Louise Cotton goes close to Isle of Man glory

She couldn’t quite manage to find the winning thread in the final of the June women’s main singles, but the £600 runners-up cheque was decent consolation.

Cotton lost 21-12 to odds-on favourite and fellow left-hander, Karen Galvin of Alford Hall, in the final at Nobles Park in Douglas after a sensational run in the week-long Festival.

“Karen bowled exceptionally well so congratulations to her,” said a magnanimous Cotton, who bowls for Wrockwardine Wood and was the inaugural Meole Brace Ladies Open champion last year.

“While I didn’t win, I was pleased with how well I’d progressed and won several tough games. It just gives me the challenge to go back and do it again and hopefully win the final.” Cotton, who won a thrilling semi-final against Joyce Jones (Syke BC) 21-20, was quick to thank all who had supported her – both on the island in the Irish Sea and back home.

“There was great support around the green and good wishes sent from Shropshire via social media, not forgetting the fantastic support from my family who were there cheering and encouraging me on (husband Roger and sons Tim and Josh). Roger said he couldn’t cope with the stress of the 20 across games! But I was pleased with my achievement.”

Cotton beat previous winner Jane Monk (Mooragh Park) 21-18 early on at Onchan and set out on finals day with a same score win over Julie Green (Castle Private), who lost in last year’s June final.

Three-time County Merit champion Callum Wraight had won the men’s Tourism on Thursday.