Dixon and Moore retain IOM Pairs title.

The Ladies Association IOM Pairs was held at Finch Hill on Saturday 1st August, and with an impressive entry of 22 pairs, it was nice to see the majority of the clubs across the Island being represented.

In the semi-final stage, the winners Gil Dixon (Ballaugh) and Elaine Moore (South Ramsey) had to battle against Caroline Whitehead (Port Erin) and Sylvia Kennaugh (Nobles). The game was nip and tuck the entire way, with some outstanding bowling by all players. The final end of the game, at all-but across, saw Caroline play a great bowl, dodging all the shorter bowls to end up a foot away from the jack with a length bowl. Dixon then bowled the bowl of the day, missing everything and coming in beautifully to sit on the jack.

In the second semi-final, Tracy Moore and Kath Kinley (Castletown) took on Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore (South Ramsey). Another very close game, with some great bowling and plenty of knocks. The Castletown pair managed to get the final two points at nineteen across, sealing their place in the final.

In the final, the Northern pair got off to a great start, until Kath managed to get the jack and the scores then evened out for a few ends. Gil Dixon was without a doubt the player of the final, coming in with some incredible bowls when needed and never far away from the jack. The final finished 21 – 14, and Elaine and Gil retained their IOM Pairs title for another year.

Next Sunday, 9th August, is the Ladies IOM Merit being held at Castletown, entries to [email protected].

Saturday 22nd August is the Ladies Manx Championship, being held at Peel Sunset Bowling Club. This year it is being held in memory of Heather Horsburgh, very fitting that it is at the club she was such an important part of. There will be a large raffle, all monies made being donated to the MSPCA. Entries once again to [email protected].