Marown Top after Toppling Onchan
Double weeks can seriously shape a bowls season and last week was no different as Champions Marown A climbed to the top of the tree.
They began the week with a treacherous trip away to then leaders, and closest rivals, Onchan A and must have started the match as underdogs. Whilst many may have written off Marown, you only achieve what you believe – and the Crosby men believed!
A string of brilliant performances helped them overturn a deficit to take the match 7-3, and whilst there was a string of breathtaking performances man of the match must be Phil Kelly who came from 20-11 behind to win 21-20, and help his side to the aggregate points.
They followed this up on Wednesday with a simply stunning 10-0 thrashing of Castletown C, allowing their opponents to amass a miserly 64 points in the process, to move above Onchan. The champions are now showing all of their championship credentials.
Onchan didn’t have long licking their wounds with a midweek match away at Port St Mary A on the cards, and they had to use all of their experience and ability to come out the right side of a 7-3 win. Many expect Onchan to regain the title they lost to Marown last year, and whilst they still might, they will have to do it the hard way from here on in.
Third placed South Ramsey A are making that position their own as of late, and a great week sees them stay in contention to make a move should the top two slim up. They started off with a solid 8-2 win away at Port Erin and followed this up with a 9-1 home win over Peel A. to match Marown;s impressive 17 points for the week.
Douglas A have managed to hang on to 4th spot despite losing out 6-4 at home to Port St Mary A after leading 3-1 at the half way stage. Port showed great fighting qualities to see out the win. The men from the Villa bounced straight back though with a very impressive 8-2 win away at North Ramsey A to put momentum back in their season.
Castletown A restored order at the Crofts with wins over their C team on Monday and their second string on Wednesday to move into 5th in the table and go above their B team for the first time this season.
Finch Hill A still leas the way in Division 2 after a mixed bag last week. They began with a stong 7-3 win over Douglas B however dropped points on Wednesday as they were beaten 6-4 by third placed Onchan B. Onchan preceded this victory with another win this time taking out Nobles Part A 7-3.
Peel B are the surprise package in second place after a couple of very impressive displays beginning with a 6-4 win over Nobles Mixed before travelling to Ballaugh B and leaving 7-3 victors.
In division three its Arnie Withers’ young starlets at Marown B who are shining brightest and a simply magnificent week has not only seen them move top but open up a 5 point gap at the top. They kicked off with an 8-2 win away at MooraghPark over North Ramsey C before their best result of the season so far as they brushed aside title favourites South Ramsey B 8-2 at the memorial playing fields.