Marown A were crowned winners of Isle of Man County Crown Green Bowling Association's Jean Kelly Knockout after defeating South Ramsey in an entertaining final at Onchan Bowling Club last Thursday evening.

The competition is sponsored by the family of the late Jean Kelly, with the final played between Marown A, on a handicap of +16, and South Ramsey (+20).

With only four points separating the two sides on handicap and a good crowd in attendance supporting both teams, an exciting contest was anticipated.

First on the green for Marown was Zoe Pearson, who took on South’s Kim Hargraves. Pearson started strongly and, despite a spirited effort from Hargraves, secured a 21-17 victory.

South were then dealt another blow when Louise Tebay produced another impressive performance to beat Lesley Murray 21-6.

Rebecca Kelly continued Marown’s good start, beating Judy Kelly 21-9, before Lyn Bolton added another win for the Crosby side with a 21-15 victory over Jackie Murley.

The fifth game was certainly a contest of two halves. South’s Elaine Moore raced into a 15-3 lead against Marown’s Debbie Leece, but the latter fought back superbly, producing some excellent lead bowls to eventually win 21-16.

At this stage, Marown led 121-83 including the handicaps, leaving South with a considerable deficit to overcome with only four games remaining.

South finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth game when Jenny Moore defeated Clare Cooper 21-10, giving her team a much-needed boost.

The seventh game followed a similar pattern to the earlier contest between Leece and Moore.

Marown’s Helen Withers established a 14-4 lead against Fiona Kennish, but the latter fought back with some excellent bowling to eventually claim a 21-18 win and reduce the deficit to 24 points.

The tension around the green increased as the eighth game went right to the wire. South’s Gill Dixon battled hard against Lynda Cadamy, but it was the Marown player who eventually crossed the line 21-19.

That left Philippa Taylor with the opportunity to seal victory for Marown against South’s Sue Collier and she duly delivered with a convincing 21-10 success.

Taylor saved her best until last, producing a superb bowl played full corner to corner to rest on the jack for the final point of the match - a fitting candidate for bowl of the night.

Marown A therefore secured a 7-2 victory, winning 192-154 after the handicaps had been added.

The presentation was made by association secretary Linda Wilson who thanked the Kelly family for their continued sponsorship of the competition and Onchan Bowling Club for hosting the final.

She also congratulated both teams on an excellent night of bowling before introducing Carolyn Kelly, representing the Kelly family, who presented the prizes to the players and the trophy to Marown captain Jayne Smith.

Smith thanked the Kelly family for their continued sponsorship and support of the competition, while also congratulating her team on their performance and thanking South Ramsey for a great final.

Congratulations go to Marown A on their victory, with South Ramsey deserving plenty of credit for their efforts in what proved to be an entertaining final.

ELAINE MOORE