker and Shannon McMullan also picked up wins on the night. Philippa Taylor and Rosie Winckle were the sole winners for Marown with the match ending 159-108 (7-2).
Ballaugh won six of the nine games against Port St Mary B with the home side only able to claim a narrow four-point win. PSM ladies score was bolstered thanks to their three winners coming through to single figures. Brenda Hawkard and Debra Cooper both won 21-9 and Edwina Reid 21-4. Ballaugh winners were Gill Dixon 21-6, Barbara Graham 21-10, Michelle Cubbon & Pat Mason 21-14, Brenda Bowyer 21-18 and Voirrey Oates 21-19. The match finished 148-144 (6-3).
The final match from last week saw Peel Sunset take on Castletown B. Peel picked up their third consecutive win following a 175-128 (6-3) win. Mary Moffatt top scored on the night winning 21-3 with Shirley Corrin, Joyce Kelly, Pat Robertson, Heather Horsburgh and Cath Parker. Jo Robert, Rachel Palmer and Linda Dobinson won for the away side.
Next week could be a defining point in the season as current champions Port St Mary A play their catch up game before their away match against Nobles on Friday. Their catch up game will prove equally as tough against South Ramsey who themselves are pushing to finish in the top three.
Castletown A also has an away match against Douglas and will look to pounce on Nobles should they drop points.
Elaine Moore remains undefeated at the top of the merit. With the merit ranked on points scored she is closely followed by Mary Moffatt (396 – W18 L2), Rebecca Teare (395 – W17 L2) and Jenny Moore (387 – W17 L2).
Grace Takes Bill Oliver Junior Title
Bill Oliver Junior Competitors 2019
Photo: Collin Holland14 Juniors took part in the Bill Oliver Junior Competition held at Port St Mary on Wednesday.
In the semi-finals Clark Kelly played Grace Gawne with Grace winning 7-5. In the other semi-final Rebekah Kelly came up against Dylan Marsh, with Dylan playing at his best to win 8-4.
In the final the bowls at times would not have been out of place in the senior game, with only 2 points separating the pair at the last end. Grace kept her nerve to win the end and take the overall trophy 12-9.
Medals were presented to all the young bowlers and a replica to the runner up. The winner received the trophy and a replica presented by Roy Oliver who is the son of the original sponsor.
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles
Zurich International Life Mixed Doubles Winners 2019
Photo: Glynn HargravesSaturday saw a quality field of 35 teams of mixed pairs take to the green at Finch Hill in excellent playing conditions to compete in the Zurich International mixed doubles competition.
With late entries, a pair being scratched and three preliminary matches it was a slow start for many competitors but once we got into the first round it was clear that there were going to be quite a few front runners spread throughout the draw.
First out of the blocks in the top half of the draw was Alan Moore and Shelley Kennish who raced into the quarter finals only dropping five points in three matches which must surely be a record. Philippa and Alec Taylor were also showing good form as they comfortably made their way into the quarter finals with two victories 21-10 and 21-8. Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves had a harder draw as they had to overcome Fiona Kennish and Steve Waters and then James Teare and Jenny Moore to make it into the quarter finals. Sue Gawne and Brian Kelly played well throughout the day but made it into the quarter finals courtesy of wins over Eddie Carlyle and Lil Smith 21-16 and then home favourites Peter and Hazel Hughes 21-15.
In the bottom half of the draw Debbie Leece and Glenn Boland showed good form to make it into the quarter finals with two comfortable wins whilst Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden followed them with similar results. Derek Allen and Margaret Tasker eased their way into the quarter finals dropping only seven points in their two matches. Completing the bottom half of the draw was Chris Price and Dave Kelly who had won this event twice in the past three years and they were up against Tina and young Alex Hampson playing in his first competition. What a baptism of fire this was but a great experience also for the youngster and it was great to see Dave chatting to him as they crossed the green together. After the match, which they understandably lost, Alex said he had hoped to win his first match, perhaps not realising the pedigree of their opponents. In their second match Chris and Dave made it into the quarter finals with a 21-11 win over Maureen Payne and Mike Thomas.
In the quarter finals Philippa and Alec Taylor continued their good form with a 21-12 win over Alan Moore and Shelley Kennish. Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves had a closer match with Sue Gawne and Brian Kelly and despite leading 19-12 at one point it took them another eight ends to get over the line 21-19. Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden overcame Debbie Leece and Glenn Boland 21-16 in a high scoring rapid fire match. Chris Price and Dave Kelly made quick work of Derek Allen and Margaret Tasker taking just 10 ends to win 21-12.
Philippa and Alec Taylor met Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves in the semi-final and this produced one of the closest matches of the day. The Taylors got off to a great start with a four on the first end and lead most of the first half but after 15 ends it was 20-20 and all to play for. The final end saw Philippa and Alec take the victory with a two. In the other semi-final Chris Price and Dave Kelly got off to a slow start against Wayne Roberts and Joyce Ogden and after seven ends were 12-9 down but a consistent run of two’s saw them over the line and into the final.
The final was nip and tuck all the way with Philippa and Alec Taylor leading 15-14 at one point but with repeated short ends being played by Chris Price and Dave Kelly and their acceptance of single point ends it was the latter that after eight hours of competition ran out winners for the third time in four years.
The prize presentation was made by Mary Alderson as last year’s winner of the competition on behalf of Finch Hill. Special thanks go to our generous sponsors Zurich International, to our ladies and Frank Christian for keeping everyone fed and watered throughout the afternoon, to John Harris for prepping the green and to all those stewards, measurers and markers who helped make this one of the most successful competitions staged at Finch Hill for many years.
Leaders Drop Points Against Marown
Last week saw rounds 19 and 20 played in the Ladies Bowling League which is the last double game week of the season.
Wednesday saw straightforward wins for the top three sides Nobles, Castletown A and Port St Mary A. Nobles defeated Port St Mary B 189-58 (9-0) to collect their third maximum of the season. Castletown A dropped only one chalk defeating Mooragh Park 188-97 (8-1). Port St Mary A also dropped one chalk in their win against Douglas 188-88 (8-1).
Ballaugh and Peel Sunset played out the closest match of the night with Peel coming through the close affair winning by only four chalks. Ballaugh picked up four wins from Elaine Fenton, Alison Millard, Michelle Cubbon and Barbara Graham who won 21-4. Peel replied with five wins from Mary Moffatt, Heather Horsburgh, Joyce Kelly, Shirley Corrin who won 21-9 and Lynda Wilson who won 21-8. The final score 154-158 (4-5).
Marown had a strong home performance against Castletown B winning seven of the nine games. Shirley Whelan, Philippa Taylor, Helen Withers and Lil Smith all won to single figures and Pat Withers, Rosie Winckle and Margaret Scarffe also won. Barbara Young and Joy Stephens won for the away team with the final score 182-106 (7-2).
Onchan welcomed South Ramsey with the away team taking all the spoils following a good performance. Onchan picked up two wins from Sue Gawne and Maureen Payne but was unable to get close in the other games. For South Ramsey, Elaine Moore, Jenny Moore, Lyn Bolton and Sue Collier all won to single figures and Kim Hargraves, Ann Gale and Fiona Kennish also won. Final score 105-171 (2-7).
On Friday Castletown A had their sit out and South Ramsey against Port St Mary A was postponed which would allow leaders Nobles to try and increase their advantage. However, despite Nobles winning by 33 chalks they struggled at home against Marown only winning five games and scoring 160 chalks, their second-lowest at home this season.
For Nobles Viv Cook, Jan West, Paula Firth and Debbie Leece all won to single figures to build their advantage and Sylvia Kennaugh also won for the home team. Ceila Joughin beat the current Top Lady Rebecca Teare. Wins also for Margaret Scarffe,Phillippa Taylor and Shirley Whelan dented their overall score with the match finishing 160-127 (5-4). The result leaves Nobles 184 chalks ahead of second-placed Castletown A who have a game in hand.
Ballaugh took on Douglas with the home team winning by just 10 chalks despite winning six games. Brenda Bowyer top-scored winning 21-5 and Elaine Fenton, Gill Dixon, Alison Millard, Michelle Cubbon and Voirrey Oates also won for Ballaugh. Shantelle Thorpe 21-16, Kay McKiernan 21-4 and Sue Caley 21-8 pushed the match back into the balance but Ballaugh had done enough to claim a 154-144 (6-3) victory.
Castletown B picked up their second win of the season defeating Onchan 153-121 (6-3). Castletown’s wins came from Linda Dobinson 21-9, Elaine McElroy 21-17, Emma Hurst 21-7, Sonya Mercer 21-4, Grace Quayle 21-12, and Barbara Young 21-9. Onchan had wins from Jo Smith 21-7, Sue Gawne 21-8 and Dee Lewis 21-12.
Port St Mary B managed to beat Mooragh Park by six chalks despite losing 4-5 on games. Mooragh Park had two wins to single figures from Janet Monk 21-8, Rosemary Quirk 21-9. Another good win for Mooragh Park came from Helen Martin but much closers affairs came from Ellie Cowell v Dot Mylchreest 21 -18 and Caroline Parker v Christine Holland 21-19. Single figure wins for PSM B came from Wyn Collister and Pauline Worrall. The game finish 150-144 (4-5).
Peel welcomed Port Erin in their second game of the week and it was Peel who won the match by 29 chalks. A tough battle between Joyce Kelly and Di Benson saw the away player taking a strong win 21-19. Lynda Cadamy, Jacqui Elliott and Caroline Whitehead also won for the away side. But big single figure wins from Peel saw Pat Robertson win 21-5 and Sue Jones winning 21-5 restricting Port Erin to 136. Winner for Peel was Shirley Corrin, Heather Horsburgh and Mary Moffatt. The match finished 165-136 (5-4)
Next week sees Nobles sit out and gives Castletown A the opportunity to leap over into the top spot if they score 187 in their match against Onchan. PSM are two matches behind Nobles due to a rearranged game but should they average around the 185 mark in those games they could easily take the top spot.
Ballaugh finished 12th in the league last year and are currently sitting in 7th position. The season continues to be one of the closest seen in the last few years and no doubt will also see strong finishes from South Ramsey, Marown and Peel Sunet.
Ladies’ IOM Merit
A small, but select field of sixteen ladies, gathered at Marown on Sunday 4th. August to compete for Barbara Lee Memorial ladies’ IOM Merit competition. The weather was iffy for most of the afternoon the with sun eventually making an appearance during the final.
Looking at the entry some good bowling could be expected, and the players did not disappoint with some very close and exciting games. Even when the scores were not close there were few easy points with each end being strongly contested.
In the first round Philippa Taylor faced last year’s winner, Jenny Moore, and had the better of the early skirmishes to lead 15-8 after nineteen ends. After exchanging points to 17-11, Jenny produced five 2’s in a row to move into the quarter-finals 21-17.
The game between Margaret Tasker and Helen Martin was definitely a game of two halves, with Margaret in control initially, leading 14-7 after fourteen ends, and then Helen pulling back to 18-18 by end 25. Three singles saw Helen progress to the next round 21-18.
Two home greeners, Helen Withers and Lil Smith also had a tough battle with honours being even over the first 11 ends, before Helen edged into a 15-10 lead. Lil then wrested the initiative from her to eventually come through 21-18.
It was pleasing to see one of the Junior girls, Rebekah Kelly, taking part and putting up a creditable performance before losing out 11-21 to Fiona Kennish.
The first two quarter-finals saw Jenny Moore and Helen Martin being too strong for their opponents, reaching the semi-finals without too much difficulty but it was a different story in the bottom half of the draw.
Caroline Whitehead and Kim Hargraves could hardly be separated as they kept together for 29 ends with neither of them having a lead of more than 2 throughout. On the thirtieth end, despite Caroline having the jack, Kim scored a two to end their titanic battle 21-19.
It was another close game between Fiona Kennish and Tricia Bull, with Tricia maintaining a slight lead up to 14-10 before Fiona won four ends in a row to level at 14-14. Two 2’s eventually gave Tricia a 19-15 lead and sharing the last four ends saw her into the semis.
In the first semi-final Jenny was in imperious form, coming through 21-6 against Helen, but again it was more tricky for the protagonists in the other. Although Tricia had a slight edge from the beginning, Kim was only 2 points behind at 14-16. A single and a 2 for both players saw the score at 19-17 when two singles gave Tricia the game
In the final it was nip and tuck to 5-5 after nine ends. The ends were hotly contested and the final score of 21-9 to Jenny makes her victory sound easier than it was !
The Competition secretary thanked those who had taken part, Marown for the use of their green and their members for their help measuring and marking.
Jenny thanked the organisers of the competition and Marown for their help and for their providing refreshments
Marown A Edge Closer – Peel B Go Top – South Ramsey C March On
Rayner Shield Finalists Marown A Bounced Back on Monday Evening With a 10-0 win over their B Team
Photo: Arnie WithersIn Ellan Vannin Fuels division one champions elect Marown A bounced back from the disappointment of their Rayner Shield final loss with their ‘away’ fixture against their B team at Crosby with last year’s 3-7 defeat fresh in their mind the A team were keen to put things right, doing just that with a 0-10 victory. Coming closest to picking up a win for the B team was Arnie Withers who just lost out 20-21 to Walter McCarthy who stepped up from the C team. Winning to single figures for the A team were Colin Kelly and Paul Dunn, beating Bobby Thorne and James Kelly respectively. The result leaves the A team 14 points ahead of second placed South Ramsey A with just six games left, whilst the B team are just seven points ahead of the bottom two teams South Ramsey B and Castletown B.
The bottom two sides South Ramsey B and Castletown B faced each other with the town men coming away from Ramsey with a 4-6 win to boost their hopes of staying up. Winning for the home team were Tony Dugdale, Edward Carlyle, Austin Hart and Christian Caley who has started to find some form picking up some good wins recently. Responding for the town men were Mike Hargraves, Ron Williams, Bob Clark and Nathan Cooil whose 21-8 victory helped his team edge the aggregate by six chalks (132-138).
Port St Mary A were the hosts for the visit of second placed South Ramsey A. The visitors recorded a good 2-8 win with Trevor Quayle in fine form to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Dido Kelly (21-17), whilst Wayne Roberts performed well to win 21-9 against Ian Moore. Hitting back for South Ramsey were David Bradford with a 21-6 win over Dan McCabe, whilst the remaining five winners for the visitors were all comfortable.
Noble’s A are 12 points ahead of the bottom two after picking up four points at home to Onchan A losing 4-6. For the visitors Kevin Quirk and Mark Kelly both won 21-17 against Reginald Temporaza and Tommy Collister respectively, Matthew Quirk had a good 21-12 win over Glenn Boland, whilst Jordan Cain won 21-9 against David Quayle. For the home team Steve Hall and Steve Cook both got home by the tightest of margins 21-20 with good wins over Rob Monk and Phil Kerruish, David Pease won 21-16 against Neil Dunwell, whilst captain Kevin Firth had a superb 21-5 win over Steve Parker. Just six chalks separated the teams with Onchan edging the aggregate (139-145).
In the third 4-4 of the night Peel A hosted Douglas A, with the home team comfortably taking the chalks to round off a 6-4 win (150-124). Winning 21-13 for the Villa men were Ian Moore and Stuart Garrett, whilst they picked up two 21-20 wins from Merv Sayle and Jimmy Sansom against David Proctor and Alec Taylor. For Peel their wins were all comfortable from Tommy McMeiken, Andy Kennish, Alan Cromwell and Dave Kelly.
Castletown A hosted North Ramsey A at the Crofts with the home team taking a good 8-2 win. Sam Clague continues to impress in his first season in division one and just his third year since taking up the game with a 21-10 over Geoff Porter. Other winners for the younger generation were Jordan Drewett (21-9) over Steve Walmsley, whilst Dean Kinley won 21-20 against Bryan Corner. Of the more experienced bowlers for the home team the winners were Derek Lewney, George Peach and Peter Oates.
In division two Peel B have taken over at the top of the table from Ballaugh A, who recently visited Peel for a game brought forward and suffered a 0-10 defeat at the hands of the Peel men. Peel B had most of their good work undone with their 2-8 away defeat at the hands of third placed Port Erin A, who with a few big wins could be right up there in the mix.
With Ballaugh A looking to bounce back they suffered another setback with a 3-7 home loss to Marown C, with the Crosby men receiving a massive boost ahead of Friday’s Rayner Plate final against first division side Port St Mary A. Ballaugh currently occupy second place, five points behind Peel B with a game in hand.
Finch Hill A are in fourth place, they recorded a good 2-8 away win over North Ramsey B at Mooragh Park. Douglas B will have been pleased with their 7-3 home win over Port St Mary B, Onchan B took a 6-4 home win over Ballaugh B whilst Port St Mary C took the spoils 7-3 at home to Peel C.
In division three South Ramsey C made it 15 wins from 15 games to maintain their 100% record with their crushing 9-1 home win over Port Erin B.
Second placed Finch Hill B took their turn to sit out the latest round of fixtures, which gave third placed Noble’s B the opportunity to close the gap, they made the short visit to take on Onchan C at the Park, however the home team were too strong for the Noble’s men with Onchan recording an 8-2 victory. The Finch Hill men now have a game in hand in addition to their four point lead.
South Ramsey D came away from the Villa with a good 2-8 win, Peel D eased to a 7-3 home win over Castletown C, whilst Nobles C matched this with their win over Ballaugh C.