Perfect Run In Seals League For Port St Mary A
Port St Mary A overturned a 25 chalk deficit, held by Castletown A, heading into the final round of matches to claim their ninth league title and in doing so retained the title for a sixth consecutive year.
Castletown A started the evening as favourites and knew they needed to score 165 chalks to become champions even if PSM scored a maximum.
Castletown A travelled away to face Marown with the sides producing only the second drawn game since 2017. Marown stunned the leaders by winning five games on the night including Rosie Winckle and Celia Joughin who both won 21-10 against Marie Ashurst and Hilary Kermode respectively. Shirley Whelan defeated Kim Foy 21-13, Joyce Ogden won 21-15 against Anne Oates and Margaret Scarffe beat Hanna Drewett 21-18. For Castletown Kath Kinley won 21-7 against Elaine Dewhurst, Tracy Moore beat Mary Alderson 21-17, Amanda Lawler won 21-9 against Lil Smith and Heike Perry beat Helen Withers 21-12. Both sides finished level on 150 chalks but the 39 points dropped by Castletown meant Port St Mary only needed to score 175 to win the league.
Port St Mary A have been ruthless in the run-up scoring 177, 187 and 189 in their last three matches. In their final match at home to Ballaugh they dominated winning 8-1 on games. Ballaugh were one short, handing Chris Price a 21-0 walkover but Ann Maddrell, Mavis Franks, Kellie Maddrell, Jayne Kneen, Trish Bull and Margaret Tasker all won to single figures whilst Katy Williams held on to win her game 21-18. Those eight wins gave PSM 168 chalks and despite Val Macfarlane losing 15-21 those points gave PSM the chalks they needed to make a remarkable turnaround and win the league by eight chalks. Castletown ladies will be disappointed to finish second but have had a fantastic season, giving the tightest finish for several years.
Nobles finished third 52 chalks behind PSM having been in title contention for much of the season. They rounded their season off with a comfortable 168-103 (7-2) victory over Mooragh Park. Clare Cooper, Rebecca Teare, Alison Keggen, Debbie Leece, Sylvia Kennaugh, Jan West and Jayne Smith won for the home team. Aalish Haworth and Janet Monk were MP only winners. It has been great to see Mooragh’s junior players flourish this season. Shannon & Madison McMullan, Victoria Johnson and Aalish Haworth have all improved and produced some fantastic results during the season. I do not doubt that they will continue to improve and cause some upsets in the coming seasons.
South Ramsey completed their final match with a home tie against Peel Sunset. SR won seven games from Ann Gale, Bethany Kennish, Jill Quayle, Jenny Moore, Kim Hargraves, Sue Collier and Elaine Moore. Joyce Kelly and Mary Moffatt were winners for Peel with the match ending 177-103 (7-2).
Onchan ended their season defeating Port Erin by seven chalks despite losing 4-5 on games. Dee Lewis, Libby Andrade, Sue Gawne and Tina Hampson won for the home team. Port Erin’s winners were Alison Stockham, Caroline Whitehead, Jenny Cain, Di Benson and Lynda Cadamy.
Douglas against Port St Mary B is the final match to report on with the home side slipping to an eight chalk defeat despite winning 5-4 on games. Paula Garrett, Harley Garrett, Michelle Cowley, Kay McKiernan and Wendy Cowin won for the home team with PSM wins coming from Chris Holland, Rita Callister, Linda Dawson and Sandi Lowe. The match finished 149-157 (5-4).
Individually Elaine Moore topped the ladies merit, having lost only a single game during the campaign, adding to the over 60s merit she had already won. Rebecca Teare, Jenny Moore, Jayne Kneen and Janet Monk completed the top five.
Although the season is over players can look forward to the annual presentation evening being held on Friday 18th October at Douglas Legion Club. Please contact your club reps to book your ticket. Finally, I would like to wish all bowlers a good winter and a reminder to all clubs that any motions for the AGM must be returned by Wednesday 16th October.