There was hardly a cloud in the sky at Port St Mary for the Silvia Cashen Charity ladies’ doubles played on Wednesday 3 May. There was an entry of twenty pairs most of whom found the fast green very tricky, the difficulties being exacerbated by the very strong winds in the latter part of the afternoon.

The competition was hotly contested with some very close games along the way.

Quarter-finals; Val Macfarlane and Jayne Kneen 21, Alison Keggen and Debbie Leece 15; Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden 21, Ann Hollingworth and Elaine McElroy 16; Lil Smith and Elaine Dewhurst 21, Elaine Moore and Kim Hargraves 10; Marie Ashurst and Kath Kinley 21, Katy Williams and Ann Maddrell 19.

Both semi-finals were nail biters . In the first Val and Jayne got off to a lightning start taking a lead of 16-10 after nine ends, at which point their opponents dug in to take the next five ends to reach 19-16. A three for the two home greeners on the next end levelled the score before a two on the following end gave them the game. The second semi-final was even closer with the Castletown pair just having the advantage in the early skirmishes, holding a lead of 15-12 after eleven ends. The Marown pairing then showed their class pulling back, then taking a 19-16 lead after 17 ends. Two 2’s put the Southerners in the box seat, although their opponents did level at 20-20 before Kath And Marie came in for that crucial last point.

Semi-finals: Val Macfarlane and Jayne Kneen 21, Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden 19; Marie Ashurst and Kath Kinley 21, Lil Smith and Elaine Dewhurst 20.

In the final Val and Jayne showed their class, racing to a 14-7 lead. A 2 and a 3 on the next two ends from Kath and Marie gave hopes of a come-back, but it was their last throw of the dice as Val and Jayne refused to let them have the jack from that point on, taking the title 21-12.

The presentation was made by Port St Mary’s lady president who thanked those who had entered and all those who had helped, both round the green and in the kitchen.

The afternoon raised £350 for the IOM Breast Cancer charity.

There was an entry of 21 pairs for the ladies’ doubles sponsored by Cu-Plas and played at Nobles’ number 2 green on Sunday 30 April. Although the rain stayed away the strong winds made it very cold particularly in the latter stages when the sun decided to go to bed.

There were some entertaining games with a lot of excellent bowling.

Quarter-finals: Alison Keggen and Debbie Leece 21, Philippa Taylor and Joyce Ogden 8; Fiona Kennish and Jenny Moore 21, Clare Cooper and Rebecca Teare 18; Kath Kinley and Marie Ashurst 21, Ann Hollingworth and Barbara Young 16; Lynda Cadamy and Mary Alderson 21, Gill Morgan and Julie Reilly 9.

In the semi-finals Jenny and Fiona were too strong for Alison and Debbie, coming through 21-8, while Kath and Marie put up greater resistance against Lynda and Mary before going down 15-21.

The first half of the final was tense and evenly matched, standing at 12-12 after nine ends. Fiona and Jenny won the next three ends, scoring two singles and a three to give them a five point lead. Despite scoring a single on the next end, Mary and Lynda had to concede defeat when their opponents won the next two ends, to record a winning score of 21-13.

The presentation was made by club chairman, Clare Cooper, who thanked Cu-Plas for their sponsorship and support. She also thanked those who had helped in the smooth running of the afternoon, measuring, stewarding and running the sheet. Further thanks went to those who had provided the magnificent refreshments, which were particularly welcome on such a cold afternoon.