Pearl Kaighin

Report by Heather Horsburgh

Summer arrived at Ballaugh on Saturday 27 April for the Pearl Kaighin ladies’ singles open. An entry of 31 produced some excellent bowling and after all the problems the club has had with the snow and rain the green was playing well if a little on the slow side.

Perhaps it was the warm weather that helped create a friendly and pleasant atmosphere round the green and it was nice to see some “new” ladies taking part in their first open.

Quarter-finals: Gill Dixon 21, Ann Gale11; Elaine Moore 21, Ann Hollingworth 16; Margaret Tasker 21, Heather Horsburgh 15; Philippa Fletcher 21, Chris Holland 16.

Semi-finals: Gill Dixon 21, Elaine Moore 10; Philippa Fletcher 21, Margaret Tasker 13.

This pitted Gill against Philippa, who was playing in her first final. A good number of spectators had remained to watch the final adding to the sense of occasion.

The final was initially closely matched with the score being level at 11-11. Gill then won the next six ends to reach 20-11 but Philippa was not about to give up taking the next four ends to get to 16.Gill took the next end and victory 21-16.

Jenny Maddrell thanked everyone who had stayed to the end. There was a new trophy presented by Bernard Kaighin who was unfortunately off island and unable to be present. In his absence the prizes were presented by Jane Teare.