The 2020 Isle of Man Indoor Bowling Championships are to start with the Triples Competition for which qualifying runs over the week commencing Monday 13th January with the Final being played on Saturday 1st February which will be the Finals day for all classes.
Triples championships
The draw for all competitions was made on Saturday 4th January and this threw up some interesting matches and I have picked out those which I consider the most interesting. The first match out of the ‘hat’ saw complete newcomers Paul, Michelle and Harley Cowley face a team which contains two of last years winning team, this being Steve Cook, Tony Dugdale and Edward Carlyle. Also a team which must be considered as having a chance of going all the way is that of Stuart and Paula Garrett and Jimmy Sansom who will most certainly not underestimate their opponents who are Win and John Kewley and Andy Bowers. To conclude my quick look at the Triples I have to look at the very experienced team of Bernice and Clive McGreal and Janice Pilling as one of the favourites but they will be pushed all the way by the very capable trio of David Quirk, Mike Ashmole and Peter Greenlees in their opening match.
Pairs championships
Monday 20th January sees the commencement of the Pairs and once again the draw has thrown up some interesting battles and on the opening night and the first match to be drawn out may prove to be just that as Tony Dugdale and Steve Cook take on Peter Greenlees and Mike Ashmole in a match that could produce a close battle. Also on the opening night we see title holders Clive and Mark McGreal take on the much less experienced duo of Colin Brown and Peter Wilcox in a match that should be won by father and son McGreal pairing but both their opponents have improved rapidly this season and will be trying very hard to produce an upset. On the Tuesday night we see Paula and Stuart Garrett take on Phil Kerruish and Jimmy Sansom in what should be a closely fought battle and also the Gary Lenton and Gary Lee pairing should have a tight game against Marcia Pearson and Muriel Cain.
Men’s singles
The Singles Championship will be played on the week commencing 27th January and opens with the Men’s Competition and immediately see Clive McGreal take on Stuart Garrett in a match that could be a tough test for reigning Champion McGreal. Another close match on the opening night could well be between David Quirk and Gary Lenton while the match between Mike Ashmole and Gary Lee could well produce a close result.
Ladies’ singles
The Ladies Championship opens on the Tuesday night with reigning Champion Paula Garrett taking on Win Kewley while the very experienced Muriel Cain takes on Marcia Pearson in what should be a very tough contest. Dee Lewis takes on last years runner up Win Collister and again this could be a close battle and finally on the Tuesday night the experienced Bernice McGreal takes on newcomer Michelle Cowley.
Finals day Saturday 1 February
So there is a lot of great bowling to look forward to before we reach the Finals Day on February 1st and if you would like to come and support the bowlers contesting the Championship please feel free to come down and create an atmosphere in the Hall which always helps.
Finally may I apologise for not mentioning everyone but space simply wouldn’t allow for that.