Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association

Marown Bowling Club were the host club on Saturday as they held the Marown Magic Carpets Mixed Singles for the second time attracting an entry of 56. The competition was played in a big smash style format, which has proved popular in the U.K. and is played over 15 ends with ends 5, 10 and 15 played as ‘power’ ends with the points scored counting double. Players were given a handicap ranging from 0 to 3. If scores were tied after 15 ends a one bowl shootout would take place to decide the winner of the game.

Losing quarter finalists were Bernie Durcan (Port Erin) who lost 7-15 to home greener Matthew Keggen, Frank Watson (Onchan) had his run ended by Marown captain Paul Dunn 10-17, Jordan Cain stormed into a huge unassailable lead to beat South Ramsey team mate David Bradford 17-7, while Rob Middleton did enough to ensure he progressed to the next round with a victory over Stefan Kelly with the latter falling too far behind to play the last end with the score at 12-7 to Middleton.

In the semi-finals club mates Keggen and Dunn clashed, with Dunn doing enough to reach the final courtesy of a 14-10 win, while Middleton just edged home 15-14 against Cain in a nervy finish.

The final started with Dunn conceding the first end with a single and starting three behind on the handicap, he ensured he did not under-estimate his opponent who had taken some good scalps throughout the day. Dunn then clicked into gear to take the next eight ends to lead 14-4 after nine ends. Middleton scored a single on the power end to count for two on end 10 to go eight chalks behind at 14-6. Dunn made sure of the victory over the next few ends with a single and a double to ensure he retained the title he won last season with a well-deserved 17-8 victory.

At the conclusion of play the presentation was made by club members Brian Kelly and Clare Cooper, who thanked Magic Carpets for their continued sponsorship, the Ladies for the refreshments, the players for entering, and all who came to support. In his speech Dunn reiterated his thanks to the sponsors.