Marown A saw off the challenge of South Ramsey A 6-3 to retain their Rayner Shield title at Peel on Friday evening. Marown, who were involved in arguably the closest final of all-time one year earlier, did not have things their own way again this time.
With honours even at three-all and up in two of the remaining three games it looked like the title might be going north.
But it wasn’t to be and Marown’s experience paid off as they fought well to see out the win.
On paper it looked like Marown would start well and they did with John Gelling in fine form against Chas Grills.
Ramsey youngster Adrian Skinner put in a man of the match performance for his side to pull one back with victory over Dean Kipling. It was always going to be tight between Peter Kelly and Dave Hughes and, after a terrific fight back, the Marown veteran lay two for game before Hughes pulled off the strike of the night to kill the end. Hughes then found his lead and inched past his opponent for the win.
Colin Kelly and Neil Withers picked up another two points for the men from Middle with great wins over two of South Ramsey’s strongest exponents in the form of Peter Collister and Dido Kelly respectively.
Marown found a bit of fortune after in-form Mark Moorley had to withdraw on the day because of illness and reserve Stuart Clague was thrust to the fore with a game against eight-time Manx champion John Kennish. Kennish won easily but would have relished the chance to take out one of Marown’s bigger guns.
Phil ‘Rambo’ Kelly restored the lead for the favourites with a bruising display to leave everything dependent on the final games, with the northerners ahead in both.
It was Mike Cain who eventually sealed the win for his team, coming from behind and plugging away on his favourite straight marks to defeat Andy Kennish 21-19.
Captain Ian Kissack then put the cherry on the top of the cake for his team, beating Gary Conwell 21-16.
MAROWN A (6) (166), SOUTH RAMSEY A (3) (147) : John Gelling 21, Chas Grills 12; Dean Kipling 17, Adrian Skinner 21; Peter Kelly 19, Dave Hughes 21; Colin Kelly 21, Peter Collister 14; Neil Withers 21, Dave ‘Dido’ Kelly 16; Stuart Clague 4, John Kennish 21; Phil Kelly 21, Ben Dugdale 7; Ian Kissack 21, Gary Conwell 16; Mike Cain 21 Andy Kennish 19