A very disappointing entry of only 12 pairs turned up for the Charity Doubles, helped by four pairs from the visiting Minlaw team in Orkney for their annual May weekend. The ladies had only six doubles.

There were some very interesting games early on, with the defending champions Tone and Alan showing they had no intention of giving up their crown and by semi-final time it was Orkney versus Minlaw, with three of the pairs former holders. But it wasn't to be a Minlaw win as both the local
pairs won. That was Tone Stevenson and Alan Gray facing up to John Munson and Paul Foubister. In the final it looked as if the title was going to change hands, as John and Paul raced to a 2-0 lead and it could have been 3-0 as only missed doubles allowed Tone and Alan back in, and that was the boost they needed, as they won the nest three to win 4-2.

It is such a pity that some of the big names didn't take part, as its a smashing competition with big cash prizes. It was great to see all the prizewinners return their prize money, which allowed the fund to reach nearly £900, with the help of a big raffle organised by Charlie and Carol. The money goes towards the visit by the Belarus children later in the year. The ladies title was won by Elaine Rendall and Elaine Muir.

Hopefully, there will be a larger turnout for the Steven Flett Memorial Shield being played in the Royal British Legion on night, Friday. It is a mixed doubles format and players must enter with a partners name, by 7.30pm.

For the visit of the professionals on August 20, the league is to hold four qualifying rounds to get eight players to play them, one in Stromness and one in Kirkwall, with dates to be confirmed.


RESULTS
CHARITY DOUBLES
Final ­ Brian Stevenson and Alan Gray 4, John Munson and Paul Foubister 2.

FIXTURES
Friday, May 6
STEVEN FLETT MEMORIAL MIXED DOUBLES
In the Royal British Legion, at 7.30pm.

Friday, May 13
TATTIE BOGLE MIXED DOUBLES
In the Royal British Legion, at 7.30pm.