News: Reports
Almost a double maximum
League champions, Rule Breakers, came agonisingly close to a first double maximum during the latest session held in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club, dropping just one point from the two fixtures.
Once again a downpour of rain just a few hours prior to the action made the playing surface a little heavy, but nevertheless there was some great bowling on view and the first card saw Breakers drop only one chalk in their defeat of Bits n Bobs.
Also competing were Castletown Corkers and they scored above their average in a comfortable victory over an out of sorts Roller Bowlers.
Things didn’t get any better for the Bowlers in their next outing and they departed with the lowest total of the afternoon, while opponents Breakers recorded their second maximum of the campaign and closed the gap at the top in the process.
Castletown Corkers then popped up with their second best result to date and dropped only five points in a five games to one success over Bits n Bobs, this saw them jump up two places in the table.
Results for Saturday 1 November: Rule Breakers 125 (5) Alan Moore, Bits n Bobs 87 (1) Edwina Reid; Castletown Corkers 111 (4) Derek Lewney, Roller Bowlers 96 (2) Sefton Dent; Roller Bowlers 84 (0) Rosie Winckle, Rule Breakers 126 (6) John Kennish; Bits n Bobs 97 (1) Geoff Mayles, Castletown Corkers 121 (5) Dave Hollingworth and Lyn Bolton.
Saturday saw the first weekend round robin take place and 23 entrants had a race against the weather to complete the session. Winners in the doubles were Philippa Taylor and Lil Smith, followed by Bernard Thackrah and Derek Cadamy.
The triples however had a much closer outcome and winning by the closest of margins were Louis Callister, Trish Bull and Ben Dugdale; and after a roll-up,in second were Caroline Whitehead, Rita Callister and Alan Moore.
Prior to this the regular midweek event saw another good entry of 42, which was split into three groups. Triumphant in the doubles were Philippa Taylor and Gordon Corrin who were just ahead of Bob Berry and Rita Callister.
Winners of the black jack triples were Derek Clarke, Peter Kelly and Joan Ryder; while in the yellow gang it was LilianSlinger, Viv Rush and Erwin Gelling.
Runners up were Caroline Whitehead, Shirley Corrin and Jean Thackrah; along with Dave Faragher, Jack Lee and Jo Smith.
Defeat for merit title holder
Things went from a weekend of no surprises to one with plenty as the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club breezed through another two days which saw the season’s first draw, winning margins ranged from one to 19 and five of the eight fixtures finished three-all on games.
Add to this a loss for last year’s merit winner, along with first defeats for others and you can imagine how difficult conditions were, particularly on Sunday in the strong wind; so just five players remain unbeaten, having competed in all their team’s games.
Saturday’s gang included sides in the bottom half of the table, two of them, Roller Bowlers and Parkers went home with 219 points apiece; not far behind were Bits n Bobs who lost by just one in their first outing and then by three. A first win may not be far away. Erin Porters, however, were the session’s lowest scorers with a tally of 206.
This was the once a year set of fixtures in which teams play the same opponents twice and could also see players drawn for two games against the same person. This was indeed the case in five of the pairings with three of them doing the double and the other two gaining revenge for losses in the first outings.
Results for Saturday, 25 October: Bits n Bobs 109 (2) Kim Hargraves, Roller Bowlers 110 (4) Sefton Dent; Parkers 112 (4) Paul Bailey, Erin Porters 107 (2) Mavis Franks; Roller Bowlers 109 (3) Shirley Whelan and Lil Smith, Bits n Bobs 106 (3) Edwina Reid; Porters 99 (3) Caroline Whitehead, Parkers 107 (3) Bernie McPhee.
The second day’s participants had strong winds to contend with and this certainly played its part. The afternoon began with two of the title contenders, Seven-Up and Bowling for Soup, battling out a fairly high scoring draw, on games as well as points.
Also in action were Mooragh Lakers and Govags, another fixture which ended level on games, but Lakers triumphed with a 10-point margin over the westerners.
Early leaders Seven-Up then notched up the highest total of the weekend, just two short of a maximum against bottom side Govags, who I am sure would have been happy scoring over 100 themselves.
The final encounter probably threw up the biggest surprise as Mooragh Lakers recorded a win over Bowling for Soup, these two remain in fourth and fifth places in the table, separated by an average of just 1.7 points.
Results for Sunday, 26 October: Mooragh Lakers 110 (3) Jenny Moore, Govags 100 (3) Allan Cromwell; Seven-Up 113 (3) Alec Taylor, Bowling for Soup 113 (3) Nigel Thomas; Bowling for Soup 104 (3) Mike Alexander and Ben Dugdale, Lakers 109 (3) Steve Parker; Govags 105 (1) Peter Kelly, Seven-Up 124 (5) Kevin Quirk.
Unfortunately the midweek session did not go ahead due to the wet conditions, but hopefully with no league fixtures planned a round robin will be held this Saturday, 1pm prompt start.
No surprises over third weekend
There were no surprises during the latest sets of fixtures over the weekend in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club, after which all teams have now reached the 100 points barrier.
Govags were the latest to do so as they notched up their first success of the campaign with a narrow win over Bits n Bobs, who once again won a fixture on games but fell short on the all important points front.Roller Bowlers meanwhile fought hard against their opponents, Bowling for Soup, but lost out by a margin of 12.
However in their next outing Bowling for Soup were just a little too hot for Bits n Bobs and missed out on a maximum by just three; while the afternoon was brought to a close with Roller Bowlers getting the better of Govags after a three-all on games and a points gap of six.
Results for Saturday, 18 October: Bits n Bobs 104 (4) Kim Hargraves, Govags 106 (2) Phil Parker; Roller Bowlers 102 (3) Sefton Dent, Bowling for Soup 114 (3) Nigel Thomas; Govags 104 (3) Ray Hardman, Roller Bowlers 110 (3) Sefton Dent; Bowling for Soup 123 (4) Tony Dugdale and Mike Alexander, Bits n Bobs 94 (2) Kim Hargraves.
Two of last season’s leading three teams clashed on Sunday and it was Rule Breakers who came out on top against Louie’s Angels, but both dropped vital points when they had a heavy loss apiece.
Also doing battle were the Castletown outfits and it was Corkers who won the bragging rights as they romped to victory over Cannons.
Angels then got back on track as they beat Corkers and Breakers dropped just three points with a comfortable win against Castletown Cannons.
Results for Sunday, 19 October: Louie’s Angels 105 (2) Marg Tasker, Rule Breakers 109 (4) Dave Kelly; Castletown Cannons 87 (1) Barbara Young, Castletown Corkers 122 (5) Derek Lewney; Corkers 101 (2) Dave Faragher, Angels 116 (4) Matthew Keggen; Breakers 123 (5) John Kennish and Stefan Kelly, Cannons 91 (1) James Drinkwater.
A great entry of 45 braved the breezy conditions at the latest midweek round robin and three groups of triples took part with the winners being Erwin Gelling, Peter Daugherty and Ben Dugdale; Mike Skelly, Rita Callister and Rob Monk; also Shirley Corrin, Mavis Franks and Peter Hughes.
Runners-up in each group were Jo Smith, Doug Allan and Willie Corkill; Bernie McPhee, Joan Murphy and Shirley Whelan; along with Lynda Clarke, Alec Taylor and Derek Cadamy.
Will it be Seven-Up or maybe seven up!
The first maximum score of the campaign was the highlight over the weekend in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Clubas the final four teams made their introduction into league action.
Now that all the sides have played I think it is safe to say there are four outfits which are in the mix for a shout at being crowned champions come next March.
They are current champions, Rule Breakers, with six championship wins under their belts; Seven-Up, who have completed a run of nine finishes in the top half of the table; Louie’s Angels, have also been there or thereabouts on a number of occasions;and Bowling for Soup who are the only other side to have won the title during the past seven seasons with success in 2011.
As to the finishing order is anybody’s guess, but my money would be on Seven-Up to go one better than last season and get their hands on the shield for the first time.
Saturday’s fixtures began with Rule Breakers recording a maximum points win over Govags; while Bowling for Soup kicked off with a hard fought 4-2 success against Castletown Corkers.
Govags did fare a little better next time out, but left with an average of just 80 after defeat by Corkers. Finally Bowling for Soup came out on top by the closest of margins in a fairly low scoring encounter against Rule Breakers, which saw both of them drop over 30 points each.
Results for Saturday, 11 October: Rule Breakers 126 (6) Dave Bradford, Govags 74 (0) Darren Young; Castletown Corkers 93 (2) Derek Lewney, Bowling for Soup 115 (4) Mike Alexander; Govags 86 (2) Allan Cromwell, Corkers 117 (4) Casey and Sid Bolton; Bowling for Soup 95 (3) Phil Kerruish, Rule Breakers 94 (3) Dave Bradford and John Kennish.
A glorious afternoon welcomed the participants the next day, with seven of the totals recorded being over the 100 point mark and topping the list were Erin Porters dropping just eight against Castletown Cannons.
Unfortunately they also had the lowest tally when they were defeated by Louie’s Angels, who had another successful session and fluttered back home after two hard fought wins.
Parkers meanwhile rallied but missed out by just six points in their opener against Angels, before getting the better of Cannons by a margin of only four.
Results for Sunday, 12 October: Louie’s Angels 111 (3) Marg Tasker, Parkers 105 (3) Peter Kniveton; Castletown Cannons 100 (2) Alan Phair, Erin Porters 118 (4) Derek Cadamy; Porters 87 (2) Mavis Franks and Lynda Cadamy, Angels 106 (4) Trish Bull; Parkers 111 (4) Brian Woodall, Cannons 107 (2) Alan Phair.
The second midweek round robin was held with another good entry of 38 and they played exactly the same format as the previous Wednesday. The pairing of Jo Smith and Kevin Quirk were clear winners of the yellow jack group, ahead of Mike Skelly and Derek Clarke.
This, while the trio of Derek Allen, Allan Cromwell and Lynda Clarke were triumphant in the black section, ahead of Derek Cadamy, Shirley Whelan and Jordan Cain.
New chapter begins
The opening sessions in the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club was held between two spells of very heavy rain last weekend as they started a new chapter in their history with all games now being played off six, up to 21, rather than the former 15up.
This means that 126 points are now up for grabs in each fixture and two teams came very close to that mark dropping just two apiece in their opening clashes; Louie’s Angels were first on the card, followed the next day by Seven-Up, who also notched up a 123 to head the averages.
Four new names appear in the list of teams – Rule Breakers, formerly Incredabowls, Roller Bowlers (previously Beachcombers), Mooragh Lakers (Spare Parts) and Bowling for Soup, who last season played under the name of Regular Bowl Movements.
As always there are changes to almost all of the squads and as the sides take part with any new faces, a better picture will emerge of who will be thereabouts at the top come the end next March. Seven-Up and Louie’s Angels have already shown their intent dropping just 13 points between them.
Nobles No 1 hosted the opening round robin session due to some maintenance still taking place at No 3 green. A good entry of 38 competed in two groups, with the winners in the yellow triples being Viv Grills, Viv Rush and Hazel Hughes; with second going to Rita Callister, John Lightfoot and Doug Allan.
The other gang was doubles with Chaz Grills and Derek Clarke heading the pack, just in front of Flo Kelly and Margaret Tasker.
RH Green Fours
18 Pairs entered the last Open of the 2014 Season – The R.H. Green Fours (Men’s Doubles) which was held at Finch Hill Green on Sunday 28th September, on a pleasant sunny afternoon.
Some well known names did not progress beyond the first two rounds, which made the competition all the more interesting!
The semi – finals consisted of four pairs who had been on sparkling form all afternoon, with Mark Moorley and Jeff Kinley pitted against Dave ( Barney) Kelly and Bob Clark. Which resulted in a 21 – 15 win for Kelly and Clark.
The other semi was an all home green affair – Steve Bridson and Paul Doughterty versus Mervyn Sayle and Keith Fearnley. The result was 21 – 13 in favour of Bridson and Doughterty.
The final was between Dave ( Barney ) Kelly and Bob Clark versus Steve Bridson and Paul Doughterty.
Steve and Paul did not continue their earlier form and had no answer to the extremely accurate long marks set by Barney and Bob who were most certainly worthy winners.
The Prizes and Cup were presented by long time Finch Hill Official Eric Cain.
Report by Peter Hughes
JMS Veteran’s Shield Final
The final of the JMS Veteran’s Team handicap competition took place at Finch Hill on Thursday 18 September on a warm sunny morning. The first four matches played went the way of Peel Sunset with Mary Moffatt winning to single figures, the score at that point being 99-76 to the westerners, taking the handicaps into account , giving them a 23 point lead. The next game off was a 21-2 win to Viv Rush which slashed the lead to just 4 points, leaving two games on the green in a nail-biting finale. Dee Lewis came through 21-14 giving Onchan B a three point lead leaving Cath Parker and Irene Cowin battling out the last game. A 21-13 win to Cath saw Peel Sunset through by 5 points. The winner’s results throughout the competition justified the handicapping as they had three narrow wins beating Castletown by 6 points, Port St Mary A by 6 points and Onchan B by 5 points.
The presentation was made by Janet Shilling who had set the competition in motion two years ago. She congratulated both teams and thanked Finch Hill for the use of their green and facilities, and everyone who had contributed to the smooth running of the event.
PEEL SUNSET (+15) 136, ONCHAN B (+25) 131
Joyce Kelly 21, Marilyn Ellison 15; Jean Quine 21, Barbara Kennaugh 13; Mary Moffatt 21, Eileen Thomas 9; Heather Horsburgh 21, Theresia Britten 14; Rose Corfield 14, Dee Lewis 21; Cath Parker 21, Irene Cowin 13; Mona Kerruish 2, Viv Rush 21.
JMS Veteran’s Shield Semi-finals
The JMS Veteran’s Shield semi-finals were played on Tuesday 16 September in weather conditions fit for the occasion.
Port St Mary A (scr) 122, Peel Sunset (+20) 128
Peel Sunset got off to a flying start winning the first three games courtesy of Mary Moffatt, Cath Parker with a good win to single figures, and Heather Horsburgh who won a close battle against Tricia Bull 21-20 when knocked in by her opponent for the final point.(On a personal note may I just say that I am happy that the result of the match did not depend on that point! )
Port St Mary won the next three games and with just one game left on the green the visitors had a lead of 14 points, 115-101, including their handicap.
In the remaining game Jean Quine had to reach 8 points to give Peel victory, and the tension in the visitor’s camp as she spent five ends on 6 then four ends on 7 was mounting. However she did get there, eventually reaching 13 against Win Collister.
Ballaugh (+15) 142, Onchan B (+30) 157
This fixture was evenly matched with both teams finishing on the same score, 127, before the handicaps kicked in to give victory to the visiting team.
Ann Gale winning to 10 and Marilyn Ellison winning to 8 gave each team one convincing win, but the rest of the games were tense with everyone scoring 16+. Mary Simmonds had a “ding-dong” battle with Joyce Gardiner before the Onchan B captain came through 21-19,while Irene Cowin took Voirrey Oates all the way before going down 21-20.
IOM Ladies’ Merit
There was an entry of 33 for the IOM Ladies’ Merit for the Barbara Lee Trophy played at Ballaugh on Sunday 15 September. The green was running well and there were some very close, and some not so close, matches during the afternoon.
Quarter-finals: Jenny Moore 21, Rita Callister 6; Alison Keggen 21, Jenny Maddrell 20; Ann Gale 21, Mary Alderson 16; Lilian Slinger 21, Caroline Whitehead 16.
Semi-finals: Jenny Moore 21, Alison Keggen 17; Ann Gale 21, Lilian Slinger 13.
The final could not have been closer as the two players matched each other throughout. After Jenny led by two points at 7-5 the next time there was a two point gap between the two players was on the 25th. end when Jenny led 16-14 and then increased the lead to three at 18-15. Ann took the next four ends to lead 20-18.Jenny replied with a two before getting a single on the 34th. end to take the match and the title.
Association President, Pat Robertson thanked the Ballaugh club for hosting the event as well as all those who had helped in the smooth running of the afternoon before introducing Tracy Nicol, Barbara’s daughter, to make the presentations.
JMS Veteran’s Shield
The quarter-finals of the JMS Veteran’s Shield took place on Thursday 11 September with the weather being particularly kind for the time of year.
As only seven teams entered there were only three matches played with Onchan B getting a bye into the semi-finals.
Port St Mary A were in imperious form winning five of the seven games and dropping just four points, with four of their players winning to single figures. The two winnrs for Port Erin were Kay Primrose-Smith and Jean Thackrah who edged out Rita Callister 21-20.
PORT ST MARY A (scr) 143, PORT ERIN (+30) 104
Tricia Bull 21, Sylvia Shelbourne 3; Rita Callister 20, Jean Thackrah 21; Win Collister 21, Steph Swift 5; Wendy Kennaugh 21, Jacqui Elliott 8; Kath Looney 18, Kay Primrose-Smith 21; Val Macfarlane 21, Hesba Skelly 10; Margaret Tasker 21, Sylvia Maddrell 6.
Ballaugh also won five games against Noble’s Mixed with Ann Gale and Maureen Trustham winning to single figures. The two winners for the visitors were Pat Dacre and Lin Ruscoe, who also won to single figures while Meg Williams nearly added a third reaching 20 against Peggy Griffin.
BALLAUGH (+15) 141, NOBLE’S MIXED (+20) 120
The closest match of the morning was at Castletown with Peel Sunset having the edge 4-3 on games with Mary Moffatt winning to single figures..In reply Marie Ashurst also had a good win to single figures. The other five games were much closer with the visitors coming through to take the match by just 6 points.
CASTLETOWN (+25) 135, PEEL SUNSET (+20) 141
Anne Oates 14, Heather Horsburgh 21; Hilda Young 21, Cath Parker 16; Barbara Young 21, Rose Corfield 13; Elaine McElroy 1, Mary Moffatt 21; Joy Stephens 15, Mona Kerruish 21, Sheila Preston 17, Joyce Kelly 21; Marie Ashurst 21, Jean Quine 8.