South Ramsey hosted the Jim Kernan Cup on Saturday, what would normally be the first of the pre-June Festival opens.

It still enjoyed a good entry of 52 players, despite a number being unavailable because of their involvement in the Parish Walk.

Losing out at the quarter-final stage was Adrian Skinner (Onchan), who lost out 15-21 to Jimmy Sansom (Douglas).

Marown man Neil Withers ended the run of Jordan Cain (Onchan) with a hard-fought 21-18 win, while Wayne Roberts (Port St Mary) lost out 14-21 to Paul Dunn (Marown).

David Bradford had his work cut out against South Ramsey team-mate James Teare, after falling 7-15 behind. Bradford hit back with a break of 14 points to run out with a 21-15 victory.

In the semi-finals, Withers ended Sansom’s good run of with a 21-9 win, while the other between Dunn and Bradford was well contested throughout in a good quality game. Bradford ultimately lost out 19-21.

The final between the two Marown team-mates began with Withers playing a shorter length on a round peg to take a 11-7 lead. Dunn then went on a run of four consecutive ends, preferring a longer length to lead 12-11.

Withers responded to take the next two ends and lead 14-12, before Dunn took three consecutive singles after playing a great bowl to get back in on a tough mark to once again take the lead at 15-14.

On the following end, Withers played a good reaching bowl to count for two to lead 16-15, then played two poor bowls on the following end which Dunn took full advantage of to score two.

The latter followed this up with two more doubles on the next two ends to run out 21-16 victor to claim his first Jim Kernan Cup win and the £240 first prize.

Withers could console himself with his £120 winnings.

The presentation was made by South Ramsey chairman Steve Moore who thanked George Brew for once again sponsoring the competition, along with everyone who had helped with the running of the competition throughout the day.

George Brew and his grandson presented the prizes. During his speech Dunn thanked South Ramsey for the refreshments, a brilliant green and well-run competition.

Spot prizes were also awarded for highest break to Stevie Kelly (Peel), furthest over-60 Jimmy Sansom, furthest Division Two player Lee Dawson (South Ramsey) and furthest Division Three player Steve Kelly (South Ramsey). There was a pay-out to those who reached the last-16 stage.

glynn hargraves