News: Reports

Marown Book Final Spot

In Group A Marown secured their spot in the final with a game to spare despite suffering losses in all of their doubles games at home to Peel. Jerome Surridge & Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly beat Neil Withers & Paul Kelly 21-18, Gary Smith & Gordon Corrin defeated Phil Kelly and Juan Killip 21-14, with Stevie Kelly and David Proctor seeing off Paul Dunn & Peter Kelly 21-16. In the singles Frank Watson was the only Peel winner defeating Matthew Keggen 21-17. Marown’s victory ended up being comfortable (149-112) thanks to wins in the singles from Dean Kipling, Brian Kelly and John Gelling all winning to single figures against Dave Smith, Mike Ashmole and Tommy McMeiken respectively, whilst Colin Kelly showed no mercy against his eldest son Tom Kelly with a 21-13 win.

In Group B it is set up nicely for the last group match at Onchan against South Ramsey who sit top by two points holding an 18 chalk advantage. For Onchan to progress to the final they need to win the match by 19 chalks to reach the final.

South Ramsey picked up two points this week with a victory over Douglas (150-124) with the floodlights now coming into play early on in matches due to the nights closing in. In the singles matches Steven Waters and Chas Grills both recorded 21-18 wins over Gary Conwell and Shaun Seal respectively, whilst Stefan Kelly beat Willie Cowley to single figures. Austin Hart lost out 15-21 to Ian Moore, whilst Sid Bolton lost 19-21 to Andy Cannell. In the doubles matches Ben Dugdale & James Teare were well beaten 11-21 against Mervin Sayle and Keith Rise, with Alan Moore & Peter Collister cancelling this defeat out with a 21-10 win. Glynn Hargraves & Dido Kelly won 21-7 against Jimmy Sansom & Gordon Wynne-Smythe.

Cooper and Dawson Take First Mixed Doubles Title

Castletown Bowling Club hosted the Wilfred Quayle mixed doubles on Sunday with the competition attracting 37 pairs on a fine day.

The eventual winners were Clare Cooper (Noble’s) and Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) who overcame the strong challenge of Chrissy McManus (Ainsdale) and Steve McManus (Mere Brow) in a high quality final to secure their first mixed doubles win. After six ends the score was 13-12 to Cooper and Dawson with the McManus Husband and Wife partnership having only won two ends but scoring two three’s. From there the latter were kept down to four singles with Cooper and Dawson complimenting each other well with Cooper leading brilliantly at the front and Dawson doing the business at the back when needed to take three singles, a three and a double to take the title with a 21-16 win.

Losing out to the winners at the semi-final stage were Alison Keggen (Noble’s) and Neil Withers (Marown) 13-21, whilst the South Ramsey pairing of Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves lost out 12-21.

Falling at the quarter final stage were the Port St Mary pairings of Pauline Worrall and Paul Russell, Katy Williams and Tim Williams, home greeners Marie Ashurst and Dave Faragher, along with Paula Firth (Noble’s) and Sid Bolton (South Ramsey).

The presentation was made by Phil Taubman who thanked everyone who had entered and all the club members who had helped with the smooth running of the competition throughout the day. It was great to see some visitors extend their stay on the Island to enter the competition with the losing finalists playing on the green for the first time, showing how quickly they had adapted to a new green, with the visitors thanking everyone for such a warm welcome.

Monk Wins Thurlwell Bowl

Noble’s Bowling Club hosted the Thurlwell Bowl on Saturday with the rain mostly holding off throughout the day.

The eventual winner was Rob Monk (Onchan) who defeated Paul Skelly (Port St Mary) 21-19 in a hard fought final. Both players performed well making good two’s throughout the game despite their opponent having good bowls. The game changer was at 18-18 with Monk playing a short round peg and Skelly was lying one on and looking to make two resulted in Skelly flicking his own bowl out to leave Monk on to go 19-18 ahead. Skelly got back in next again, however very nearly turned his counting bowl out again. At 19-19 Skelly headed for the corner and couldn’t have had a worse time to play his poorest end of the game to allow Monk to pick up an easy two for game in an otherwise entertaining and high quality game.

In the semi-final Monk ended the challenge of Paul Dunn (Marown) with a good display to book his place in the final, whilst Skelly was pushed all the way by team mate Trevor Quayle with the latter losing out 20-21.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were home greener Alison Keggen, Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey), Harry Barton (Marown) and Mike Hargraves (Castletown).

The presentation was made by Wendy Leece who thanked Clare Cooper for running the sheet throughout the day, the club members who had helped with the running of the competition and for providing refreshments to those taking part.

Double For Price

A strong field of 45 ladies made up of local and visiting bowlers for the festival contested the Castletown pre-festival ladies singles on Sunday 2nd September.

Losers in the quarter finals were Tracy Ryan, Pat Edwards, Julie Waters and Angela Gaut.

In the first semi final Chris Price faced Sarah Weaver. Sarah had battled through a tough field of competitors in the earlier rounds beating Tracey Ryan , Lyn Bennett and local Debbie Leece.  Chris got of to a flying start moving 13- 6 ahead before Sarah won the jack.  A close and high quality game but Chris proved too strong and the game finished 21- 12.

The second semi final was between local Alison Keggen and Sharon Rigden.  Sharon had already knocked out home greener Hannah Kermode, Fiona Kennish and Angela Gaut.  Alison defeated on her run to the semi’s Sue Peach, Denise Tonks and Julie Waters.  Sharon got off to the better start moving 14-7 up after 8 ends.  Alison fought back into the game but Sharon showed her quality taking a 21-18 victory.

In the final it was nip-tuck with the scores being level in the early stages of the match before Chris found top gear and moved ahead on some very tricky marks to claim a 21-15 win, her second competition win of the weekend.

Linda Richman presented the prizes to the players and thanks goes to all those who helped run the competition.  A big thank you must also go to Castletown Bowling Green Café for their generous sponsorship of the competition.

Posh Paws Ladies’ Singles

There was a field of 28 for the ladies’ singles open played at Peel on Saturday 1st September. The competition had a new sponsor in Posh Paws of Peel, and the players enthusiasm was not dampened by the inclement drizzly weather. Despite the conditions and the problems Peel have been having with their green there was some fine bowling on display.
There were some very close games and in the first round visitor Christine Lawton, St. Judes, just lost out 20-21 to Lyn Bolton while Jean Thackrah came through against Celia Joughin by the same score.
In the second round Voirrey Curphey edged out Lil Smith 21-20 while another visitor. Pat Edwards, Winstanley, just lost out on the last end to Philippa Taylor.
The quarter-finals all went to double figures with Mary Moffatt, Caroline Whitehead, Philippa Taylor and Chris Price going through to the semis.
Quarter-finals: Mary Moffatt 21, Voirrey Curphey 14; Caroline Whitehead 21, Lyn Bolton 17; Philippa Taylor 21, Jean Thackrah 17; Chris Price 21, Joyce Kelly 16.
Philippa had a struggle in her semi-final as Chris was quickly off the blocks, leading 11-5 after four ends. The Marown player won three of the next four ends to close to 9-12, but from that point Chris was unstoppable coming through to win 21-9.
The other semi-final was a bit tighter, with Mary having slightly the better of the early exchanges, leading 11-8 after six ends. Caroline scored seven in the next four ends to take a 15-11 advantage which Mary closed down to 14-15. With just another 2 being scored by the home player, the Port Erin player progressed to the final 21-16.
Semi-finals: Chris Price 21, Philippa Taylor 9; Caroline Whitehead 21, Mary Moffatt 16.
The final was a close affair with scores being level at 8-8,11-11 and 13-13. At that point Chris had a run of six ends taking the score to18-13. Caroline was not finished and fought to the end but could not overcome Chris’s mid-game advantage, eventually losing out 21-16.
The Presentation was made by Heather Horsburgh, who thanked Liz Shergold, of Posh Paws of Peel, for sponsoring the event. She also thanked the members of the Peel club for their help during the afternoon, and special mention was made of green keeper, Eddie Phillips, who was thanked for his efforts to overcome the difficulties of the green, and also for selling the raffle tickets !

Ditchfield Secures Davisons Autumn Shield

Peel Bowling Club hosted the popular pre-festival competition the Davisons Autumn Shield on Sunday. The competition attracted 96 entries which made for a long day, with start times given out to those taking part.

Losing out at the quarter final stage were Bob Wyatt (Packhorse BC), Brian Furber (Pavilions) Tom Kelly (Peel) and Dido Kelly (South Ramsey).

In the semi-finals Neil Wright (Kirkham) ended the challenge of Neil Ridgen (New Longton) with a 21-15, whilst Wayne Ditchfield (Kirkham) booked his place in the final with a 21-12 win over Steve McCall (Kirkham).

In the final club mates Wright and Ditchfield took to the green with both players knowing each other’s game well it was always going to be a close final, however Ditchfield did enough to take a 21-18 win and his third success in this competition.

The presentation was made by Ian Davison, who once again sponsored the competition. There was over £750 paid out in prize money with the winner receiving £300. Thanks were also given to everyone who had helped with the running of the competition.

Moore & Hargraves Win Keenan Pairs

On Saturday the Keenan Fours Mens Doubles Trophy was played at Ballaugh. The weather held fine with the odd show of brightness. There were 27 pairs taking part including two bowlers on the Island for the festival.

Losing out in the quarter finals were visitors Bob Wyatt and Wayne Greenwood, locals Edward Carlyle and Kevin Firth, Adrian Skinner and Sam Clague along with Harry Minor and Alan Crebbin.

The semi-finals were Mike Skelly & Bernard Thackrah versus Ian Kissack & Mike Hargraves which went to Skelly and Thackrah 21-17. The second semi-final was even closer with Glynn Hargraves and Alan Moore beating fellow South Ramsey players Steve Waters and James Teare 21-19.

On to the final where Hargraves and Moore beat Skelly and Thackrah 21-10. Both teams had played consistently well during the afternoon.

At the conclusion John Keenan presented the prizes and thanked everyone for supporting the competition, the Ballaugh club members for their hard work in running the event especially Richard Faragher and Trevor Jones running the competition hut, Voirrey Oates and the ladies for keeping everyone fed and watered and congratulated Glynn and Alan on their win.

Maddrell’s Mixed Doubles

On Sunday the Maddrell’s Mixed Doubles was played at Ballaugh. The mornings rain necessitated a Green Keepers inspection but he was happy for the competition to be played and by mid afternoon we almost got blue skies. With 26 entries and two pairs that pulled out it made for an easier day for all the Ballaugh team and with some very good games played during the day it made for some absorbing bowls.

The losing quarter finalists were Clare Cooper (Noble’s) and Lee Dawson (South Ramsey), Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly (South Ramsey), another South Ramsey pair Lyn Bolton and Alan Moore along with Katy and Tim Williams (Port St Mary).

Losing out in the semi-finals were Noble’s pair Debbie & Paul Leece and Rebecca Teare (Noble’s) & Thomas Keggen (Port St Mary).

So we came to the final and an all South Ramsey one with Jenny Moore and James Teare versus Elaine Moore and Glynn Hargraves another corker, nip and tuck up to 16-16 with both taking a four before Jenny Moore and James Teare reached 21 in one’s. The final result being 21-16 to Jenny and James.

The prizes were presented by Jenny Maddrell who thanked everyone for supporting the competition, the Ballaugh Club members for their hard work in running the event especially Richard Faragher and Trevor Jones running the competition hut and the ladies for keeping everyone fed and watered and also congratulated Jenny and James on their win.

Port St Mary Take Control Of Ladies League

Last week in the Ladies League we start with the hotly anticipated top of the table clash between Port St Mary and South Ramsey.  The re-arranged fixture took place on Thursday and Castletown A would have been keeping a close eye on events to see how their lead over the two teams would be effected.  Earlier in the season South Ramsey defeated Port St Mary 154-130 (5-4) and on paper this was to be another close affair.

Katy Williams got Port St Mary off and running with a 21-8 win over Bethany Kennish.  The other four matches from the first half were shared with both sides winning two.  Ann Maddrell suffered a rare home defeat as Lyn Bolton just had the edge in their game to win 21-20 and South Ramsey’s second win came from a 21-18 win over Kellie Maddrell-Reeve.  Port St Mary responded with Val Macfarlane beating Jill Quayle 21-19 and Wendy Kennuagh who had an excellent result beating Jenny Moore 21-15.  Port St Mary took a lead of 17 chalks into the second half.

The second half Port St Mary dominated winning all four games.  Trish Bull defeated Fiona Kennish 21-14, Margaret Tasker beat Sue Collier 21-13, Chris Price beat Kim Hargraves 21-5 before Jayne Kneen became only the second person to beat Elaine Moore in the league this year with a fine 21-12 win.

The final score was 185-123 (7-2) with the home team winning by an impressive 57 chalks and extend their winning run to 13 matches.  Thursdays result also took them 83 points clear of Castletown A and with only five games remaining, Port St Mary look to have taken control of the league.

On Friday the bad weather returned postponing four of the six fixtures.

Castletown A vs Purt Le Moirrey was one of the fixtures which was able to be played and allowed Castletown to temporarily return to the top of the league following their third full house of the season.  The match ended 189-79 (9-0).  Five players won to single figures with Kim Foy beating Roma Ware 21-4, Kath Kinley beat Debra Cooper, Heike Perry beat Linda Dawson 21-4, Tracy Moore beat Pauline Worrall 21-7 and Marie Ashurst won 21-3 against Chris Holland.  In the remaining matches Ann Hollingworth beat Dot Mylchreest 21-11, Hanna Drewett won 21-12 against Brenda Hawkard, Anne Oates beat Mavis Franks 21-19 and merit leader Amanda Lawler won 21-19 against Edwina Reid.

The only other match to take place was Peel Sunset against Port Erin with the home side winning the match by 26 chalks.  Peel won six games with Heather Horsburgh beating Jean Thackrah 21-10, Sue Jones won 21-17 against Jenny Cain, Joyce Kelly won 21-11 against Lynda Cadamy, Mary Moffatt won 21-4 against Voirrey Curphey, Cath Parker beat Susan Inch 21-17 and Lynda Wilson won 21-5 against Phil Dobson.  Port Erin’s three winners were Caroline Whitehead winning 21-7 against Shirley Corrin, Jacqui Elliott beat Pat Robertson 21-8 and Carol Kaye beat Gill Clarke 21-8.  The final score was 153-127 (6-3).

After this weeks matches Castletown A may sit top of the league but are only 106 points ahead of Port St Mary who have a game in hand and average over 172 points per game this year.  South have played the same amount of games as Castletown and trail them by 54 points.

As we enter MGP fortnight there are a number of rearranged matches before a full set of fixtures at the end of race week.

Bolton & Quayle Win Derek Killey Memorial

There was an entry of 34 pairs for the Derek Killey Memorial held on Sunday at Onchan Bowling Club.

The eventual winners were the South Ramsey/Port St Mary duo of Lyn Bolton and Trevor Quayle who beat the South Ramsey pair of Jenny Moore and James Teare 21-7 in the final which was played under the floodlights.

Losing semi-finalists were the home pairing of Sue Gawne and Rob Cowley, along with another South Ramsey pair Kim Hargraves and Stefan Kelly.

The presentation was made by Kevin Quirk who thanked Eileen Killey for the continued sponsorship of the competition held in memory of her late husband Derek Killey who was a popular member of the bowls community. Thanks were also given to the club members who had helped officiate and provide refreshments throughout the day. Libby Andrade was then introduced to present the prizes with the finalists generously handing back their prize money to add to the total amount of over £500 raised for Alzheimer’s IOM.