Pairs Championships – down to the semi-final

Marilyn

After an enthralling week of singles competition, this week saw the spotlight turns to the pairs bowlers. The format consisted of two sets of seven ends, with three bowls per player, and a three-end tiebreaker if the match was drawn. With 23 pairs challenging for the championship title, it was always going to be a busy and highly competitive week.

Monday evening alone saw six matches, all of which went to tiebreaks—such was the closeness of the competition.

Two of the teams drawn together on Monday evening were also contenders for the Premier Pairs League title: Wayne Roberts and Trevor Quayle versus Glenn Boland and Jordan Cain. The match lived up to expectations, and after a hard-fought contest Roberts and Quayle progressed to the next round.

Newcomers Jack Murray and Kyle Mayer edged through their opening match via a tiebreak, only to meet the more experienced pairing of Paula Garrett and Neil Dunwell. Garrett and Dunwell went on to face Roberts and Quayle in the semi-final.

In the second half of the draw, Kevin Firth and Sue Gawne narrowly lost out in the tiebreak to John Kewley and Andy Dixon. Following a two-set victory in the next round, Kewley and Dixon advanced to the semi-finals, where they met Alan Moore and James Teare. On their route to the semis, Moore and Teare won a tiebreak against Dave McCabe and Toby Hart, then took both sets from Eddie Carlyle and Brian Lindsay.

Both semi-finals were tense affairs, with spectators on the edge of their seats as they tried to follow the progress of each match. With such accurate bowling on display, it was often left to the skips to drive into the head to dislodge either the jack or key bowls to gain crucial points.

Garrett and Dunwell put up a valiant fight, however, it was the accuracy of the driving of Roberts who more than once won the end. The match ended with Roberts and Quayle through to the semi-final.

In the second semi-final, Kewley and Dixon claimed the first set, with Dixon delivering some excellent lead bowls. Teare and Moore responded by taking the second set, sending the match into a tiebreak. With one point apiece, the last end would decide the semi-finalist. Teare laid a strong lead, and Moore successfully protected it despite Kewley’s determined attempts to move the winning bowl.

Well done to all the players who took part and provided such entertaining bowling for the spectators. Arrive early to secure the best seats for the final, which takes place on Sunday 8th February at 2pm.

2026 Indoor Bowls Championship Singles

Marilyn

This week saw the start of the Singles Championship, with winners declared after 14 ends based on the highest chalks. A total of ten ladies and thirty men competed for the championship titles, and a good crowd of supporters were treated to some excellent bowling and many close games.

After two rounds of the men’s competition on Monday evening, the successful bowlers progressing to the quarterfinals were Alan Moore, Dave McCabe, Andy Dixon, Gordon Drinkwater, Jimmy Samson, John Houseman, Trevor Quayle, and Wayne Roberts.

In the ladies’ competition, newcomer Anita Roberts progressed to round two, where she was set to meet Glynnis Drinkwater.

The second night of the Singles Championship once again produced high-quality bowling and strong support from spectators. In a very close contest between two experienced players, Wayne Roberts overcame Mark McGreal to secure his place in the quarterfinals against fellow team member Trevor Quayle. Gordon Drinkwater enjoyed a successful evening, winning two strong games against Mike Moyer and then Neil Dunwell. Jimmy Samson also played two tight matches, beating clubmate Shaun Seal and then Eddie Carlyle to earn a quarter-final place against John Houseman on Friday.

In the ladies’ competition, Glynnis Drinkwater and Dee Lewis secured their places in the semi-finals. Both players were pushed hard by new bowlers Anita Roberts and Colese Creer, who showed great promise and proved they will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

Wednesday marked the final night of qualifying rounds, with spectators enjoying several close and competitive games. The standout match of the night was Paula Garrett’s remarkable comeback against Elaine Moore. After finding herself 7–0 down, Paula showed great skill and determination to claw her way back and take the win on the last end.

After two rounds, the men’s quarter-final line-up saw Alan Moore face Dave McCabe, Andy Dixon play Gordon Drinkwater, Jimmy Samson take on John Houseman, and Trevor Quayle play Wayne Roberts. Spectators were once again treated to highly competitive games, with the men’s semi-finals seeing Alan Moore against Andy Dixon, and Jimmy Samson against Trevor Quayle.

Alongside these matches, the ladies were battling for places in the final, with Paula Garrett facing Anne Bannan and Dee Lewis taking on Glynnis Drinkwater.

After some intense bowling that kept supporters enthralled, the finalists for Sunday 8th February were confirmed. In the men’s competition, Andy Dixon will face Trevor Quayle, while the ladies’ final will see Dee Lewis take on Paula Garrett.

Congratulations to our finalists and to all the players who took part. Many thanks to the spectators, players, and markers who helped throughout the week to ensure the competition ran smoothly.

Away from the cold on the Isle of Man the Tenerife Open Pairs is taking place and representing the Isle of Man at this event are two teams: Karen Slack and Bernice McGreal and previous winners at this event David Slack and Clive McGreal. we wish the Isle of Man Bowlers every success in the competition.

Dragons hold firm as Leagues pause for Championships

Marilyn

Dragons remain top of the table after a successful match against J & A. Attention now turns to the battle for second and third places, where Simple Minds and Lee Don faced each other this week. The match ended in a draw, leaving Simple Minds in second and Lee Don in third, separated only by chalk difference. Ayre Assassins are still firmly in the title race after being held to a draw by Green Machine. Villa Boys recorded a convincing win over Douglas Old Boys, while Villans stayed above their opponents Statler & Waldorf following a two-set victory.

Villans continue to lead the Tuesday Morning League despite only taking two points in a closely contested game against third-placed KCS Sunshine Band. Ramsey Raiders secured a convincing win over Bowling Stones to remain second. Maxums claimed full points against Early Birds. Stand & Deliver took two sets from Castletown Crofters, while The Wolves recorded another win, this time against Northern Lights.

1-in-4 took both sets from MisFits to move up to second place in the First Division Pairs, level on points with leaders Castletown Crofters, who won against CC & Me. Pin Pals also took both sets in their match against Yesterday’s News.

Wednesday Team League leaders Simple Mind were restricted to one set by Emerald Easers, but despite the setback they still hold an eight-point lead over Crown Greeners, who took two sets against Villans. Third-placed Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest closed the gap to just one point behind second place after taking two sets from Saltire. Although losing on chalks, Northern Lights picked up four points against Dragons.

Bowlistics remain top of the Triples League after drawing with IBS. GGs sit just one point behind after also drawing with Gutter Gang. Third-placed Optimists earned a point from their match against Castletown Crofters. In another closely fought encounter, Northern Lights drew with Ever Hopefuls.

KT Sunshine Band have established a commanding lead at the top of the Friday Pairs League, drawing their match against Crown Greeners. After losing the first set to Weather Girls, CC & Me needed two points on the last end to win the second set. Holding shot, they chose to settle for a draw rather than risk losing the set. The match between GGs and Bowling Divas also ended in a draw.

Gary Merrill leads the First Division Singles following his win against Nicola Whiting. Paul Routledge claimed a victory over second-placed Tony Lloyd-Davies, while Colese Creer won against her pairs partner Brian Redfearn. Paul Meakin also recorded a win against Muir Michelson.

Wayne Roberts leads the Copyshop Premier Singles, four points clear of his nearest rival Stuart Garrett. Garrett edged out Andy Dixon in a close match, winning by two chalks. Paula Garrett remains third after her win against Win Kewley, and John Houseman secured a convincing win over Dave McCabe.

League action now pauses for a three-week break as bowlers turn their attention to the Championships, beginning with the Ladies’ and Men’s Singles.  Finals Day: Sunday 8th February at 2pm. Supporters are encouraged to come along and follow results on Facebook.

For full results to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thanks to our sponsors The Copyshop for the continued support

Championship draws 2026

Admin

Many thanks to everyone who watched the draws live yesterday and to Win and Paula for their help.

Please find the links below for the competitions. And these will be updated live as the event progresses.

Men’s singles

Challonge.com/iomibamenssingles2026

Ladies’ singles

Challonge.com/iomibaladiessingles2026

Pairs

Challonge.com/iomibadoubles2026

Triples

Challonge.com/iomibatriples2026

Once again, I will be in touch to let you all know when you are playing over the coming weeks. Please be patient with me as I have over 50 people to contact! And it will be after 5 pm today.

Many thanks Alan

Bowling is back after the festive holiday

Marilyn

There was no change at the top of the Copyshop Premier Pairs leaderboard following the first league match after the break. Despite Dragons suffering a loss to third-placed Lee Don, they retain a three-point advantage over second-placed Simple Minds. Minds strengthened their position by taking both sets against Douglas Old Boys. Elsewhere, Ayre Assassins recorded a win over Statler & Waldorf, while Green Machine shared one set but lost the second to Villa Boys.

Villans continue to lead the Tuesday Team League after taking maximum points from their morning fixture. Closest challengers KCS Sunshine Band and Ramsey Raiders each picked up two sets from their respective opponents. Early Birds remain in fourth place after a two-set win over Northern Lights, while Castletown Crofters claimed six points against The Wolves.

Castletown Crofters lead the Tuesday Pairs League by a single point after drawing their match with Atlas. CC & Me also shared the points in a draw with Yesterday’s News and remain second. Closing the gap on the top two are 1-in-4, who secured a win. TOU and GGs drew their encounter, as did Enigma and Misfits.

Another victory for Simple Minds extended their lead at the top of the Wednesday Evening Teams League. The battle for second place is now tight, with Crown Greeners on 38 points following a three-set win over Dragons, just one point ahead of Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest on 37.

Bowlistics continued their strong form in the Triples League, with a two-set win over Ever Hopefuls lifting them to the top of the table. Long-time leaders GGs slipped to second after drawing with Castletown Crofters, while a win for Optimist keeps them firmly in contention.

KT Sunshine Band extended their lead in the Friday Pairs League with a two-set win, while CC & Me were held to a draw by Bowling Divas. Top Dogs remain third, holding a narrow one-point advantage over Weather Girls.

In the First Division Singles, Gary Merill sits four points clear at the top. Second-placed Tony Lloyd-Davies was held to a draw by Brian Refearn. Anita Roberts clings on to third place, with Nicola Whiting and Colese Creer close behind. Paul Routledge improved his standing with a win over Paul Meakin.

Wayne Roberts continues to dominate the Premier Singles League, maintaining his lead with another Friday night victory. Stuart Garrett is in pursuit after defeating Adrian Slater, while Paula Garrett also kept pace with a win against John Kewley.

For full results to WWW.iomindoorbowling.org

Thanks to our sponsors The Copyshop for the continued support

Bowlers take a Christmas break after an exciting season

Marilyn

After disruption caused by bad weather the previous week, the Premier Pairs League resumed to kick off Week 12 of the season. Going into the Christmas break, Dragons hold a three-point advantage at the top after taking both sets against Villans. Simple Minds and Lee Don recorded wins to remain firmly in second and third place respectively.

In the Copyshop Tuesday Team League, Villans have established a commanding lead at the summit. With an 11-point cushion, the chasing pack will need a strong second half of the season to close the gap. KCS Sunshine Band and Ramsey Raiders are the nearest challengers, both collecting four points to keep themselves in contention.

There is no clear leader in the Tuesday Evening Pairs as the league heads into the Christmas break. Castletown Crofters top the table after taking both sets against TOU. CC & Me sit just one point behind in second place following a drawn match with fourth-placed Atlas. 1-in-4 move up to third after taking two sets and four points.

At the top of the Wednesday Team League, Simple Minds enjoy a seven-point buffer. Dumb, Dumber & Dumbest move into second place after scoring six points, pushing Villans down to third.

The Triples League remains tightly contested, with GGs clinging to top spot by a single point after their win over Northern Lights. Bowlistics picked up three points against third-placed Optimist, closing the gap on the leaders.

In the Copyshop Friday Pairs League, KT Sunshine Band extended their lead after taking both sets against Weather Girls. They now sit four points clear of CC & Me, who also recorded a double set win against Maxums. Bowling Divas secured their second win of the season, while GGs and Crown Greeners shared the points.

The battle at the top of the First Division Singles continues. Gary Merrill remains in first place despite narrowly losing by one point to second-placed Tony Lloyd-Davies. Anita Roberts holds onto third, even after losing to Nicola Whiting, who sits just one point behind her in fourth.

In the Premier Singles League, Wayne Roberts leads the standings, with Stuart Garrett in second and Paula Garrett occupying third place.

Keep your calendar free in January as the Indoor Bowls Championships will be taking place.  More details to follow with dates and how to enter.

Thanks to our sponsors The Copyshop for the continued support