Ronaldsway Blockbusters & Douglas Bay Pirates were the big winners on the opening day of the Cherry Orchard League in the Manx Short Mat Bowls League.

Archie & Wyn Collister got the Blockbusters off to a perfect start against Laxey Minors with a 13-9 win in the pairs. Chris Holland then took the singles after a 9-5 victory before Blockbusters completed the match with a convincing 11-1 win in the triples.

Meanwhile Douglas Bay Pirates also won 7-0 against Ramsey Rebels. Sam Peel & Stephen Gale won the pairs 14-4 & Jayne Smith won her singles 17-4. The Pirates then took the triples 9-3 to top the table on chalks difference.

The final game of the day saw Castletown Super Threes beat Ballaugh 4-3 in a closely fought match.Peter Blower & Matt Quayle won the pairs 13-6 for Castletown & Sylvia Maddrell extended the lead with a tense 10-9 singles victory. Ballaugh hit back in the triples with Ann Gale, Dave McTaggert & Richard Faragher winning 15-4 to take the bonus point.

Next week is the start of the Freeway Express Championships with last years winners Rushen taking on Colby Cosmos and Ramsey Rebels playing Ronaldsway Rockets.