League updates

The indoor bowls season started 30 September with Premier Pairs league on Monday evening. There were some new teams and some returning teams bidding for the league title.  Blues Brothers took on Villa Boys and drew the first set and narrowly won the second 5-4. Villans secured the first set with 21-2 over Aljays. However, the newcomers rallied to take the second set. In the match between Tee Pegs and Dragons, who returned to competition this season, Dragons won both sets to take maximum points. Last year’s champions Simple Minds will start their campaign to retain the title next week.

The ever-popular Tuesday Morning Team League saw Villans in action again, winning the triples and singles over last year’s league winners Onchan Royals. Royals secured 2-points by taking the singles. Early Birds took on newcomers Team Triskelion, Birds won the triples and pairs however, Triskelion managed to gain 2 points by winning the singles. In the Hillbillies and Castletown Crofters match, Crofters took the win in the triples and singles, and Hillbillies took the pairs 7-6. Ramsey Raiders got off to a good start by winning all three games in a convincing style against Morganites; KCS Sunshine Band also took the points available in their match against Maxums.

In the Tuesday evening 1^st Division Pairs Enigma took both sets against newcomers Bandits. The game between TOU and CC & me ended in a draw, the first going to TOU and CC & me taking the second. There were also draws for Atlas against Douglas Old Boys; GGs against Castletown Crofters and US2 versus 1-in-4

Wednesday evening saw the return of the Teams league with 10 teams taking part. Maximum points awarded to Villans, in the game against newcomers Possa Bowls; Crown Greeners, against another new team New Avengers and Dragons against Morganites. New team Spectrum and Simple Minds both won 2 out of the 3 games against their opponents.

Nine teams entered the Thursday evening Triples in which there were 2-set wins and full points for Bowlistics, Oddbowls, GGs and Optimists.

In Friday afternoon Pairs 3 teams took both sets to gain full points: Celtic Thunder, Crown Greeners and Bowling Stones. The match between Dragons and Sunset Rollers ended in a draw and GGs won one set and drew the other against Maxums.

The final league competition of the week is Singles on Friday evening. Seven players will be fighting it out for the league singles title. Wins for Neil Dunwell, Paula Garrett and last year’s league winner Stuart Garrett.

There was an excellent turnout for the Saturday Round Robin with 32 members playing 2 bowl rinks. Members taking the opportunity to socialise and practice the indoor conditions after playing outside.

For full results to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our sponsors The Copyshop

First Division Pairs champions, J&S, started their final game with a draw in the first set against Douglas Old Boys; however, it was a different story in the second with the champs winning 17 chalks to 4. Second-placed 1-in-4 ended their season with a 2-set win over TinJo. A 2-set win by Castletown Crofters over TOU helped them secure third in the table, and Enigma moved up a place when they recorded a win over GGs. Fighting to stay off the bottom of the table, The Newby’s needed to win both sets from The Two Amigos but the game ended with a draw, and that was enough to kept Amigos in tenth place.

A set win and a draw against Saltire was enough for Simple Minds to be declared Premier Triples league champions. A 2-set win for Ramsey Wally over Crown Greeners ensured second place for Wallys and, despite a 2-set loss to Birdies, Villans finish the season in third.

Optimists needed to win both sets in their final game to leapfrog over Bowlistics into second place. But their opponents were Triples league champions, Morganites. The first set ended with 14 chalks to 1 in favour of Optimists. In the second set, Morganites were leading 6-1 with 2 ends to play. Optimists managed to steal 7 chalks and took the lead by 1. In the last end, Morganites held a set-winning 3 shots, but their last bowl cleared a path to the jack. If only Optimists’ skip could find the miracle bowl: she did. The second set was won, and second place secured. In the other game played, IBS drew the first set against Fab Fogies and won the second.

For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowls.org

Thank you to our League sponsors The Copyshop

Three leagues continue with their final matches and First Division Pairs Champions, J&S took their foot of the gas on Tuesday as Castletown Crofters took both sets from them: J&S recording their first loss on the season. 1-in-4 took both sets from The Newbys, confirming their second place as third-placed Douglas Old Boys took a set and a draw from The Two Amigos. TOU and GGs shared the points as did US2 and Enigma.

Premier Triples League leaders, Simple Minds, took both sets from Ramsey Raiders, and, with one match to play Ramsey Wallys are just 4 points behind them. Villans won both sets against Saltire and move up into third. Crown Greeners took both sets from Birdies securing fourth place and Raiders cannot improve their fifth position, as their games are complete.

On Thursday, Morganites drew the first set and won the second in their game against IBS and have been declared First Division Triples Champions. Bowlistics are in second place, for now, completing all their matches by taking both sets from Oddballs. However, third-placed Optimists are only 3 points behind with one game to play, though it is against the champions and a win for Castletown Crofters against Fab Fogies puts them in a strong position to overtake into third as they are just 2 points behind Optimists.

For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowls.org Thank you to our sponsors The Copyshop

In the First Division pairs, J&S have been declared League Champions after taking both sets from TOU. A magnificent achievement of 15 wins, 3 draws and no games lost over the season.  Second-placed 1-in-4 took both sets from US2 and can be sure of retaining the runners-up spot. Castletown Crofters took all 4-points from GGs bringing them to within 2 points of third-placed Douglas Old Boys and setting up an exciting finish to the season as both face the champions over the final two weeks. Enigma and the Two Amigos both recorded two-set wins over their opponents The Newbys and TinJo respectively.

It’s another close call in the Premier Triples as Ramsey Wallys took both sets from Birdies and now have the same points as Simple Minds, who had a bye. Despite this, Minds keep top place on chalk difference and Wallys have a bye this week. All to play for and with only 2 more matches to play, one of these teams will be League Champions. Third place is also yet to be decided, after Villans took both sets from Ramsey Raiders and moved above them by 3 points. Crown Greeners took both sets from Saltire to move within 2 points of Raiders, so three teams still have a mathematical chance of securing third over the final two matches.

No changes in the First Division Triples as all three matches ended in 2 points apiece, league leaders, Morganites, were held to a draw by Castletown Crofters. Optimists lost the first set and won the second against IBS, and Bowlistics also lost the first set and won the second against Fab Fogies.  With two sessions to go, which include crucial byes, this leaves Morganites 5 points clear at the top with Bowlistics in third, only 1 point adrift of second-placed Optimists, and Crofters snapping at their heels.

For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our league sponsors, The Copyshop.

Meanwhile, the Aqua Café Championships are currently underway with the Finals on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd March.

In the last session of the Friday Afternoon Pairs, only 2-points separated first and second place at the start of the matches. For second-placed Rejects to take top spot, they would need to win both sets but, crucially, league leaders Top Dogs would have to lose a set. First step accomplished as Rejects won both sets from US. In their game against Bowling Stones, Top Dogs took the first set, giving away only 2 chalks, then, in the second set, both teams were on 6 chalks apiece with one end to play. In a tight and tense last end, a superb bowl secured the win and the league title for Top Dogs. Crown Greeners take third place, after a 2-set win over Watties overtaking Maxums who only managed to take one set from CC&me.  GGs took the first set and drew the second against Tinker & Bell.

In final week of the Monday Premier Pairs league, with first and second places decided, which team would take third? Simple Minds top and LIV Bowls second. Dumb & Dumber were unable to gain any points from Villans, but, since fourth-placed Northern Lights could only manage a draw from their game against Blues Brothers, Dumb & Dumber retain third place. The draw for Blues Brothers helped them move above Tee Pegs, who could only take one point from their game against Officials.

In the Tuesday Morning League, Villans, secure in their second place before their game against Early Birds, took maximum points and finished only 5-points behind league winners Onchan Royals. Bowling Stones move above Early Birds after taking 4 points from their game against Royals. The rest of the teams retain their positions, as Ramsey Raiders took all the points from their game against Maxums, and it was a full house for Castletown Crofters in their game against Morganites. Hillbillies started well taking the triples, however, KCS Sunshine Band went on to take both singles and pairs.

First Division Pairs league leaders, with an impressive record of no games lost, J&S are ten points clear of the rest. Their nearest rival, 1-in-4 lost one set and drew the other against GGs. Third placed Douglas Old Boys were unable to close the gap on 1-in-4 as Enigma won both sets. US2 keep ahead of Castletown Crofters after their game ended with a set each, as did the game between TinJo and The Newbys.

Simple Minds extended their lead at the top of the Premier Triples with a 2-set win over Crown Greeners. Second-placed Ramsey Wallys could not improve their points total as fourth placed Villans took both sets. Third placed Ramsey Raiders took both sets from Saltire and are now one point clear of Villans.

Morganites stretched their lead in the First Division Triples after taking both sets from Oddballs. Moving up to second are Optimists who took both sets from Fab Fogies. Long time league leaders Bowlistics dropped to third as they only took 1-point from their game against Castletown Crofters.

Another win for Singles league champion Stuart Garrett against Shirley Corrin, as Muriel Cain takes second place after her win against Win Kewley and Paula Garrett takes third after a win against Mike Ashmole. Mike Moyer taking the points from his game against John Kewley.

For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowls.org

With only the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening leagues playing into March, the IOM Indoor Bowls Championship,generously sponsored by Aqua Café, start on Monday evening (4^th March) with the first round of the Men’s Singles.

The full draw can be found at www.indoorbowling.org/news

LIV Bowls, league leaders for much of the season, took on Simple Minds, who had knocked them off their top spot in the Premier Pairs. Both teams needed the win to keep their hopes of taking the title alive, but the game ended with Minds taking full points and going eight points clear; enough for Minds to claim the league title. Dumb & Dumber drew their game against Tee Pegs and retain third place. A draw for Northern Lights against Villans was enough for Lights to retain fourth, with Villa Boys, just one point behind after a win and draw against Officials.

In the Tuesday Morning League, second-placed Villans took all the points from their games against Maxums, However, this will not be enough to stop Onchan Royals from claiming the title, as they only dropped 2-points, against KCS Sunshine Band, giving the a 9-point lead with one more game to play. Four points for Ramsey Raiders, gained from their game against Morganites, is enough to secure third. The rest of the table remains the same as Castletown Crofters won the triples and singles, Hillbillies taking the pairs. Same story for Bowling Stones against Early Birds.

In the First Division Pairs, league leaders J&S were held to a draw by US2; meanwhile second-placed 1-in-4 took all the points from their game against The Two Amigos. J&S still seven points clear. Third-placed Douglas Old Boys drew their game against TOU, and Castletown Crofters move ahead of GGs as they took both sets from The Newbys. Enigma moved ahead of TinJo when they won both sets.

There’s a change at the top of the Premier Triples as first and second-placed teams battle it out for top spot. League leaders, Ramsey Wallys, were unable to stop second-placed Simple Minds from taking all the points from their game. Both teams now have the same points, but with a better chalk difference, Minds take top spot. Crown Greeners closed the gap on third-placed Ramsey Raiders and fourth-placed Villains, as Greeners took all the points from their game against Raiders. At the other end of the table, Saltire moves clear of Birdies after taking both sets.

Only one point separated First Division Triples league leaders Bowlistics and second-placed Morganites at the start of their game, but it was Morganites who took the honours by winning both sets to claim a three-point lead. Third-placed Optimists closed the gap on second place as they took full points from their game against Oddballs, while Castletown Crofters consolidated fourth after a win against IBS.

Top Dogs and Rejects, both needed wins to secure first place in the Friday Afternoon Pairs, and chalk difference may prove be decisive. Both teams matched each other in their first sets, winning with eleven chalks apiece against their opponents. It was Top Dogs who kept up their form taking the second set against Tinker & Bell whilst CC&me rallied to take set two from Rejects. With one game to play, Top Dogs are two points clear. Maxums only managed one point from their game against Watties, however, it was enough to keep them in third. Crown Greeners moved up as they took full points from GGs, and Bowling Stones drew against US.

With one more game to play in the Singles, Stuart Garrett has enough points clear to take the league win. Second place is still to be decided, as one point separates Muriel Cain in second and Paula Garrett in third. There is no change in the rest of the table.

For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our sponsors The Copyshop

Building on their lead, Simple Minds move 4 points clear in the Copyshop sponsored Premier Pairs after their 2-set win against Tee Pegs as second placed LIV bowls could only manage a draw against Dumb & Dumber. Northern Lights, high from their win last week, took both sets from Villa Boys; Lights leaping up the table to fourth place. At the other end of the table, Blues Brothers move above Tee Pegs after taking both sets from Officials.

Onchan Royals increased their points lead in the Tuesday Morning League, taking the win in the triples and singles, but losing the pairs by 1 chalk to The Morganites. Still in the chase are Villans and Ramsey Raiders.  In their match against Hillbillies, Villans added 4 points to their total, meanwhile Raiders were unable to gain a point from their game against KCS Sunshine Band. In the match between Castletown Crofters and Early Birds, Crofters won the triples and pairs, but a win in the singles was enough for Birds to keep ahead of Crofters in the table. Bowling Stones move up a place after wins against Maxums in triples, singles, and then drawing the pairs.

Could 1-in-4 close the gap as they took on First Division Pairs league leaders J&S? Unfortunately for them, the answer is no as J&S continue their winning form, taking both sets and extending their lead to an emphatic 9 points clear. In other games, there were wins for Douglas Old Boys, TOU and Castletown Crofters, with a draw for Enigma against Two Amigos.

Premier Triples league leaders, Ramsey Wallys, were unable to achieve full points from their game, as Saltire held on to draw one set. Meanwhile, Simple Minds closed the gap on the league leaders when they got maximum points against the Villans. Ramsey Raiders moved to third when they took both set from Birdies.

First Division Triples league leaders, Bowlistics, were held to a draw by IBS, and now only have a one-point cushion between them and second-placed Morganites. Fab Fogies managed their first win of the season, taking both sets from Oddballs. Third-placed Optimists and fourth-placed Castletown Crofters shared the points, Optimists keeping the 5-points gap between themselves and Crofters.

Friday afternoon pairs long time league leaders, Top Dogs dropped to second, when they were held to a draw by third-placed Maxums, as Rejects took full points from Crown Greeners. Now with equal points, chalk difference has come into play and Rejects are now top. There were wins for CC&me against GGs, and US against Tinker & Bell. Bowling Stones and Watties drew their game.

Singles league leader, Stuart Garrett, continued his winning streak and is 7 points clear of the rest. Throughout the season Muriel Cain and Paula Garrett have shared second and third place; this week Cain is second, after both won their games. The positions in the rest of the table remains the same as, Shirley Corrin took the win from Mike Moyer

 For full results go to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our sponsors The Copyshop

The start of the week saw an upset in the Copyshop Premier Pairs, when LIV Bowls, who have been top of the league from the start, dropped both sets to Northern Lights in their first loss this season. Ready to pounce on the top spot, Simple Minds took both sets from Villa Boys, and crucially, all 4 points. Minds are now top of the league and 2 points clear. Dumb and Dumber moved to third after their 2-set win over Officials, and Villans remain in fifth place after their 2-set win over Blues Brothers.

Top of the Tuesday morning league, Onchan Royals stretched their lead after taking all the points in their game against Hillbillies. A draw for Villans against Bowling Stones was enough to see them move to second place; as Ramsey Raiders dropped to third when they were unable to gain any points from their game against Castletown Crofters. KCS Sunshine Band move to fourth after gaining 5 points from their win over Maxums; dislodging Early Birds, who could only manage a draw against The Morganites.

In the First Division Pairs, The Newbys won their second game of the season: taking both sets from TOU. League leaders, J&S, retained their 5-point lead after a 2-set win over TinJo. Still in contention, second place 1-in-4 also won both sets from Enigma. No change to third and fourth place, as Douglas Old Boys drew against US2.

Premier Triples league leaders, Ramsey Wallys, retain their top slot, after a 2-set win over Ramsey Raiders. Trailing by 5-points, second place Simple Minds took both sets from Birdies, while Crown Greeners and Villans drew their match leaving Villans in third.

Bowlistics, another long-time league leader, lost their top spot in the First Division triples, as Optimist held them to a draw and Morganites took both sets from Fab Fogies to take the lead by just one point. IBS took both sets from Oddballs, but their league positions stay the same.

In the Friday afternoon pairs Top Dogs are hanging on to top spot with Rejects snapping at their heels. Two points now separate them, after Maxums held Rejects to an exciting draw and Dogs managed 3 points for a tight match against CC&me. In other games Watties and GGs drew, while Bowling Stones took both sets from Tinker & Bell.

Stuart Garrett retains an emphatic lead in the Singles League, 7 points clear of Muriel Cain who has moved into second. In third, just one point behind, is Paula Garrett with no change further down the league.

Full results and tables on www.iominndoorbowling.org

Thank you to our League sponsors The Copyshop

In the CopyShop Premier Pairs only 2 points now separate the top two teams. Second placed Simple Minds closed the gap after taking both sets from Northern Lights; as first place LIV Bowls dropped a set to Tee Pegs. Dumb and Dumber were unable to improve their placing as they were held to a draw by Blues Brothers. The game between Villans and Officials also ended in a draw.

Tuesday Morning League leaders Onchan Royals only managed two points from their morning’s work as Villans took the triples and singles, closing the gap on the top two. Fourth placed Early Birds held second placed Ramsey Raiders to a draw in the triples, and this was the only point Raiders scored as Birds took both the singles and the pairs. Maxums salvaged on point from a draw in the pairs after Castletown Crofters had taken the triples and singles. The remaining match saw Bowling Stones win the triples and singles while Hillbillies took the pairs.

In the First Division Pairs, there was a slow start for third placed Douglas Old Boys, who only managed 1 chalk in the first set against second placed 1 in 4; they rallied in the second and got a point from a draw. US2 jumped up the table with a 2-set win over The Two Amigos; as TOU and GGs were both held to a draw by their opponents. Castletown Crofters took the first set from Enigma, but were held to a draw in the second.

In the Premier Triples, league leaders Ramsey Wallys were held to a draw by Crown Greeners. Second placed Simple Minds got 3 valuable points from their game against Saltire to close the gap on the top team. Villans took full points from Birdies to hold on to third place.

In the First Division Triples, a win for Morganites over Optimists moved them into second place, and only one point away from league leaders Bowlistics. IBS took all the points from their encounter with Fab Fogies, as Castletown Crofters and Oddballs shared the points when their game ended in a draw.

In the Friday Afternoon Pairs League, second placed Rejects took on leaders Top Dogs; a fine performance by Rejects, who took both sets, and are now within one point. Maxums took both sets from US and extend the gap between third and fourth; as third placed GGs drew their game against The Bowling Stones. No change in the rest of the table as CC & me drew against Crown Greeners, and Watties drew against Tinker & Bell.

Singles League leader Stuart Garrett is now 8 points clear, after taking the win against Muriel Cain. Paula Garrett has moved to second place after her win against Mike Moyer. Shirley Corrin is hanging onto her fourth place despite losing to fifth place Gordon Corrin. A win for Win Kewley against John Kewley puts them both on 13 points; however, he retains sixth place on point’s difference.

Full results and tables on www.isleofmanindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our League sponsors The Copyshop.

The battle for first place in the Premier Pairs continues between first placed LIV Bowls and second placed Simple Minds. This week both teams took maximum points from their games and, in the process increased the gap between second and the rest to 7 points. In other games, Villa Boys moved up to third after taking maximum points from Villans; as Tee Pegs and Northern Lights shared the points with a set each.

Tuesday Morning League leaders, Onchan Royals, took all 3 games from Maxums and increased their chalk difference in the process. Hillbillies took on second placed Ramsey Raiders, Raiders getting maximum points; however, Hillbillies only gave away 8 chalks across all games. Still in contention, Villans took the points in all 3 games from The Morganites and amassed 45 chalks, which could be crucial by the end of the season. The game between KCS Sunshine Band and Early Birds was a close affair; the triples ended in a draw but; Birds won the singles and pairs. The Bowling Stones were on fine form, taking all 3 games from Castletown Crofters but, despite the loss, Crofters still remain a place above Stones.

First Division Pairs leaders, J&S, increased their lead with a 2-set win over The Newbys; as second placed 1 in 4 dropped a set to TOU. Third placed Douglas Old Boys were also held to a draw by TinJo. A 2-set win for US2 over GGs pushed them up the table to fourth and the game between The Two Amigos and Castletown Crofters ended in a draw, both teams maintaining their positions in the table.

In the Premier Triples, the game between third placed Ramsey Raiders and second placed Simple Minds ended in a draw, neither team able to take advantage to make much impression on first place Ramsey Wallys; who lead the table by 6 points. Villans took all the points against Saltire, and the match between Birdies and Crown Greeners ended with a set apiece.

In the First Division Triples, Bowlistics continue their quest to keep top spot, taking both sets from their game against Oddballs. However, chasing hard, Morganites achieved maximum points from their game against IBS; and Castletown Crofters also had a 2-set win over Fab Fogies.

In the Friday Afternoon Pairs League, Crown Greeners took on Top Dogs, but were unable to take any points from the league leaders. The same story for Watties, as they took on second placed Rejects. Moving up the table to fifth place are The Bowling Stones; after their 2-set win over CC & me. Maxums retained third place, as they drew their match against Tinker & Bell. GGs also had a draw against US and remain in fourth.

Rounding off the week with the Singles league, there were wins for first placed Stuart Garrett over Mike Moyer and for second placed Muriel Cain against Mike Ashmole. The win helped Cain increase her point’s gap over third place Paula Garrett; who could not hold out against Shirley Corrin. John Kewley and Gordon Corrin keep their positions as Kewley took the win.

Full results and tables on www.isleofmanindoorbowling.org

Thank you to our League sponsors The Copyshop.