Manx Short Mat Bowls Association

Pirates on brink of title

Douglas Bay Pirates are on the brink of successfully defending their title in the Cherry Orchard League after winning two & drawing one singles games against Ronaldsway Blockbusters last Sunday at Ballaugh Bowling Club.

Laxey Minors had started the day on top but faced a tough start against Ronaldsway Blockbusters, and after Archie Collister & Chris Holland drew the opening game of singles 10-10, Collin Holland (10-6 v David Cottier) and Seamus Whelan (11-8 v Wyn Collister) take a severe dent to their title hopes. The second session saw David Cottier claim a win for the Laxey side with an 18-3 victory over Bernie Kaighin of Douglas Townies but Archie & Wyn Collister suffered a similar fate, after losing to Jayne Smith 12-10 & 13-11 respectively.

Douglas Townies also won two of their opening singles games against Ballaugh, with Jayne Smith beating Ann Gale 15-8 while Bernie Kaighin won 14-6. Richard Faragher did win one his games for Ballaugh to ensure they didn’t finish bottom of the pile.

The stage was set for the final match-up between Douglas Bay Pirates & Ronaldsway Blockbusters. Michael Collister faced Chris Holland in the opening game and despite Collister having a 5 shot lead, Holland fought back to claim a 9-9 draw. Stephen Gale was up next, playing two games in a row against Collin Holland & Seamus Whelan with both games going down to the last end but both times saw Gale come out on top, winning 13-11 over Holland and 11-9 against Whelen. The result leaves the Pirates in third place but level on points with Laxey Minors in second and also with Ronaldsway Blockbusters who are currently top, however with the top two having played all their games, the Pirates only need a point from three singles games against Douglas Destroyers to ensure the title is theirs.

The full table with Douglas Destroyers matches against Erin Elite & Douglas Bay Pirates still to be decided is:
[standings league_id=2 template=extend-bowls logo=false]