Castletown A won the JMS Veterans Shield last Thursday morning at Breagle Glen Bowling Club, claiming the trophy for the first time since the competition began in 2012.

The Town women faced Marown in the final, which finished 3-3, but the southern side won on points, 129-115 (handicaps included – Castletown +14 and Marown +17). The final was watched by a good crowd of supporters and spectators.

The first three games on the green were very close, with the leads changing several times between the players.

Marown captain Philippa Taylor eventually crossed the line 21-17 against Sue Peach, while team-mate Rosie Winckle just pipped Kath Kinley 21-19. Town’s Sue Wilshaw kept her team’s hopes alive, winning to 18 against Lyn Bolton.

At the halfway stage, Marown were slightly ahead on points, 77-71 (including handicaps), and with only six points separating the teams, the final three games were highly anticipated.

Fourth jack on the green saw Chris Price for Castletown take on Celia Joughin. Price got into her stride from the start and, despite some excellent bowls from Joughin, ran out a 21-10 winner.

The fifth jack saw Anne Oates take on Marown’s Lynda Cadamy. Unfortunately for the latter, Oates got the bit between her teeth, winning the game 21-7. With only one game left to play, Castletown were leading by 19 points, 113-94.

The final jack on the green was between Castletown captain Barbara Young and Elaine Dewhirst. Despite a spirited effort from Dewhirst, who won the game 21-16, Young scored enough points to ensure victory for her team.

The presentation of the shield and prizes was made by Janet Latham, Ladies Association treasurer and sponsor of the competition, who thanked Breagle Glen Bowling Club for hosting the final.

She also thanked both teams for a great match, congratulating Castletown on their maiden win and commiserating with Marown, before presenting both teams with their prizes and the shield to Castletown captain Barbara Young.

Young reiterated what Janet had said, saying how proud she was of her team and their performance throughout the competition, especially in the final.

SEMI-FINALS

Castletown A had booked their place in the final with a solid 4-2 win over South Ramsey B in a match played at Onchan Bowling Club.

Castletown A started the morning with a handicap of +14, while South Ramsey had a handicap of +37.

Town’s Sue Peach, Chris Price and Kath Kinley all won to single figures, with the two winners for South being Sue Collier, who won to 14 against Barbara Young, and Lesley Murray, who won to 13 against Sue Wilshaw.

The final score was Castletown 125, South Ramsey B 103, including handicaps.

Marown reached the final by winning their semi-final 4-2 against Ballaugh A in a match played at Peel Bowling Club.

Marown had a handicap of +17, with Ballaugh A on +16. With only one point separating the teams in handicaps, it was all to play for. Marown’s points tally was helped by Lynda Cadamy winning to single figures.

The two winners for Ballaugh were Christine McDonald, who won to 15 against Philippa Taylor, and Michele Cubbon, who won to 16 against Elaine Dewhirst.

The final score was Marown 132, Ballaugh 112, including handicaps.

ELAINE MOORE