LBIOM

The Ruby Cup, presented by Onchan Commissioners in celebration of 40 years of Lawn Bowls on the Island was again up for grabs this weekend with 10 pairs keenly contesting the competition. Amongst the entries were new members Barbara and Sam Boyd making their club debut together with a returning visitor from New Zealand, Bill McMaster. The pairs drawn into 2 groups each played 5 matches with the winners of each meeting in the final. Making a strong statement in Pool A were Bernice McGreal & Barbara Reed who powered through their games unbeaten to stake their place in the final. Pool B was more closely contested with the other finalist going down to the wire as Gary Lenton & David Quirk blowing their chances on the last end losing to the President and his wife, Anne 5-4 whilst Clive & Eric defeated Mike Moyer and Marilyn Legg by the same score line to claim the other final place on offer. Unfortunately the weather deteriorated towards the end of the afternoon with the final being played in the rain as the pace of the green changed and ground conditions became more difficult. Despite playing some good bowls Bernice and Barbara could not match their earlier performances of the day whilst a strong finish from Eric Maddocks in particular ensured the win for the defending champions now completing a hat trick of victories for the pairing of Eric and Clive in this event since its inauguration.