BACK IN OAKLEY'S HANDS

Oakley's hopes of qualifying, for the eighth successive year, for the semi-final of the Ambler/Fuller (formerly the Cusheon) Trophy were last night hanging on a thread as they took on leaders Howard Park in their fourth match in the Group. A poor start to the campaign had meant that only a win would keep Oakley in contention and for much of the match Howard Park had the upper hand, leading 5-1 after 5 ends and 9-6 after 10. Ends 13-16 were, however, to prove decisive with the Oakley rink of Nigel Bechelet, John Ryan, Sean Lassman and Graham Tompkins picking up 5 unanswered shots to move into a lead and eventually run out 17-14 winners. Qualification for the semi-finals is now back in Oakley's hands. However, a win on 11th February against the joint leaders AWRE will be necessary to guarantee progression.