More Isle of Man success for Wraight family despite final heartbreak

The Wraight family’s love affair with the Isle of Man bowls festivals continued at the June event with more titles and one heart-breaking near-miss.

This time it was Tracy Wraight who had to suffer the pain of losing out in the Ladies Main final on Friday at Nobles Park in Douglas.

The Castlefields player made a strong start against Kellie Boyd (Woodlands Park), leading 10-5 in wet conditions, but missed out on the £1,250 first prize as she eventually lost 21-11.

Wraight’s consolation was a prize of £625 after beating Rachel Wilcox (Crossgates) 21-19 in the semi-finals while Louise Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood) bowed out in the last eight.

Tracy’s 39-year-old son, county number one Callum, was also in action on Friday but was unable to retain the Men’s Main title after losing 21-14 in the semi-finals to new champion Phil Lee (St Mary’s) after leading 12-5.

Twenty four hours earlier Wraight had won the June Men’s Tourism for a fifth time thanks to a 21-12 card against Ryan Clark (Meersbrook), playing his customary short length up to the crown and back to the corner to run out.

Wraight also won the Men’s Doubles with Andrew Spragg (Hollingwood) with an 11-9 victory over Marown’s Paul Dunn and Neil Withers in the final.

The Festival ended with a Invitation 32 at Nobles with Wraight losing in the last eight to Fields club mate Jon Palmer, but the £500 top cheque eluded him as lost in the final 21-13 against organiser Paul Dunn.