LBIOM

Lawn Bowlers from Lawn Bowls Isle of Man have shown their quality on the indoor scene this past season, and it bodes well for the imminent outdoor season’s opening. Most members from LBIOM have competed in the various IOM Indoor Bowling Association’s competitions over the past few months, with great results against seasoned indoor specialists and cross code crown green experts.

Mark McGreal continued his good form from last year’s outdoor season and quickly adjusted to the pace of the carpet, managing to retain his men’s singles championship title, being the first to do so. Mark also teamed up with former outdoor champion Martin Paterson in the premier pairs league. Martin hadn’t played since moving away three years ago, and despite a rocky start with some wobbly bowls being put down, he soon found his form and winning ways. Due to the World Indoor Bowls Council’s senior championships being held at the same time as the Commonwealth Games, and Mark therefore being unavailable, the IOMIBA held a separate competition to determine its men’s representative at the competition; Martin went on to win this and won the right to replace Mark at the WIBC event in April. Mark and Martin came close to winning the premier pairs league, just losing out to a bit of luck in the final game of the season. They were joined by Mark’s brother Michael in the premier team league, which they lead from start to finish.

Several members had a decent run in the championship competitions particularly; Marcia Pearson pushed her way to the semi-final stage of the ladies singles, losing out to indoor newcomer Lyn Bolton. Marcia’s form continued into the triples championship, assisting in the early part of the competition before being replaced by Win Kewley. Win joined outdoor ladies champion Janice Pilling and indoor champion Muriel Cain for the latter stages, playing against the hot favourites of Jimmy Sansom, Paula and Stuart Garrett. Despite being underdogs, Win, Janice and Muriel pulled off a great performance to take the title.

The focus now turns back to the outdoor season. The club will open on Saturday 24th March where all existing members and visitors are welcome. The official opening of the club will be on 21st April.