THE OVER-70s Isle of Wight badminton team had a busy weekend playing in the Masters County Challenge in Bournemouth. 

An annual event, teams played in a variety of age categories, from Over-40s to Over-70s, all competing in venues across the country. 

Hampshire and Kent proved too stern a test for the Islanders, but they did chalk up some notable successes. 

They defeated Middlesex in the first match — the ladies' doubles pairing of Chris Amy and Dot Anderson.

It was a feat repeated against Cornwall, with the pair winning in two straight  sets.

Phil Oland and Sue Oldershaw fought hard in their mixed doubles contest against Devon — superbly saving two game points to win in two straight sets. 

At the evening banquet afterwards, a special award was presented to Beryl Ashford, who accompanied the Island team, in appreciation of her skills in scheduling and overseeing many matches over the years.