ONCE again the generous dart players of Basingstoke gathered to play the Bert Kelly Men’s Pairs and the Phyl Kelly Ladies Pairs to raise money for St Michaels Hospice.

This year’s attendance was the best for some years with 30 men’s pairs and six ladies pairs taking part.

These two dart competitions have been held annually, in the memory of Bert and Phyl to honour the great work they did for darts in and around Basingstoke and Hampshire.

This included the old Carnival Pairs, which they organised together for over 40 years.

In the Phyl Kelly Ladies Pairs Maria Agozzino and Anne Marie Burry from the Labour Club retained their title as they beat Debbie Shadwell and Angela Hogan from The Academy Club 3-2, in a closely fought final.

The Bert Kelly Men’s Pairs was an all Academy Club final, which was won by Paul Hogan and Dave Cummings who beat Graham Vernon and Rob Cullen 3-1.

The losing semi finalists were the pairs of Ricky Humber and Mark Petchey and Graham Hardy and Simon Gosling.

This year, the event raised £400 for St Michaels Hospice.

Competition organisers John and Tracey Bartlett said: “On behalf of the charity, we would like to thank all those who attended and donated to help make this year’s event a success once again.

“Also thanks to the Basingstoke Darts League for advertising and promoting the event. A big thank you to the Academy Club for hosting the event and supplying the trophies and their bar staff for their help and support.”